THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2022 – SEWING PATTERNS – SERIES 8 EPISODE 5
It’s the fifth episode of series 8…
In the fifth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 the contestants are challenged with Children’s week. For episode five 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 fifth 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 fifth theme was Children’s week and all contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a sailor suit, upcycling old school clothes, and a Halloween-themed Made-to-Measure. 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: Sailor Suit
The first challenge of the five episode was to make a sailor suit. The task required them to make elasticated shorts and a top with a square collar and ties.
Here are some sailor patterns we have for children, including the Skipper Dress by Merchant and Mills, Tilly-pom Playsuit and Dress by Sew La Di Da Vintage and McCalls Sailor Dresses M6913. The top part of these patterns can be paired with the Breeze Shorts from MadeIt Patterns.
Merchant and Mills – Skipper Dress
Irresistibly redolent of carefree summer days, the Skipper is born to play. Featuring relaxed styling for easy dressing in rough seas, the Skipper has dropped shoulders and casual rolled cuffs whilst the neckline has an internal popper at the front V insert.
Sizing: 3 – 8 years. Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Sew La Di Da Vintage – Children’s Tilly-pom Playsuit and Dress
Inspired by the classic yet practical children’s wear of the 1950s with a modern twist, Tilly-pom is a culottes-style playsuit, which can also be made up as a dress. The peter pan or sailor collars give the pattern a smart, groomed look, but touches like the hidden pockets for keeping bits of twigs in, and the climbing-friendly shorts mean that Tilly-pom is ready for play. Made up in linen, she’s your go-to all in one for a summer’s day on the beach; made up in velvet or taffeta and finished with a lace collar, she’s party perfect for special occasions. A chic beret pattern is also included, but don’t blame us if you find it being used as a frisbee.
Sizing: 2 – 10 years. Please check the size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
McCalls Sailor Dresses M6913
These pullover dresses have sailor collar variations, a self-lined bodice, raised waist, gathered skirt, and button and continuous lap closing. A, B: Collar extends into tie ends. A, D: Sleeveless. D: Detachable ties with buttons. A, B, D: Loop for ties. B: Short sleeves. C: Elasticised puff sleeves. B, C, D: Purchased trim.
Sizing: CAA (1/2-1-2-3-4). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
MadeIt Patterns – Breeze Shorts
Party, park, picnic or playdate, the Breeze Shorts for kids and teens are perfect for their busy days. They feature an elasticated waistband making them easy to slip on and off, handy side pockets for storing their secret stash of treats and a convenient back pocket because extra pockets mean extra places to hide extra things.
Sizing: Kids: 2 – 9 years. Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF.
Transformation Challenge 2: Upcycling old school clothes
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle old school clothes into a new outfit. 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: Halloween outfit
In the last challenge of episode five, all the contestants had to make a Halloween outfit for their child 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 Umbrella Bat
Features: fur trim, tulle and organza layers and umbrella wings.
Marni’s Dark Fairy
Features: floral headband, LED fairy lights, muslin and jersey fabric and piping.
Pattern: McCalls M4887. Pullover dress has shoulder straps and stitched hem; lined vest has waist seam, hook and eye front closing, purchased trim and Velcro® in back to attach wings; vests B, C have ribbon belt; wings are sheer with wire inserted into casings to maintain shape; multi-layered skirt, below mid-knee or full length, has elasticized waist and unfinished hems; skirts C, D have shaped hemlines.
Sizing: 2 – 5 years.
Man Yee’s Banana spider
Features: Marabou feather and treat pouch.
Pattern: Simplicity S2788.
Sizing: 6 months – 4 years.
Annie’s Dragon
Features: Red stretch fabric and dragon’s head.
Pattern: Simplicity S1765.
Sizing: 3 – 8 years.
Angela’s spider
Features: spider web and ping pong ball eyes.
Pattern: McCalls M3352.
Debra’s Miss Havisham inspired dress
Features: stuffed foam fingers and distressed duchess satin.
Pattern: Simplicity S8487.
Sizing: Ages 3 – 14. Available in the shop:.
Cristian’s Funny Clown
Features: Hula hoop and organza.
Pattern: McCalls M6142.
Sizing: Children and adults.
Gill’s Dalek
Features: black felt and pipe insulation.
Pattern: We weren’t able to find a pattern for this make, please do let us know if you spotted which one it was!
