THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2022 – SEWING PATTERNS – SERIES 8 EPISODE 8

It’s the eight episode of series 8…

In the eight episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 the contestants are challenged with 1930s Week. For episode eight 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 sixth 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 eight theme was 1930s Week and all contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a pair of women’s sailor-inspired trousers with a complex bib-front button opening and pockets, upcycling men’s shirts into 1930s women’s blouses, and in the Made-to-Measure challenge making a bias-cut evening gown reminiscent of outfits worn by Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis. 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 women’s sailor-inspired trousers

The first challenge of the eight episode was to make a pair of women’s sailor-inspired trousers with a complex bib-front button opening and tricky pockets. The Romero Trousers and Shorts by Pauline Alice are the closest indie match but we have also included two other similar button front vintage inspired trouser patterns.

Pauline Alice – Romero Trousers and Shorts

These fitted, high-waisted sailor trousers have wide legs and button closures on the sides. Pockets are hidden inside the closures. View A is a cropped ankle length. View B is a shorts version. Make from a medium weight fabric such as cotton canvas or linen, gabardine, twill, denim, woollen, corduroy.

Sizing: EU 34 – 48 (approx. UK 6 – 18). Please check the size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern. 

I AM Patterns – Armor Trousers and Shorts

I am Armor, wide-leg trousers featuring an elasticated waistband, side pockets and back pockets. The pintucks on my legs and my buttons give me a seaside feel. You can decide to make me as trousers, cropped trousers or shorts. Very easy to make and comfortable, sew me in a thousand different ways and wear me everyday.

Sizing: EU 34 – 48 (approx. UK 6 – 18). Please check the size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop. 

Folkwear – 229 Unisex Sailor Pants

I am Armor, wide-leg trousers featuring an elasticated waistband, side pockets and back pockets. The pintucks on my legs and my buttons give me a seaside feel. You can decide to make me as trousers, cropped trousers or shorts. Very easy to make and comfortable, sew me in a thousand different ways and wear me everyday.

Sizing: For men or women, waist size 30 – 42 (28″ – 42″, approx. UK 8/10 – 22). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop. 

Pattern Union – Hannah Culottes

The Hannah Culottes are wide-leg trousers that feature a self-faced high waist with an optional button detail on the front pleat, and a centre back zip. The cut-away pockets cleverly flatten the tummy. Style options include midi and shorts length. There are three body types to choose from to ensure a good fit: Even Triangle, High Triangle or Low Triangle.

Sizing: 6 – 26. Please check the size chart. Note the sizing varies between body types (Even Triangle, High Triangle and Low Triangle). Select size based on hip measurement of your body type. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop. 

Transformation Challenge 2: Men’s shirts to turn into 1930s women’s blouses

In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle men’s shirts into 1930s women’s blouses. 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: Bias-cut evening gown

In the last challenge of episode eight, all the contestants had to make a a bias-cut evening gown reminiscent of outfits worn by Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.

Annie’s Jean Harlow evening gown (in red)

Features: Red satin and diamantés.

Man Yee’s Jean Harlow evening gown

Features: Cross-front bodice, ivory satin and shoulder scarf.

Pattern: Vogue Special Design No. S-4015 (1937). My Vintage Wish.

Sizing: Individual sizing. Available in the shop: No, try Etsy.

Debra’s Golden Dress evening gown

Features: Satin spaghetti straps, diagonal seams and draped back.

Pattern: Vogue Patterns V1697. Bias cut dress (close-fitting through hips) with neck and armhole binding and bust darts.

Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), approx. UK sizes B5 (6 – 12), F5 (12 – 20/22). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Cristian’s Stretch Dress evening gown

Features: 3/4 length sleeves, concealed zip and feature bow.

Pattern: Butterick B5710.

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

Brogan’s Ginger Rogers Dress evening gown

Features: Geometric panels, full circle skirt and ostrich feather brooch.

Pattern: Vogue Patterns V8814. This lined dress has neckline variations, bias bodice/lower front and back, and back zipper. A: Close-fitting through the bust. B and C: Shoulder straps, fitted through the bust. A, B, C and D cup sizes. Note: No provision for above waist adjustments.

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.