Sewing Bee series 7 episode 10 – wardrobe ideas

The Great British Sewing Bee is back on our screens every Wednesday evening! Next to the two judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, the comedian Joe Lycett also returned to the show. Twelve amateur sewers have been fighting for the title of Sewing Bee of the year. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Farie last week. And with only 3 contestants in the final, the theme was Special Occasions.

As always there were three challenges: for the technical challenge the contestants were asked to sew a little bridesmaids dress, for the second challenge they had to transform homewares into a fun festival outfit, and lastly they sewed an evening gown worthy of the red carpet in the most important made-to-measure challenge of series 7.

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! You can also browse the whole collection of specially curated sewing bee patterns here.

Challenge 1: Sew a children’s bridesmaid dress.

The pattern challenge of this week’s episode was sewing a a little children’s bridesmaid dress. The contestants were asked to sew with luxury fabrics and show off their couture sewing techniques. The pattern featured puff sleeves, a lined bodice and a bound buttonhole. Are you inspired to make a little bridesmaid dress? You can find our pattern suggestions below.

Pattern: Simplicity 1507.

This sweet little dress would be perfect for a bridesmaid dress. It can be made with a variety of sleeves, and you can change it up with a contrasting collar, a sash, and/ or a sheer overskirt.

Pattern: Simplicity 9119.

Simplicity 9119 is a simple but stunning dress with short sleeves and an a-line skirt. We love the special feature, which is the option to add a beautiful heart cut-out in the back bodice.

Pattern: Simplicity 8563.

Simplicity 8563 comes with different sleeve and neckline variations so you can create six different dresses with only one pattern. Perfect if you are sewing multiple little bridesmaid dresses and you want them all to be a bit different.

Pattern: Simplicity 1211.

This adorable dress looks fantastic with these cute trims and ribbons. Simplicity 1211 includes two length variations, an optional collar, and different sleeve designs. You also get lots of ideas and inspiration to add decorations.

Pattern: McCall’s 7648.

The fitted bodice of McCall’s 7648 is shaped with darts and has a round neckline. Make this sweet little gathered dress with short sleeves or sleeveless, and you have the option to add a sash.

Challenge 3: Sew an off the shoulder evening gown.

This was the final challenge of week ten, and the final challenge of series seven! The contestants were asked to sew a perfectly fitting evening gown for their models. Find some of our pattern suggestions below.

Pattern: Butterick 6131.

Raph sewed an amazing metallic lame red dress inspired by Wuthering Heights. Butterick 6131 would be a great pattern to use as a basis and re-create his structural outfit.

Pattern: Vogue 1426.

We have selected a few different patterns in case you want to re-create Rebecca’s fabulous floral gown. The flounce of Vogue 1426 looks spot on!

Pattern: Vogue 1604.

Combine Vogue 1604 with Vogue 1426 and use the off the shoulder flounce to re-create Rebecca’s scuba dress. It also has a close-fitting, lined bodice with boning and an invisible back zipper.

Pattern: McCall’s 7047.

Another pattern that reminded us of Rebecca’s dress is McCall’s 7047. It’s a close-fitting dress with a large cowl that can be draped around the shoulders and neck in various ways.

Pattern: McCall’s 8108.

Dreaming of re-creating Serena’s Villanelle-inspired yellow tulle dress? McCall’s 8108 would be a great starting point. It features an empire seam and gathered skirt in various lengths.

Off shoulder dress inspiration.

Can’t get enough of seeing all these beautiful off shoulder dresses? We have selected some more stunning patterns to make your off shoulder dress dreams come true!

Pattern: McCall’s 7835.

McCall’s 7835 has a close-fitting, lined bodice with boning. The pattern includes lots of different design features that you can mix and match to make your dream dress. You could add a sheer yoke, a collar, neck, shoulder or bodice flounces, and a skirt ruffle.

Pattern: McCall’s 7896.

McCall’s 7896 is a fully lined fitted dress with a boned bodice. The pattern includes options for a gathered bodice, midriff overlays, a strapless bodice, a split-front bodice with boning, and gathered or trumpet skirts.

Pattern: McCall’s 8023.

McCall’s 8023 is a close fitting lined dress with boning and princes seams to give it shape. It also features an invisible zip, long billowy sleeves with cuffs, an inside elastic belt with bra extender and bra v-separator.