Sewing Bee series 7 episode 4 – 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 will be fighting for the title of Sewing Bee of the year. Sadly we had to say goodbye to Lawratu last week. And with only 9 contestants remaining, this theme for this episode was International Week.

As always there were three challenges: for the technical challenge the contestants were asked to sew a French Breton top, for the second challenge they had to transform sarongs into a wearable garment, and lastly they had to make an outfit inspired by Frida Kahlo to fit their male 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 French Breton top.

The pattern challenge of this week’s episode was to sew a French Breton top. The contestants were asked to sew a top with perfectly matched horizontal stripes, a flat wide-set boat neckline, and a button placket.

Pattern: Simplicity 8265.

Make your own Breton top with the tunic pattern from Simplicity 8265. It also includes a pull on skirt, trousers, and an unlined coat or vest with side slits. Perfect for making a mini capsule wardrobe to match your stripey top!

Pattern: McCall’s 7331.

Another pattern that includes everything you need to make a mini capsule wardrobe. Make a Breton top with 3/4 sleeves, and add a cardigan, a pencil skirt and leggings. Comfy and stylish!

Pattern: Simplicity 9202.

Simplicity 9202 includes a simple top pattern in a very wide size range, so that you can not only recreate the stripey Breton look for yourself, but for your whole family!

Challenge 3: Sew a made-to-measure outfit inspired by Frida Kahlo.

In the final challenge of week four, all the contestants had to make an outfit – inspired by Frida Kahlo – to fit their model in just five and a half hours.

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: New Look 6540.

Cathryn her beautiful dress with lace overlay was created with New Look 6540. She went for version A with the three quarter sleeves and ruffle-y cuffs.

Pattern: McCall’s 6838.

Damien chose to make McCall’s 6838 for his Frida Kahlo inspired dress. Recreate the look by going for the sweetheart neckline of version B and the rest of version A.

Pattern: Vogue 1685.

Did you also fell in love with Raph’s beautiful trousers? Using Vogue 1685 would be a great starting point to re-create the look for yourself.

Pattern: Simplicity 8907.

Did you adore Adam’s playsuit as much as we did? If you’re in the market for a playsuit, have a look at Simplicity 8907. It’s perfect for summer and bang on trend at the moment!

Pattern: Vogue 1772.

Are you in need of a pair of flowy and fabulous pair of trousers in your wardrobe after seeing Serna’s wonderful Frida Kahlo inspired outfit? We think that Vogue 1772 would do the trick!

Pattern: Simplicity 9012.

Want to sew a big bold and beautiful dress just like Farie? How about Simplicity 9012? This amazing pattern is designed by Cynthia Rowley and all you need to do to ‘get the look’ is add a fabulous oversized bow!

Pattern: New Look 6507.

Recognise that amazing neckline? It’s similar to the one Rebecca sewed for this week’s challenge. Pair it with a full skirt and you’ll be rocking Rebecca’s Frida Kahlo look!

Pattern: Simplicity 9107.

To recreate Andrew’s look we would start with a top like Simplicity 9107. The plain front and boxy shape lends itself to adding embroidery and trims.

Pattern: Vogue 9090.

We would pair Simplicity 9107 with a skirt like Vogue 9090 to sew a look that is inspired by Andrew’s Frida Kahlo outfit.

Pattern: Vogue 9197.

Adeena drafted the pattern herself, but the fit and flare style of her dress looks similar to Vogue 9197. All you need to do is add another layer in the waist to create that wonderful flowy overlay.