Sewing Bee Week 1 Patterns & Techniques

That’s right, The Great British Sewing Bee 2022 episode 1 has aired! So we’re rounding up the patterns you loved from the show and the techniques for you to try on your next project.

Made to measure challenge

GBSB Week 1 featured some beautiful wrap dresses so we’ve picked out the perfect patterns to recreate the contestants Made To Measure challenge.

Annie wowed the judges with her wrap dress with fluted sleeves in a floaty fabric that wafted down the runway. V1734 is the perfect pattern to recreate the look with it’s beautiful midi length and exquisite cut. You are always in good hands with a Vogue Sewing Pattern and this one has been very popular since it’s release.

If you liked Gill’s jersey wrap dress then look no further than N6301. I’m 99% certain this is the pattern she chose because I’ve made it myself! It has fitted and flared skirt views and different sleeve styles to try! She based her version on a look by the Duchess of Cambridge and used the simple silhouette to create a timeless stunning dress that’s easy to wear. Remember to use a ballpoint needle when sewing with jersey fabric to avoid creating holes as you sew.

Debra’s dress was simply stunning with soft watercolour palette and curved front hem. We recommend S8637 to recreate the look as it has that same curved hem and neat cap sleeves. It’s perfect for woven fabrics like cotton or viscose. Now you just have to find a dreamy fabric to sew it in!

Debra’s dress was also highlighted by beautiful bias binding applied to all the front openings, sleeve hems and waist ties. Bias binding is such a fun technique that creates a high impact! If you have lots of bias binding to make we recommend using the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker Machine. It can make bias of 4 different sizes and perfectly presses the folds in place. This means you can choose the perfect fabric and colour to compliment your garment without relying on shop bought tape.

Angela chose a design that is out of print which had stunning bell sleeve cuffs. While she used a beautiful green leaf print cotton, this pattern is perfect for stretch fabrics for a cosy comfortable fit. To create the dramatic tie effect she used simply extend the length of the ties and wrap them around your full waist to knot in the front rather than the side. Why not try B6675 instead?

Steve AND Mitch made our very own S9224 which has a grown on sleeve pattern which means the sleeve extends from the bodice pattern in a single shape. Perfect for beginners! There’s also a video sewalong for this dress from the designer Mimi G, so you can follow along at your own pace. Poor Mitch cut his rather short but you can see here the hem wraps over beautifully for FULL coverage! We loved Steve’s colour-blocked version in linen, proving this pattern works in lots of different fabrics!

Man Yee wowed the judges with her translucent wrap dress with gathered puff sleeves. M8036 is the perfect pattern to recreate the look as the sleeve head is nicely pleated to create volume, so you can cut it off to a cap length and gather the hem into a self drafted cuff band. This pattern works in all kinds of fabric making it rather marvellous. I have a half finished cotton sateen version for instance, but you could sew with mesh just like Man Yee and make a slip dress pattern underneath like V9278, N6373 or S8545.

Richy who loves historical garments, made a Kimono-inspired dress robe. Perfect for floaty fabrics you’ll want something with oversized sleeves and substantial belt to recreate the look. So we’re recommending Burda 6207 which has a gorgeous second pattern view as well. Richy featured split opening on his sleeves which would be a fun addition to this pattern. Simply slash the fabric up to the required point and bind the opening with coordinating bias tape.

Pattern challenge:

If you preferred the wool mini skirt challenge with those piped patch pockets, then keep reading. We have lots of great patterns that feature piping so you can boost your skills. You might also like to watch our piping masterclass video.

Vogue 1827 is an unisex shirt pattern in a loose oversized style. The notch collar and front opening can be accentuated with piping! Plus the sleeve cuffs and chest pocket can be piped too.

With M7892 you can combine Sewing Bee challenges to make a piped wrap dress! View C features piping at the waist bands and a bias bound hem on the skirt and sleeves.

M7869 is a easy to sew and wear knit top. Sewing with jersey fabrics is so quick and satisfying, so why not add some fun details like the piped yoke?

Looking for a new Spring dress? N6665 features eye-catching piping around the neck and armholes. Plus there is gathering under the bust and at the waist, and those all important pockets!

Wool skirts are wonderful to sew because wool behaves so nicely as you work with it. Consider using tailors tacks to mark notches and darts if your weave is quite uneven. Wool can take steam nicely, but use a pressing cloth to avoid any shiny marks. Most wool mixes are machine washable these days but test with a small scrap of fabric just to be sure there’s no shrinkage.

We’ve rounded up our favourite skirt patterns that work with wool so you can be inspired by the show, even if you don’t wear mini skirts!