With 11 contestants remaining, episode 2 of the Great British Sewing Bee aired last Wednesday. The theme this week was holidays! We were very glad to see so many bold prints, lovely bright colours and the overall level of tropicalness! It definitely cheered us up.

The 3 challenges the contestants were faced with included making a pair of Palazzo pants, transforming 2 towels into beach cover-ups and making a made-to-measure men’s beach shirt for a model.

To keep you posted on all things Great British Sewing Bee we will share our pattern picks every week here on the blog, so you can re-create the fabulous ‘Bee’ looks for your own homemade wardrobe! Browse the whole collection of specially curated sewing bee patterns here with a special discount offer on selected patterns.

Challenge 1: Sew Palazzo Pants.

The first challenge of week two of the Sewing Bee was to sew a pair of holiday Palazzo pants. The pattern that featured in the challenge was a pair of wide-legged trousers with an invisible back seam zipper, in seam pockets and it was finished with a waistband.

Do you want to make you own pair of fabulous holiday Palazzo pants? Just scroll down to see some of our amazing pattern suggestions!

Pattern: Butterick 6599.

Butterick 6599 not only includes a pair of wide legged trousers with a waistband and an invisible zipper in the back seam, it also includes a loose-fitting jacket, a semi-fitted pullover top and a dress with long sleeves.

Pattern: McCall’s 7786.

These loose fitting pull-on trousers have a waistband with an elastic casing in the back, side pockets and 4 fabulous variations to customise your own pair.

Pattern: Vogue 1525.

These semi-fitted trousers have lovely details like front pleats, a waistband, darts in the back with an invisible zipper closure. And don’t forget those all important pockets! This pattern also includes a loose-fitting top with shaped front and back side panels, and long sleeves with in-seam invisible zippers.

Pattern: Vogue 1572.

This fabulous outfit includes a pair of wide legged trousers with a waistband, a side zipper closure, front and back darts to give it shape. Vogue 1572 also includes a close-fitting lined top with a peplum and back zipper closure.

Pattern: Vogue 1580.

Sew the look with Vogue 1580 and make these very loose fitting pull on trousers with an elasticized back waistband, front pleats and pockets. Add the top from version A to create a jumpsuit look.

Pattern: Vogue 1581.

These loose fitting trousers have an invisible zipper closure in the back seam, and two different length variations. Vogue 1581 also includes a fitted tunic with front and back yokes, contrast variations, and an uneven hemline.

Pattern: Vogue 9191.

These wide legged front-wrap trousers are fitted through the hips, and feature a button front waistband with tie ends, and no side seams. The pattern also includes a poncho, a top and shorts.

Pattern: Vogue 9257.

Want to go for a very wide legged look? Choose from very loose fitting shorts or trousers with Vogue 9257. They feature a waistband, a zip fly, front pleats and back darts. The pattern also includes a loose-fitting top with a flounce in 2 different variations.

Pattern: Vogue 9277.

The trousers from Vogue 9277 are fully lined and feature an elastic waist band, front pleats, pockets and an invisible zipper closure. Pair it with the loose fitting jacket which is also lined and has a two-piece sleeve and self tie in the back.

Pattern: Vogue 9302.

Do you want to go for a simple pair of trousers with a waistband, normal zipper closure, pockets and front pleats? Then Vogue 9302 might be something for you! Add a grosgrain ribbon with version B to add an interesting detail.

Pattern: Vogue 9319.

The look of Vogue 9319 is very fitting for Holiday Week! This wide legged trouser pattern includes shorts and trousers, which are fitted around the hip with wide front and back yokes. It also comes with a close-fitting tie front top with neckline, length, and sleeve variations.

Pattern: Vogue 9320.

These fantastic wide legged trousers are loose fitting from the waist down, have front pleats, a back zipper, pockets, and waistband carriers. The combination with this close-fitting, lined top with a back button closure is adorable!

Pattern: Vogue 1620.

Vogue 1629 comes with a beautifully designed pair of very loose-fitting trousers. They are worn above the waist, and have waist facings with boning. The trousers also feature front pleats, back darts, and an invisible back zipper closure. The pattern also comes with a top and jacket pattern.

Pattern: Vogue 9336.

A simple trouser pattern with a great look! Vogue 9336 includes a trouser pattern with 2 length variations, darts, a waistband and a side zipper. It also comes with a lined jacket and a skirt with princess seams.

Pattern: Vogue 1550.

The trousers of Vogue 1550 have no waistband, a side zipper and front and back pleat. Choose to add fabulous contrast insets and/or binding. The pattern also includes a semi-fitted, pullover tunic with contrast inset at the centre front.

 

Challenge 3: Sew a made-to-measure beach shirt for men.

In the third and last challenge the contestants had to make a beach shirt for their model. We saw lots of summery prints, pointy collars and beautifully stitched button plackets. Some of the contestants used a pattern that we currently have in stock and you’ll be able to find a link to those below. For others we’ve looked for a pattern that is very similar to what they’ve used so you can re-create your own Sewing Bee inspired shirt at home!

Matt used Kwik Sew 3484 to create his Frida-tastic holiday shirt!

Mark went for Simplicity 8180 and sewed it so perfectly that his shirt was crowned ‘Garment of the week’!

Both Ali and Fiona were inspired to sew this vintage Simplicity pattern from the 1950’s! (Sadly out of print.)

Therese and Hazel chose to stitch New Look 6197 for the final challenge, which is a pattern for both men and women.

Another unisex pattern is McCall’s 6932, which was used by Liz to make her Koi fish shirt.

Clare and Alex both chose a classic shirt pattern, which you can easily re-create with Simplicity 8753 or McCall’s 6613.