Sewing Bee 2022 Week 7 Patterns & Techniques
Get ready for bed! It was pyjamas and lingerie on this week’s The Great British Sewing Bee 2022. Episode 7 featured lace lingerie, lounge clothes makeovers and men’s pyjamas.
LACE BRA AND KNICKERS PATTERN
GBSB Week 7 featured an amazing lace bra and knickers challenge. If you were inspired, you should check our our Madalynne Intimates pattern collection with beginner friendly instructions, advice on picking your size and video sewalongs available to take you through the steps in detail.
S8229 is the ultimate underwired lace bra pattern. It covers bras sized 32A to 42DD, and includes full coverage panties sized XS-XL. There are adjustable straps, and the set can be made with a lace, knit or spandex back band.
S9478 is a great plunge bralette pattern. The bralette has adjustable shoulder straps, underwires, back bra hook closure and stretch lace details. Fits cup sizes A through F. Options for thong and full coverage panties are included in sizes XS through 4XL.
S8228 is another fun option! This design has soft cup bras in halter or racer back, and panties with scalloped lace trimmings. Bras sized 32A to 42DD, full coverage panties sized XS-XL.
MADE TO MEASURE CHALLENGE
This week the challenge was to make a pair of luxury men’s pyjamas! We saw some really spectacular sets of lounge wear that you can recreate at home with the following patterns. There were a couple of out of print patterns you might find on eBay or Etsy but we’ve also provided alternatives for you to check out too.
Don’t forget to read our guide to slippery fabrics here.
Learn how to sew perfect piped pyjama collars with our step by step photo guide. And discover the EZ piping wizard tool.
You might have also been intrigued by how many people sewed French Seams last night. This technique isn’t often included in sewing instructions because it’s an advanced method of finishing your seams. You can add French Seams to any project using lightweight fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon and cotton lawn. Don’t try it on bulky
First you will place the fabric wrong sides together and sew a narrow 6mm seam. Then you will trim the edge and press the seam open, then press closed so the right sides are then placed together and the previous stitching line is on the fold. To finish you’ll sew a second seam at 9mm from the folded edge to encase the raw edges and create a robust stable seam.
You have to do this for every seam allowance that would normally show on the inside/be finished by another method so it can be easy to forget halfway through your project! Fun fact: you can french seam armholes. It doesn’t matter that they’re round, it’s still a seam that can be sewn twice!
Annie chose to be inspired by her favourite rapper with a slouchy silky pyjamas over a vest top. She used a Kwik Sew pattern that’s now discontinued. Man Yee wowed the judges with her version of Simplicity 8802 (there’s only a few copies left on sale) with flawless colourblocking and a charming Bee on the pocket. For a pattern that is perfect for each of these looks use M8262 and move the pocket placement around to suit your style. It has trouser and short options included too!
Debra chose duchesse satin for her pyjamas to give them a thick stable texture. She was inspired by Noel Coward, so it was a shame she couldn’t make one of his signature robes. She chose Simplicity 1504 with a peter pan collar and piped details. This is a family sized pattern for men, women and children which is fun! It has the classic button down top and long pyjama bottoms, plus there is a nightshirt variation included.
Christian’s colour palette would certainly wake you up with juicy orange and blue. He looked like he drafted his pattern again but it’s very similar to S3971 but with slightly smaller cuffs! This is a unisex design for men and women, that includes the classic button front top, shorts and trousers, plus a vest pattern included too! Perfect for summer and winter pyjamas.
Gill is so good at using our patterns on the show. We love to see it! This week she chose S9218 which includes a chic half placket top and long bottoms. There are size packs for Men and Women, and Children’s pyjamas to choose between and it can be sewn in wovens or jersey fabrics!
Brogan went for a tropical inspired pyjama set in cotton lawn. We loved that she chose Vogue 8964 as it’s such a detailed pattern with button down top, shorts and trousers with button fly opening and a coordinating robe. All with that signature piping detail. Cleverly the piping doesn’t go around the back collar on this pattern so she didn’t have to line up piping across the two pieces. Very smart. We’ve added extra stock of this pattern so you can buy yourself a copy and recreate the look!
Last but not least, we couldn’t forget Patrick, who revealed he loves wearing nightshirts that have half plackets and finish at the knee…. well we have the perfect pattern for you Mr Grant! S9211 has top and nightshirt variations as well as trousers included if you’re not as brave as Patrick.
GET ALL THE LOOKS FROM EPISODE 7
Whether you want to make Men’s pyjamas like the show, or just fancy making yourself a set, check out our dedicated Sewing Bee Collections – themed around each episode they’ll have you itching to sew the trends you saw on the show. We’ve got lingerie patterns, and pyjama designs for Men, Women and Children to pick from all in one place!
