THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2022 – SEWING PATTERNS – SERIES 8 EPISODE 4
It’s the fourth episode of series 8…
In the fourth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 the contestants are challenged with Reduce, Reuse, Recycle week. For episode four 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 fourth 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 fourth theme was Reduce, Reuse, Recycle week and all contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a quilted patchwork jacket, upcycling old coats into new outerwear, and a made-to-measure maxi dress to fit a model using only an unwanted duvet cover. 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: Quilted patchwork jacket
The first challenge of the fourth episode was to make a quilted patchwork jacket from old scraps of past Sewing Bees! The squares of fabric are sewn together to create four large pieces from which the bodice and sleeves pieces are cut from. Wadding is then sandwiched between the quilted fabric and the lining. Topstitching is added to creating the quilting before the raw seams are encased in binding. This is a tough challenge in a short time frame!
To recreate this look we would recommend the Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studio and the Hovea Jacket by Megan Nielsen.
Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studio
Designed with the transitional seasons in mind, the Tamarack Jacket is a warm and stylish quilted coat perfect for spring and fall layering. Follow one of the two quilting designs included, or design your own to make your Tamarack totally original to you! You’ll stay toasty thanks to the inner layer of cotton or wool batting, while the roomy welt pockets will keep your belongings safe and your hands warm.
Sizing: US 0 – 18 or US 14 – 30 (approx. UK 8 – 18 or UK 16 – 30, based on our standardised size chart). Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
Hovea is a loose-fit drop shoulder jacket and coat. The pattern features multiple lengths; deep angled feature pockets; unlined, full lining or quilted options; and belt or tie closures. View A is a mid-length unlined jacket with a collar band. View B is a mid-length quilted jacket with binding. View C is a lined coat with a collar band and belt. View D is a quilted coat with binding. View E is an unlined cropped jacket with a collar band. View F is a quilted cropped jacket with binding. Pre-quilted fabrics are suitable for all views.
Sizing: 0 – 20 (approx. UK 6 – 20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
Transformation Challenge 2: Upcycling old coats into new outerwear
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle old coats into new outerwear. 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: Maxi dress using only an unwanted duvet cover
In the last challenge of episode four, all the contestants had to make a maxi dress using only an unwanted duvet cover 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.
Brogan’s nana-chic maxi dress
Features: puff sleeves, ruffled skirt and lace.
Pattern: Nina Lee Bakerloo Dress. Make a statement with Bakerloo’s extra-extravagant ruffled collar and va-va-voluminous sleeves!
With both a blouse and dress option, and suitable for a wide range of fabrics and potential customisation, this is a pattern designed to be frilly fun! Closing with a button and keyhole at the centre-back, the pattern skims the bust into a loose fit around the waist for ease and comfort – after all, that’s the name of the game right now. The balloon sleeves (with two different length options) gather into elasticated cuffs with ruffled edges echoing the collar. The dress variation has a full gathered (and pocketed) skirt – grunge it up with tights and biker boots for the winter then drift around in breezy cotton lawn and sandals all summer. Wear the blouse on its own or under pinafores, dungarees and v-neck sweaters for statement layering.
Sizing: UK 6 – 20 or UK 16 – 28. The pattern for sizes 16 – 28 has both B and D bust cup options. Please check the size charts and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper or PDF pattern.
Man Yee’s ruffle maxi dress
Features: covered buttons and ruffles.
Pattern: A similar pattern to the top of the dress would be the Paulette Top from Fibre Mood. Man Yee self drafted the skirt. Paulette is dripping with romance and elegance. Pair it with a skirt or jeans and you’ve got a stylish outfit for the spring. The blouse’s fitted cut has princess seams with ruffles on both sides of the bodice front, extending over the shoulders and around the back. Paulette has an elegant standing collar and a proper shirt cuff.
Sizing: EU 32 – 58 / US 0 – 26 / UK 4 – 30 (approx. UK 6 – 26/28, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Annie’s seventies maxi dress
Features: crochet inserts.
Pattern: Liberty Beatrix maxi dress. The Beatrix Maxi Dress includes two design options, with full instructions and fabric requirements for each dress size. A: Frill. B: Front slit.
Sizing: 6 – 22 (approx. UK 4/6 – 18/20). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Angela’s button front maxi dress
Features: fitted bodice, buttons and gathered skirt.
Pattern: McCalls M7950. These dresses, in two lengths, are close fitting through the bust and have a self faced bodice, slightly flared, gathered skirt, shoulder straps and pocket variations. A, B: Bodice ties in front. A, B, D: Side seam pockets. A, B: Mid-knee length. C, D: Lower calf length. B: Scalloped border print.
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 pattern.
Debra’s Big Cat maxi dress
Features: leopard print and orange cord.
Pattern: A similar pattern would be McCalls M7803 and you could lengthen the skirt to match the version Debra made. These loose-fitting tops and dresses have back invisible zippers and sleeve 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). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Gill’s chevron skirt maxi dress
Features: stripes, spots, chevrons and cape sleeves.
Pattern: Vogue Patterns V9344. This fitted dress has a centre back zipper, back shoulder and waist darts, and bodice and sleeve variations. Neckline finished with purchased bias tape.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), E5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), E5 (10 – 18/20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Cristian’s family heirloom maxi dress
Features: v-neck, ruffle and turquoise band.
Pattern: Butterick B6051. Pullover dress has neckline and skirt variations, front inset, elasticised waist, and narrow hem. B: shaped front hemline, wrong side shows, and short sleeves. A and B: fitted bodice and attached tie ends. C: very loose-fitting bodice. A,B and C: bias front bodice. D: loose-fitting bodice.
Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), which is approx. UK sizes B5 (6 – 12), F5 (12 – 20/22) based on our standardised size chart. Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Steve’s psychedelic eighties maxi dress
Features: invisible zip, v-neck and ruffle skirt.
Pattern: Butterick B6678. Unlined Dress A, B, C is close fitting through bust, with faced neck opening and invisible zipper. A: Above mid-knee length. B: Armhole finished with purchased bias tape. B, C: Ankle length.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), E5 (14-16-18-20-22), which is approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), E5 (10 – 18/20) based on our standardised size chart. Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements.. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Marni’s cross front maxi dress
Features: trim and sash.
Pattern: A similar pattern would be the Calvin Dress by True Bias. Calvin is a wrap dress and top with exposed bias binding that extends into long ties to form a bow closure. It has rings and sliders which create adjustable shoulder straps for an easy fit. View A is a short top that hits approximately two inches below the natural waist. View B is a straight dress that hits at mid calf.
Sizing: 0 – 18 (approx. UK 8 – 20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF, PDF + copy shop and paper pattern.
