Sewing Bee 2024 Week 1 Patterns & Techniques
It’s back! The Great British Sewing Bee has returned to our screens and we couldn’t be happier. The first episode kicked off with Denim A-Line Skirts, T-Shirt Refashions and lovely Day Dresses.
Challenge 1
The contestants had to create an A-Line skirt in denim with top-stitched details and hammered jeans buttons down the front. A simple waistband finished the look.
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We think New Look 6346 and Simplicity 9267 are two great designs to recreate the denim A-line skirt pattern. Both work in denim and chambray as well as many other fabrics and feature the button front style with a classic waistband. But we’ve also put a few other similar skirt styles in our Sewing Bee Episode 1 Collection.
Buttonholes proved hard for the contestants but we can help! Read our guide to brilliant buttonholes to make your next project have a professional finish.
Looking for some help with neat topstitching? Watch our video guide to master this skill. Perfect for skirts and jeans, it looks amazing in contrast thread but if you’re just getting started you can practice with coordinating thread to take the pressure off!
Challenge 2
The Bees had to then upcycle tshirts into dramatic new garments. If you’re more inspired to make a classic tshirt, check out our range of jersey and knit Tops sewing patterns. And our How To Sew Stretch Fabrics guide if you’re new to working with jersey fabrics.
Challenge 3
We loved seeing the Day dress sewing patterns on show in episode one! It was an excellent choice for first the catwalk, as they are so popular to wear. Especially with the weather getting nicer.
Recreate Alex’s dress with M7948
Get Pascha’s Milkmaid style with M8359
Comfort chose a cocoon style like S9262
Janet used S9543 for her statement midriff dress
Make M8281 in a tablecloth like Georgie
M8492 suits Neil’s 70s collared dress
Copy Lauren’s slip dress with S9745
Colour block ME2020 like Luke’s design
M7920 is great for Marcus’s dress
B5821 mimics Suzy’s gathered skirt sundress
N6778 features flared seams like Don’s design
Use V1777 for a utilitarian wrap dress like Ailsa
Did you see Georgie using the fun trick of gathering with Yarn? Try this technique for yourself by following our video tutorial.
Pascha used shirring to create a snug fit at the back of her dress. We’ve got you covered for this technique with our guide on how to sew shirring.