THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2022 – SEWING PATTERNS – SERIES 8 EPISODE 9
It’s the ninth episode of series 8…the semi-finals!
In the ninth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 the contestants celebrate the influences of Japanese design and sewing. For episode nine 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 ninth 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 ninth theme was celebrate the influences of Japanese design and sewing and all contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a kimono-inspired dress (Esme has collaborated with a Japanese designer to create this pattern), taking worn-out denim and applying the Japanese techniques of Sashiko and Boro to mend areas of wear and tear, and in the Made-to-Measure challenge making an outfit to fit their model which has elements of origami folds and pleats. 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: Making a kimono-inspired dress (Esme has collaborated with a Japanese designer to create this pattern)
The first challenge of the ninth episode was to make a kimono-inspired dress (Esme has collaborated with a Japanese designer to create this pattern). Contestants had the option to use a contrasting lining and collar fabric. The pattern included rectangular sleeves and the collar sits away from the neck with a large belt bow at the front. Here are our pattern suggestions for robe sewing patterns.
Vogue Patterns – V1610
This robe, in two lengths, has side seam pockets stitched through the front and a choice of belts in two widths. Robe A is cut crosswise with a hanging loop at the back neck. Robe B has underlining and thread loops.
Sizing: A – J (approx. UK 8 – 32). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Liesl and Co – Wynwood Robe and Sleep Shorts
This pattern includes a simple shawl-collar robe that can be lengthened or shortened as you see fit. Choose a fashion fabric, and the robe can be sewn as a duster to wear during the day. The sleep shorts have an elasticised waist and curved shaping with an outer facing that can provide contrast if desired.
Sizing: XS – XXL (approx. UK 8 – 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 or PDF pattern.
Transformation Challenge 2: Taking worn-out denim and apply the Japanese techniques of Sashiko and Boro to mend areas of wear and tear
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to take worn-out denim and apply the Japanese techniques of Sashimi and Boro to mend areas of wear and tear, enhancing it with appliqué and embroidery. 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 but you might be interested in trying this technique for yourself with the help of these books.
Made-To-Measure Challenge 3: making an outfit which has elements of origami folds and pleats
In the last challenge of episode nine, all the contestants had to make an outfit to fit their model which has elements of origami folds and pleats. 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 Origami bunny dress
Features: Boning and rigid interfacing with a bunny themed origami design.
Pattern: McCalls M6838. These dresses have princess seams, a close-fitting, underlined and lined, boned bodice, skirt variations and an invisible back zipper. There is also an overskirt with a very narrow hem (wrong side will show). The belt has a bow, knot and hook and eye closing.
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.
Man Yee’s Origami crane dress
Features: Pleated trim, crane design and “disappearing collar”.
Pattern: A similar pattern would be the Artista Dress by Sew Different. The Artista Dress is a loose fitting A-line shift dress. It has large pockets integrated into the seams of the front panels, gently dropped shoulders with inset sleeves and a back pleat for plenty of comfort across the shoulders. The softly rolled collar is reminiscent of an artist’s smock and it pulls on over the head with no need for a zip.
Sizing: UK 8 – 26. Available in the shop: Paper pattern.
Debra’s Origami Mt Fuji and cherry blossom dress
Features: sculptural sleeves, cotton drill fabric and origami flowers.
Pattern: Tuck Sleeve Top TPC15 by Trend Patterns. It’s still the year of the sleeve, and oversized shapes are still a key trend, seen again in New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. This trend isn’t going away anytime soon. This design works well in both lighter and heavier weight fabrics, simple but effective. It’s great for a daytime outfit or for an evening smart casual look, transformed by the fabric you choose. A lighter weight fabric allows the sleeve to drape, while a heavier weight fabric shows the structure in the sleeve.
Sizing: . Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop pattern.
Brogan’s Origami lotus flower dress
Features: 3D flowers, spherical cuffs, shoulder ruffles and a peplum.
Pattern: Brogan used The Petal Top by Tammy Silver to form the basis of her pattern.
A similar pattern would be the April dress by Forget-me-not patterns. April is an A-line dress pattern designed for woven fabrics. It features a wavy design line that goes all the way around the body. Make April in an understated linen, or go wild with a colour block! The skirt has two different options: a gathered view and a flat view, so you can choose your silhouette. The pattern also includes the Gemma Belt, a rounded tie belt, which echoes the curves of the dress design. This is an easy-fit pattern, the only closure being a hook and eye at the back neck, and there are three bust fit options so you can get a great fit. If you are feeling ambitious, you can up the skill level with a pocket hidden in the wavy seam. Or, keep things simple and discreet with an in-seam pocket at the side.
Sizing: 28 – 52 (approx. UK 4 – 28) with Small, Medium and Full bust options. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
