Sadly we had to say goodbye to Alex last week. And with only ten contestants remaining, this weeks Great British Sewing Bee theme was children’s clothing. Everything was smaller than what they’ve sewn on the show so far, but it didn’t mean the challenges were any easier!

As always there were three challenges: for the first one they were sewing a little girl’s smock dress, for the second challenge they had to transform a sleeping bag into a fancy dress outfit and lastly the contestants had to make dungarees to fit their 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 a girl’s smocked dress.

The contestants were challenged to make a perfectly sewn smocked dress for a little girl. The pattern they used included a smocked bodice, a Peter Pan collar, and a keyhole opening at the back which was finished with bias binding. Did it inspire you to make a little girls dress yourself? Find some super cute patterns below and give it a go!

Pattern: Simplicity 1507.

This adorable pattern can be made as a sleeveless dress, or choose to add balloon sleeves or tulip sleeves. Personalise it further by adding waist ties, a contrasting collar, and/ or a sheer overskirt.

Pattern: Burda 9305.

Burda 9305 features a dress with a front and back yoke, slightly gathered sleeves, and a back zip closure. View A has peter pan collar and cuffed sleeves and view B has a round neckline, 3/4 length sleeves and an extra layer of ruffles.

Pattern: Butterick 6306.

This beautiful dress has a lined bodice with a raised waist, tie ends, and a back zipper. The pattern includes two different versions, the first features a sleeveless bodice with a peter pan collar, a high-low hem and it has ruffles which are attached to the lining for a petticoat. The second version has double-layer tiers and flutter sleeves.

Pattern: Simplicity 9117.

This pattern is easy to sew and includes 4 different variations including ruffle and puff sleeves. To make the look complete you can make a matching nappy cover and a headband. Totally adorable!

Pattern: Butterick 3762.

This sweet little girls dress features little ruffles on the sleeves and neckline. However, this flared dress actually includes a whopping 6 different variations in total, so you can personalise it to your (her) taste!

Pattern: Kwik Sew 0190.

Kwik Sew 0190 includes 2 cute girls dresses with gathered skirts at the waist and gathered sleeve caps. There is a version with a lapped front with faced neckline, long sleeves with elastic and ribbon belt tied into a pretty bow and the second version features a contrast collar on a round neckline, short sleeves with elastic and a lovely ribbon bow at front neckline.

 

Challenge 3: Sew a made-to-measure pair of dungarees.

In the last challenge of this weeks episode, the contestants had to make a pair of dungarees for a girl or boy. The dungarees needed to be fitted but also have enough ease for playing. We’ve gathered some similar patterns for you below, so you can re-create your favourite look!

Inspired by Mark’s flamingo dungarees? Try McCall’s 7459 which feature straps that close with buttons.

Burda 9464 was a popular pattern this week and was used by Therese, Matt & Hazel. Sadly, it’s currently out of print.

 

Here are some other dungaree and romper patterns that we think you would like!

Pattern: Butterick 6341.

This little romper pattern features a gathered waist and wider shorts, which is nice and breezy for hot summer days!

Pattern: Simplicity 8934.

This pattern is an easy sew with just a couple of pattern pieces. Add the included applique designs to make it even more fun to wear for kids!

Pattern: McCall’s 7917.

This playful design features a neckline casing with a drawstring round the neckline, front and back slits, side seam pockets and leg and length variations.

Pattern: Kwik Sew 0233.

This sweet little romper and dungaree design includes the option to add ruffles to the neckline and/or straps.

Pattern: Simplicity 8395.

Sew this cute little halter romper for little kids and big kids! The pattern also includes a dress and both come with different hem and ruffle variations.

Pattern: New Look 6389.

A lovely pattern for older girls! Not only does it include a romper and jumpsuit version, it also includes a dress design with different hem and neckline options.