THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2021 – SEWING PATTERNS – SERIES 7 EPISODE 10
It’s the final of the Sewing Bee!
We can’t believe that it’s all over! In the final of The Great British Sewing Bee, we move on from the glamour and thriftiness of the 1940s to Special Occasions. For episode ten we have put our detective hats on to discover the sewing patterns from independent designers and commercial pattern houses used in The Great British Sewing Bee TV show. The patterns below are all matches or inspired by the designs used in the final episode of the Great British Sewing bee series 7. If you haven’t already seen our ultimate guide to the Sewing Bee page do take a look.
For the final the theme was Special Occasions, giving the final three contestants the opportunity to show off their advanced sewing skills. The challenges included making a little child’s bridesmaid dress, upcycling homewares into a summer festival outfit, and a made-to-measure off the shoulder evening gown. Take a look at our sewing pattern suggestions below, we’ve tried to find the exact patterns used but where we haven’t been able to we have plenty of suggestions so that you can recreate these looks at home for your handmade wardrobe. Kate also talks through her favourite pattern options from the episode on YouTube in our special mid-week sewing bee vlog.
If you want to chat about the episode and the challenges then do join us each week in our Facebook group event.
Sewing Bee: Pattern Picks
Pattern Challenge 1: Little child’s bridesmaid dress
The first challenge of the final episode was a little child’s bridesmaid dress where contestants showed off their couture techniques and how they could handle luxury fabrics. The pattern featured puff sleeves, a lined bodice and a bound buttonhole. Below we have shared patterns with some similar design features, that you could use to recreate this look.
For our full range of children’s dress sewing patterns, take a look here.
These lined dresses have the option to make with or without sleeves. They also have a back zipper and attached petticoat ruffle. Pattern includes option for a sash as well. Make in satin, velvet or lace.
Sizing: 3 – 14 years. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Children’s dress pattern with option to include a heart cut-out at the back and contract overlay skirt.
Sizing: 3 – 8 years. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
This dress can be made with a variety of sleeves. Change it up with contrasting collar, sleeves and sheer overskirt. Have fun with different trims.
Sizing: 0.6 month – 8 years. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Transformation Challenge 2: Homewares into a summer festival outfit
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle homewares such as cushions, bead curtains and table cloths into dramatic and fun outfits fit to wear at a summer festival. Specific patterns weren’t used for these tasks as contestants had to create a garment from existing materials in a fixed time so it’s a bit tricky for us to make sewing pattern suggestions based on these design ideas.
Made-To-Measure Challenge 3: Off the shoulder evening gown
In the last challenge of the final, all the remaining contestants had to make a glamorous off-the-shoulder evening gown for their model. These red-carpet gowns used tricky luxury fabrics. Here are our pattern picks for the remaining contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.
Rebecca’s classic evening gown
Features: Fitted scuba dress with off the shoulder band and skirt flounce.
Pattern: A close match that you could hack would be to combine Vogue® Patterns V1604 and V1426.
This close-fitting, lined, strapless dress is floor-length with a train. It has an invisible back zipper, bodice foundation and boning, and back detail with purchased extra-large eyelets and double-faced velvet ribbon.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), E5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), E5 (10 – 18/20) using our standardised size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
This lined dress has a close-fitting, boned bodice with princess seams, foundation, semi-fitted skirt, left side front pleats, single-layer flounce (wrong side shows), high slit, invisible back zipper and very narrow hem.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), E5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), E5 (10 – 18/20) using our standardised size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Serena’s ruffled Villanelle evening gown
Features: off the shoulder ruffle, boned bodice and gathered skirt in acid yellow tulle.
Pattern: A similar pattern you could hack would be the McCalls M8108. This empire seam gathered dress has length, neckline and strap variations.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), F5 (12– 20/22) using our standardised size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Raph’s Withering Heights evening gown
Features: Corset, bows and metallic lame with pleated drapes.
Pattern: A similar pattern you could hack would be the Butterick B6131.
Available in the shop: Coming soon.
