Sewing Bee series 7 episode 2 – wardrobe ideas

We are so glad to see the Great British Sewing Bee back on our screens every Wednesday evening. Next to the two judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, and the comedian Joe Lycett, twelve amateur sewers will be fighting for the title of Sewing Bee of the year. Sadly we had to say goodbye to Julie last week. And with only 11 contestants remaining, this week’s theme was Summer Week.

As always there were three challenges: for the technical challenge they were asked to sew paperbag shorts, for the second challenge they had to transform men’s swim shorts into a women’s cocktail outfit, and lastly the contestants had to make a sun dress with buttons 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! You can also browse the whole collection of specially curated sewing bee patterns here.

Challenge 1: Sew a pair of paperbag shorts.

The pattern challenge of this week’s episode was to sew a pair of paperbag shorts. Paper bag shorts are high waisted and usually have a wide tie that clinches the shorts in at the waist creating a paperbag look at the top. We have selected a few patterns that looks similar to the pattern used on the Sewing Bee.

Pattern: McCall’s 8118.

These shorts might not look similar to the pattern that was used on the show, but if we look at the line drawing it does have a lot of the same features. It includes a paperbag waist with elastic casing, a belt, pockets, and a turned up hem. McCall’s 8118 also includes a mini sarong and trousers.

Pattern: McCall’s 7942.

Not only does McCall’s 7942 come with a pair of super cute paperbag shorts, the pattern also includes a pullover top with an elasticized back and pleated details, a skirt, and trousers. Sizing includes kids from 3 to 8 years, and S to XL for adults.

Pattern: Simplicity 8651.

Learn to sew the trends with these paper bag waist shorts with different drawstring variations. In this pattern you’ll learn to: make a tassel, sew a buttonhole, make an elastic casing with heading, sew a side seam pocket and topstitch a hem. Perfect for beginners wanting to learn new techniques.

Challenge 3: Sew a made to measure button down sun dress.

In the final challenge of week two, all the contestants had to make a sun dress to fit their model in just five hours. The sun dress is a fitted at the bust and waist, with buttons down the front. All the Bees got to choose their own pattern, some of which we have available in our shop! For others we have found similar designs so you can go and re-create the look.

Pattern: Butterick 6674.

Cathryn chose to make a beautiful version of Butterick 6674. This pattern includes different neckline, pocket, and hem options. And it even comes with a gorgeous oversized tote bag pattern!

Pattern: Butterick 6363.

Andrew picked Butterick 6363 and turned it into a lovely black and white dress including handmade accessories! The model looked like she came straight from the 1940’s onto the show.

Pattern: New Look 6654.

Want to try and make a beautiful flowy dress and pattern match the front just like Damien did on the Bee? How about New Look 6654? This shirt dress with a high low hem would be perfect!

Pattern: Vogue 9182.

We loved Jean’s beautiful and bright dress! She made Vogue 9182 and it has a close fitting princes seamed bodice and the big flared skirt.

Pattern: Simplicity 8849.

Similar to Raph’s nautical themed dress, Simplicity 8849 is a sun dress with straps, buttons down the front, and a fitted bodice. This pattern also includes a midi skirt, a jacket, and a shell top.