Sewing Bee series 7 episode 6 – 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 Adam last week. And with only 7 contestants remaining, the theme for episode 6 was Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

As always there were three challenges: for the technical challenge the contestants were asked to sew a gentleman’s waistcoat, for the second challenge they had to transform Army surplus into a woman’s garment, and lastly they had to make a dress from second hand jeans to fit their 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 gentleman’s waistcoat.

The pattern challenge of this week’s episode was sewing a gentleman’s waistcoat. The contestants were asked to sew a waistcoat using second hand fabrics. The pattern had 14 pattern pieces and five buttons on the front. You can find our waistcoat pattern suggestions below.

Pattern: Simplicity 4762.

Make Simplicity for adults and kids and choose from 4 different waistcoat styles. This pattern also includes 2 different ties to complete the look.

Pattern: Simplicity 8023.

Sewing for a special occasion? Simplicity 8023 includes a lined waistcoat for adults and kids. Make it with or without contrast lapels, a cummerbund, a bow-tie with back closure, and ascot.

Pattern: Simplicity 1506.

Simplicity 1506 features a waistcoat for larger kids and adults. The pattern includes 2 different designs, one with buttons down the front and welt pockets, and one with a zipper down the front and large pockets.

Pattern: McCall’s 6228.

McCalls 6228 is designed to fit men and women. The pattern includes different neckline variations and a back buckled belt. Versions A, C and F have welt pockets whereas versions B and G have patch pockets.

Pattern: Vogue 9073.

Go for an extra chic waistcoat with Vogue 9073. It features a high neckline and welt pockets. The pattern also includes a cummerbund, a pocket square, bias cut ties, and a bow tie.

Pattern: Vogue 8987.

Vogue 8987 features a close-fitting, lined waist coat with a shaped front hemline, welt pockets, darts, and a back tie with purchased buckle.

Pattern: McCall’s 2447.

McCall’s 2447 is another lined waistcoat that would look great in cotton, wool, silk, brocade, or satin. This pattern also includes a shirt, a tie in two lengths and a bow tie.

Challenge 3: Sew a denim dress.

In the final challenge of week six, the contestants had to make a dress to fit their models using only second-hand denim from old jeans. Find some of our pattern suggestions below.