Sewing Bee series 7 episode 9 – 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 Damien last week. And with only 4 contestants remaining, the theme of the semi-final was 1940’s.

As always there were three challenges: for the technical challenge the contestants were asked to sew a pair of Oxford Bag trousers, for the second challenge they had to transform old parachutes into glamorous dresses, and lastly they made an outfit for their model inspired by Dior’s New Look.

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 Oxford Bag trousers.

The pattern challenge of this week’s episode was sewing a pair of Oxford Bag trousers. The contestants were asked to work with oversized pattern pieces and sew a fly zip, a waistband, two pleats, and a turned up hem. The pattern had 16 pattern pieces and the Bee’s sewed it up in 4.5 hours. Are you inspired to make loose fitting trousers for yourself? You can find our pattern suggestions below.

Pattern: Simplicity 8889.

Designed by the fabulous Mimi G, Simplicity 8889 comes close to a pair of Oxford Bag trousers with the loose fit, the turned up hems, and the pleats on the front. The pockets are definitely an added bonus!

Pattern: McCall’s 7907.

McCall’s 7907 is a loose-fitting trouser with a fly front, belt carriers, front pleat detail, side seam pockets and leg variations. The options include flared legs (with or without cargo pockets), balloon legs, flared legs that gather to a band.

Pattern: Vogue 9302.

Vogue 9302 is a straight pair of trousers with a waistband, inseam pockets, front pleats, back darts, and a side zipper closure. The pattern includes 2 length variations.

Pattern: Vogue 1772.

Vogue 1772 is a pair of stunning loose-fitting trousers with features such as soft pleats and a waistband. The pattern includes side seam pockets and the option to sew an invisible zipper in the back or a mock fly front with a hook & eye closure.

Pattern: Vogue 1685.

The front pleats make Vogue 1685 stand out. These wide legged trousers have a waistband, front pleats, side pockets, a back zip and two length variations.

Challenge 2: Sew an outfit inspired by Dior’s New Look.

In the final challenge of week nine, the contestants were asked to make a 1940’s woman’s outfit inspired by Dior’s New Look. Find some of our pattern suggestions below.

You can also check out our range of curated vintage sewing patterns, enabling you to create an authentic vintage look. Featuring tops, skirts, dresses and more, this collection makes it easy to design the perfect vintage look for any occasion. Browse our full range of vintage sewing patterns today to discover your next favourite outfit here.