Sewing Bee series 7 episode 7 – 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 Adeena last week. And with only 6 contestants remaining, the theme for episode 7 was Winter.

As always there were three challenges: for the technical challenge the contestants were asked to sew man’s flannel shirt, for the second challenge they had to transform old knitted scarves into something new, and lastly they had to make a festive party dress 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 men’s shirt.

The pattern challenge of this week’s episode was sewing a men’s shirt using flannel. The contestants were asked to sew a shirt with a yoke, cuffs, and a two-piece collar. The pattern had 17 pattern pieces and they had to sew it up in 4 hours and 45 minutes. Inspired to make a flannel shirt for yourself or for your other half? You can find our shirt pattern suggestions below.

Pattern: Simplicity 8753.

Simplicity 8753 is a classic men’s shirt with cuffs and a two-piece collar. This pattern comes with three different fit options – classic, modern, and slim – which is a great way to customise it to your lifestyle.

Pattern: Vogue 1622.

Vogue 1622 is designed for both men and women. It features short sleeves and unusual seam and tuck details on version A. And version B comes with long sleeves, button cuffs, and a button placket.

Pattern: Simplicity 8180.

If you are looking to make a matching set for an adult and child, then Simplicity 8180 is the one for you. Not only can you make a short or long sleeve collared shirt with a chest pocket, you can also make a matching tie, and boxer shorts.

Pattern: Simplicity 1544.

Simplicity 1544 is another classic button front shirt with optional pockets, shoulder tabs, and yoke. Make the collar band, cuff and inside yoke in a contrast fabric for a modern approach to the traditional men’s shirt.

Pattern: McCall’s 6613.

McCall’s 6613 comes with a lot of different design options and it’s designed for both men and women. Pick and choose between short sleeves, long sleeves, different pockets, a button down collar, and different hem variations.

Pattern: Vogue 8759.

Vogue 8759 features a self lined yoke and seams on the back to give it shape. Make it with a two-piece collar or a mandarin collar, and choose from short or long sleeves with cuffs.

Challenge 3: Sew a festive party dress.

In the final challenge of week seven, the contestants had to make a festive party dress to fit their models. Find some of our pattern suggestions below.