It’s the second episode of series 8…

In the second episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 the contestants are challenged with sportswear. For episode two 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 second 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 second theme was Sports Week and all 12 contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a pair of high-top trainers, upcycling old netball kits into a garment to wear off the court, and a made-to-measure jacket inspired by their sporting hero 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: A pair of high-top trainers

The first challenge of the first episode was to make a pair of high-top trainers. Sewing bespoke footwear means tackling a range of unfamiliar techniques, including punching eyelets and stitching soles. All of these techniques must be done twice to create the perfect pair!

Unfortunately we don’t have any trainer sewing patterns to share with you but if you are interested in making your own shoes we would recommended taking a look at I Can Make Shoes (this is not an ad).

Featured: Padded leather sneakers with rubber cup soles. Sizing: EU 35 – EU 44.

Amanda, founder of I Can Make Shoes, says “this flat sneaker pattern by I Can Make Shoes makes for the comfiest, most simple pair of sneakers. Now while a pair of wild heels or one-of-a-kind boots may be more tempting make, it’s true to say that for the majority of the time, a pair of crisp white trainers are what we spend most of our lives in so this pair is a really great place to start. In the Online Footwear Masterclass I teach, you’ll learn how to make home made sneakers using only a domestic sewing machine and a handheld speedy stitcher. Each pattern is a PDF digital file that you can download instantly and print from home and you have the option to purchase sizes individually or the whole size range.”

Transformation Challenge 2: Old netball kits into a garment to wear off the court

In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle old netball kits into a garment to wear off the court in just 90 minutes. 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: Jacket inspired by a sporting hero

In the last challenge of episode two, all the contestants had to make a jacket inspired by a sporting hero 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 Climbing jacket

Features: Geometric panels.

Brogan’s Team GB jacket

Features: Open ended zip and chevrons.

Pattern: Simplicity S8702 by Mimi G. Mimi G brings bold color-blocking possibilities to her Misses’ athleisure tracksuit. The pattern includes a fashionable track jacket, leggings, and pants with drop crotch and slim legs.

Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) U5 (16-18-20-22-24), approx. UK sizes H5 (4 – 8), U5 (10– 18/20). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Annie’s Tennis jacket

Features: Curved panels and scuba fabric.

Pattern: McCalls M8019. This lined jacket has yoke details, an elasticised lower edge and sleeves and centre front exposed zipper. Versions A: Contrast yoke. A, B: Collar. C: Lined hood.

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.

Richy’s Diving Board jacket

Features: bespoke zip pull and knitted cuffs and waistband.

Angela’s Lancashire cricket jacket

Features: Zip opening with pocket detail.

Pattern: McCalls M5252. This loose-fitting, unlined vest or jacket has a yoke front, collar or hood and inseam pockets. All versions have stitched hems. Versions A, B, D, E: Front zipper closure. C, F: Pullover.

Sizing: XM (S-M-L), XN (XL-XXL-XXXL). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Debra’s Welsh Rugby jacket

Features: Piping and a zip.

Pattern: Kwik Sew K3813.

Available in the shop: Out of print, try reselling sites such as Ebay or Etsy.

Gill’s Gold medal jacket

Features: Piping and statement lining.

Chichi’s One-sleeve track jacket

Features:  No sleeve, lace sleeve and appliquéd shapes. Create your own personalized bomber jacket. Style it in a variety of ways using fabrics such as brocade, denim, solid or printed silky types, faux-leather and wool. Stitch or iron on patches or add embroidery to elevate the look. Pattern for flower applique shown on view B included.

Pattern: Simplicity S8418.

Sizing: D5 (4-6-8-10-12) R5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes D5 (4 – 8), R5 (10– 18/20). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Cristian’s Poolside jacket

Features: Graphic print and contrast panels.

Steve’s 80s print track jacket

Features: graphic print panel.

Marni’s Rowing jacket

Features: Drawstring hood, zips and gussets.

Pattern: McCalls M7986. These loose-fitting jackets with either a self lined collar or contrast lined hood have an exposed zipper, pocket and sleeve variations, and stitched hem or elastic casing. A: Cargo pocket and elastic sleeve casing. B: Welt pockets and elastic sleeve casing. C: Contrast hood lining and pocket. D: Self lined hood.

Sizing: XM (S-M-L), XN (XL-XXL-XXXL). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.