Sewing Bee series 7 episode 5 – 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 Cathryn last week. And with only 8 contestants remaining, the theme for episode 5 was Children’s Week.

As always there were three challenges: for the technical challenge the contestants were asked to sew a children’s romper suit, for the second challenge they had to transform wet suits into Under the Sea themed fancy dress outfits, and lastly they had to make a raincoat to fit their little models.

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 romper suit.

The pattern challenge of this week’s episode was sewing a little children’s romper suit. The contestants were asked to sew a romper with crossover straps, an elasticated back, and snap fastenings at the crotch.

Pattern: Simplicity 8098.

These adorable one piece rompers for babies would look fantastic in checks, stripes, and floral fabrics. The pattern includes 4 different romper styles, and it even comes with a pattern for fabric sandals and a squishy stuffed duck.

Pattern: Kwik Sew 3776.

This sweet pattern includes a romper with 3 snap fastenings at the back. The pattern also includes a little dress with gathered tiers and bloomers.

Pattern: Kwik Sew 0174.

Quick and easy to make, Kwik Sew 0174 features self-faced front yokes, shoulder straps, a back elastic casing, and snaps along the inside legs. Add the little bow features for extra cuteness!

Pattern: Butterick 6549.

So adorable! This pattern includes dresses and rompers with gathers at front and back neckline. Choose from gathered sleeves, a neck binding finish that extends into ties, or a neckline ruffle. The rompers and panties have an elasticized waist and leg openings, and the rompers have snap closures.

Pattern: Butterick 5625.

You can sew a whole wardrobe for your little one with Butterick 5625, It includes rompers, a pinafore dress, bloomers, and a hat.

Pattern: Butterick 3405.

Would you sew the a-line dress and/or top or the romper first? And would you add matching bloomers, hat, and hairband ? Or would you prefer to mix and match?

Pattern: New Look 6970.

This sweet romper stands out from the others with 4 button openings at the front. We love how they add a special touch! The pattern also includes a gathered dress and bloomers.

Pattern: New Look 6520.

New Look 6520 comes with two romper styles and two dress styles that both can be made with sleeves or petal collar. Add details such as a trim along the sleeve edge and lower dress section, or add appliques and buttons on bodice front to add a bit of interest.

Challenge 2: Transform wet suits into Under the Sea-themed fancy dress outfits.

In the upcycling challenge the contestants were asked to transform wet suits to create a completely new fancy dress outfit. The rather fabulous theme was Under the Sea. Below you can find 2 patterns that fit perfectly within this theme.

Pattern: Simplicity 8782.

Not only does Simplicity 8782 includes this fantastic children’s mermaid costume (including tail and sea themed accessories!), it includes adult sizes too.

Pattern: Simplicity 9159.

For the shark loving kids (and adults) amongst us: Simplcity 9159 comes with a great shark costume. The pattern also includes a fawn and a lion costume.

Challenge 3: Sew a children’s raincoat.

In the final challenge of week five, all the contestants had to make a raincoat to fit their little models in just five and a half hours.

Pattern: Burda 9334.

Inspired to make a (rain)coat yourself? How about Burda 9334? This pattern includes a hooded jacket with super cute motif pockets that will keep little hands warm.