THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2022 – SEWING PATTERNS – SERIES 8 EPISODE 1
It’s the first episode of series 8!
We can’t believe that the wait is finally over! In the first episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 the contestants are challenged with making a capsule wardrobe. For episode one we have put our detective hats on to discover the sewing patterns from independent designers and commercial pattern houses used in Sewing Bee TV show. The patterns below are all matches or inspired by the designs used in the first episode of the Great British Sewing bee series 8. If you haven’t already seen our ultimate guide to the Sewing Bee do take a look.
The first theme was creating a capsule wardrobe and all 12 contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a wool mini skirt with piped patch pockets, upcycling lockdown loungewear into a going-out top for an adult, and a made-to-measure wrap dress to fit a model. 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: Wool mini skirt
The first challenge of the first episode was to make a wool mini skirt with piped patch pockets. The pockets are sewn first and edged with piping before being attached to the front skirt piece, which has waist darts but no waistband. Instead a facing is used to neaten the top edge.
For our full range of mini skirt sewing patterns, take a look here.
This skirt was the closed match we could find. It has the waist darts and piped patched pockets could easily be added to the front. The skirt options with this pattern have a faced waistline, back zipper and length variations.
Sizing: Y (XS-S-M), ZZ (L-XL-XXL), approx. UK sizes Y (4 – 10), ZZ (12 – 24). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Hanna Skirt – WorkshopHanna is a cute A-line skirt and a great wardrobe basic. She looks fab in heavier/stiffer fabrics which really emphasise her shape.
Sizing: UK 6/8 – 16.. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
This pattern has easy to follow instructions for a skirt in midi or knee length. Again it has the waist darts and piped patched pockets could easily be added to the front.
Sizing: A (10-12-14-16-18-20-22) which is approx. UK sizes A (6/8 – 18/20). Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
Transformation Challenge 2: Lockdown loungewear into a going-out top for an adult
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle a lockdown loungewear garment into a going-out top for an adult. 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: Fitted wrap dress
In the last challenge of episode one, all the contestants had to make a fitted wrap dress for their model. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.
Man Yee’s Organza wrap dress
Features: Slip, puff sleeves and gathered skirt.
Pattern: By Hand London – Hannah Dress.
Sizing: Multi-sized sewing pattern from B Cup UK 6-24 / US 2-20 and D Cup UK 16-34 / US 12-30. Available in the shop: Unfortunately not.
Annie’s African Floral Print wrap dress
Features: Flared sleeves and hem ruffle.
Cristian’s Flounce wrap dress
Features: Capped sleeves and hem flounce.
Pattern: Butterick B6554. Fitted wrap dresses have length and sleeve variations.B, C versions: Shaped hemlines and flounces with baby narrow hems.
Available in the shop: Out of print, try reselling sites such as Ebay or Etsy.
Brogan’s Ruffle wrap dress
Features: Ruffles and contrast waist tie.
Pattern: Flor Dress and Top – Bella Loves Patterns. Flor is a romantic wrap dress and cropped top that is perfect to wear during the warm seasons or layered over a turtleneck in winter. The pattern features statement ruffles inserted into the shoulders, princess seams and wide waist ties. Flor comes in two styles: a high waisted cropped top and a midi-length dress with a gathered waist and tiered skirt. Both styles are finished with bias binding around the neck and armholes. The dress and top have a high wrap V-shaped neckline. With no zipper or lining or complex closures, Flor is surprisingly simple to make. The dress option also has in-seam pockets.
Sizing: UK 6 – 20 (approx. UK 6 – 18, based on our standardised size chart). Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + Printed Copy shop.
Mitch’s ABBA Inspired wrap dress
Features: Contrast band and belt.
Steve’s Colour block wrap dress
Features: two-tone contrasting fabric.
Pattern: Simplicity S9224. This Mimi G Style wrap dress has asymmetrical details; view b with outside contrast bodice facing. Dress has wide hem facings and is above knee length with self ties.
Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) U5 (16-18-20-22-24), which is approx. UK sizes H5 (6 – 10), U5 (12– 20/22). based on our standardised size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Marni’s Flutter Sleeve wrap dress
Features: Contrast top stitching and flutter sleeves.
Pattern: Vogue Patterns V9313.
Available in the shop: Out of print, try reselling sites such as Ebay or Etsy.
Debra’s Ethereal wrap dress
Features: Abstract print and contrast binding.
Pattern: Sew Serendipity – Nora Faux Wrap Dress.
Sizing: XXS – XXL. Available in the shop: Unfortunately not.
Richy’s Kimono-inspired wrap dress
Features: stand up collar, sash and supersized split sleeves.
Pattern: Named – Asaka Robe.
Sizing: UK 4-22. Available in the shop: Unfortunately not.
Gill’s Duchess of Cambridge inspired wrap dress
Features: shoulder gathers and elbow length sleeves.
Pattern: New Look N6301. Comfortable, stylish and figure flattering mock wrap knit dress has slim or flared skirt, several sleeve options and a tie worn front or back.
Sizing: A (8-10-12-14-16-18-20) which is approx. UK sizes A (6 – 16) based on our standardised size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
Chichi’s Open – Back wrap dress
Features: Back cut out and flutter sleeves.
Pattern: Vogue Patterns V1734 and Untitled Thoughts – Amelie Dress. By combining elements of both these dresses you can recreate Chichi’s design.
Vogue Patterns V1734 – This fitted dress has side ties, sleeve and length variations and uneven hemline: wrong side of fabric will show.
Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), approx. UK sizes B5 (6 – 12), F5 (12 – 20/22). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Amelie Dress – The Amélie Dress is an intermediate to advanced level pattern meant to test your skills as a sewist! It has a few tricky bits, but for those brave enough to jump right in, you are sure to walk away with a stunning new dress with the ultimate twirl factor. The Amélie Dress was crafted to be your go-to summer dress with a whimsical button back design and a variety of options ready for you to mix and match.
Sizing: A1 – H1 and I1 – P1 with B and DD bust cup options (approx. UK 6 – 14/16 and UK 16/18 – 30/32, based on our standardised size chart). Available in the shop: Yes, PDF and PDF + printed copy shop.
Angela’s Summer wrap dress
Features: Statement sash.
Pattern: McCalls M7892. These wrap front tops and dresses are loose-fitting in the bust, fasten with hooks and eyes at the midriff and have a forward shoulder seam, neck facing, and sleeve and length variations.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), E5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), E5 (10 – 18/20). Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
