THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2022 – SEWING PATTERNS – SERIES 8: THE FINAL
It’s the tenth episode of series 8…the FINAL!
In the final episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 the contestants compete for the title Britain’s best amateur sewer with a Party Week theme! For episode ten 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 tenth 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 tenth theme was Party Week and all contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making one of Esme’s iconic Swanky Modes designs – the Amorphous Dress, taking all the scraps from the previous nine episodes and refashioning them into a new garment, and in the Made-to-Measure challenge making a red-carpet jumpsuit using sparkles and luxury fabrics to fit their 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: Esme’s iconic Swanky Modes Amorphous Dress
The first challenge of the tenth episode was to make one of Esme’s iconic Swanky Modes designs – the Amorphous Dress. Made from one piece of lycra and manipulated into shape with a connection of D-rings, this garment is all about precision and fabric handling. This garment is made from just one pattern piece. Below we share more about this dress and also a pattern suggestion if you want to make something similar.
The Amorphous Dress was designed in 1977 and made in early 1983. From the V&A Museum collections:
“This black lycra disco dress was designed by Swanky Modes in 1977, and made throughout the 1980s. Swanky Modes was based in London’s Camden Town district, and consisted of a team of four young designers: Judy Dewsbury, Melanie Herberfield, Willie Walters and Esme Young. For this dress, the lycra was draped on a stand and had sections of the fabric cut away to create the garment’s distinctive look. When laid flat on the floor, the dress resembles an amoeba, or single-cell animal, which led to the designers naming the dress “Amorphous”. The resulting form-hugging sheath dress became a popular choice for young nightclub-goers through the 1980s.
Lycra is an elastane-based jersey fabric that is easy to care for, crease-resistant, lightweight and comfortable. It springs back into shape and fits closely, which makes it popular for activewear and with body-proud athletes and disco dancers. Disco dancing became popular again following the release of the film Saturday Night Fever in 1978.”
Knit dress with cut out midriff detail is slim or A-line shaped in two lengths with self ties, sleeve and length variations.
Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) U5 (16-18-20-22-24), which is approx. UK sizes H5 (4/6 – 10), U5 (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.
Transformation Challenge 2: Taking all the scraps from the previous nine episodes and refashioning them into a new garment
Contestants came face to face with all their scrap pieces of fabric from the past nine weeks and must refashion them into an outfit they would wear to a party. 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: a red-carpet jumpsuit using sparkles and luxury fabrics
In the last challenge of episode ten, all the contestants had to make a red-carpet jumpsuit using sparkles and luxury fabrics to fit 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.
Debra’s jumpsuit
Features: Tulle bodice trim, draped overlay and crepe fabric with strapless bodice.
Pattern: Simplicity S9330. Mimi G Style strapless jumpsuit and mini dress has boned princess seamed bodice, asymmetrical side drape, self ties and side zip.
Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) U5 (16-18-20-22-24), which is approx. UK sizes H5 (4/6 – 10), U5 (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.
Annie’s jumpsuit
Features: Gun metal duchess satin, large oversized bow and train with leg stripe. Added side pockets.
Pattern: We think Annie used the same bodice as she did for the final challenge in week 9 from McCalls M6838. This can be paired with the trousers from McCalls M7909.
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. Optional purchased appliques.
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.
McCalls M7909. These jumpsuits have a close-fitting lined bodice with side front and side back seams, an invisible back zipper, and semi-fitted trousers with a slightly flared leg and slash pockets. A, B: Grown-on sleeves.
Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16), RR (18W-20W-22W-24W), approx. UK sizes B5 (6 – 12), RR (14/16 – 20/22). Please check the size charts and finished gament measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Man Yee’s jumpsuit
Features: Cape sleeves, georgette fabric and sequin stretch knit contrast fabric.
Pattern: We think it was McCalls M7777, which is out of print but a similar pattern would be McCalls M7910.
McCalls M7910. These close-fitting pull-on knit jumpsuits have a lined bodice with bodice and leg variations. The pattern includes options for a pleated surplice, halter or one-shoulder bodice and tapered or straight leg trousers with or without side slits. Create your own design with mix-and-match pattern pieces.
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.
Brogan’s Leopard print jumpsuit
Features: Pleating at the bust, gathered tulle skirt, jacquard fabric and bows at the shoulders.
Pattern: This was a tricky one to find but we think a combination of these two patterns would make something similar. Top: McCalls M7778 and Shorts: Simplicity S9290.
McCalls M7778. These dresses, romper and jumpsuit have a close-fitting, interfaced bodice, invisible zipper, and gathered skirt or trousers with length 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.
Simplicity S9290. Self-lined bolero. Close-fitting, lined, boned bustier has front band & detachable (button) halter strap. Fitted, wrap skirt has pleated right-front & tie ends. Purchased bias tape to finish waist. Shorts have waistband. C, D: narrow hem.
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.
