WEEK 5
THE CHALLENGES
It’s Week 5, and the sewers tackle the wide world of sport, with plenty of firsts along the way.
In the Pattern Challenge, they hit the beach to create the classic men’s swimming shorts.
The Transformation Challenge sees the remaining eight split into pairs for the first-ever team challenge. Working together, they create an outfit from recycled windsurf sails.
In a Made-to-Measure first, the bees use free-motion embroidery and appliqué to personalise their bowling shirts.
Highlights
A big highlight this week! We spotted two bees wearing our patterns paired with our fabrics this week. Minnie wore a Peony in Ziggy viscose crepe, while Adele wore an Aspen in our Daisy Beau stretch denim, which is also available as a kit. Ziggy in green has now sold out, but the coral colourway is currently on sale.
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WE'RE INSPIRED TO MAKE...
We loved the style of the bowling shirts and felt the need to sift through our patterns and make our own. We think the Emporia Tony Shirt would create the perfect canvas.
Now we’re wondering what designs we’d create on ours… Maybe something sewing-themed?
The men’s swim shorts got us thinking about making those classic Bond-style shorts in traditional swimwear fabrics. If you’re planning to sew yourself a pair before the end of summer, check out our 'Essential Tips for Perfect Swimwear Sewing'
We spotted a great tool that we love in the first challenge. The bees were able to use the Prym Vario Creative Tool for their eyelets, and we’re big fans of the Vario! Perfect for attaching non-sew buttons, fasteners and more, it eliminates the need for a hammer and helps prevent misshapen or damaged metalwork.
GARMENT OF THE WEEK
It was a second win for Anna this week, and incredibly well deserved! Her food-themed bowling shirt was a thing of beauty. Some of us in the studio have attempted free-motion embroidery, and it’s certainly not an easy skill to master, let alone to this level. Her work has inspired a few of us to have another go!
WHO WENT HOME?
Tim was the one to leave the sewing room this week. We will miss his lovely energy. That feather collar from last week is still living rent free in our heads.
WEEK 4
THE CHALLENGES
Week 4 takes the bees to Mexico, with guest judge Erika Alvarez introducing the pattern challenge. This week’s make is a Mexican folkloric top, created in a fabric of the contestants’ choice, woven in Oaxaca. Their precision measuring and sewing skills are put to the test with the addition of ribbons and neatly finished mitred corners.
For the transformation challenge, each sewer selects an oilcloth table covering and must turn it into a structured garment. Realistically, though, is there any way oilcloth could become anything but structured?
In the made-to-measure challenge, the sewers design and create an outfit for a Mexican fiesta of their choice. The sewing room bursts with colourful fabrics, trims, lace, and ribbons, perfectly capturing the spirit of the celebration.
Highlights
It’s no secret that quite a few of us in the studio are completely obsessed with trim, so this week’s pattern challenge was right up our street. There’s something so satisfying about playing with different widths and pairing up perfectly coordinated colours. It’s a dream brief for detail lovers like us. Naturally, we couldn’t resist picking out a few of our favourite trims from the studio to share.
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| Floral Trim - 25mm - Blue & Red | Arizona Woven Trim - Brown | Daisy Crochet Trim - 60mm - Black |
WE'RE INSPIRED TO MAKE...
The made-to-measure challenge felt full of joy, with an abundance of stunning bright prints and swathes of gathers bringing each look to life. It’s left us feeling inspired to create a fiesta dress of our own. We’ve picked out a selection of fabrics and patterns that we think would be absolutely perfect.
Tim's feathered collar got us planning festival outifts with our huge collection of feather trims.
Check out our huge collection of feather trims here
If you find yourself inspired to sew with some big floral prints after this episode, check out our article, 'Big, Bold & Beautiful: A Guide to Sewing with Large Print Fabrics'
GARMENT OF THE WEEK
Heather was a very deserving winner this week. She chose the Fiesta Grande de Enero, which she said reminded her of a harvest festival. Her four-tiered gathered skirt was paired with an off-the-shoulder, puffy blouse, creating a beautifully balanced silhouette. We loved her choice of floral fabrics set against darker backgrounds—such a striking contrast. It was a truly joyful outfit that wouldn’t look out of place at a garden party in the UK right now.
WHO WENT HOME?
We were so sad to see our local bee, Lewis, go this week. We absolutely loved his orange-coated raincoat. While it may have missed the structural brief slightly, it was undeniably cool. As huge fans of broderie anglaise, we also really appreciated his creative use of it in both his men’s shirt and trousers.
Next week is Sports Week, typically not a favourite for many sewers, but we’re already loving the look of those embroidered shirts. And when we hear Patrick say, “this is one of the best things I have ever seen,” we just know it might be another great episode!
WEEK 3
THE CHALLENGES
Welcome to week 3! This time, we’re celebrating Reduce, Reuse, Recycle as the contestants tackle three fun, eco-friendly challenges to champion sustainability and take on fast fashion.
First up: the Pattern Challenge! For the very first time, the talented sewers must create THREE pairs of pants out of old T-shirts- talk about a creative twist! It’s a brilliant test of both skill and consistency.
Next, Patrick and Esme visit a treasure trove of discarded materials, saving items from landfill to hand-pick unique fabrics for the Transformation Challenge.
Finally, the sewers take a stand, designing made-to-measure outfits with powerful environmental messages, proving fashion can inspire change!
HIGHLIGHTS
We loved the knickers challenge and have just. Added a new lingerie pattern designer to the website “Fittiyoo” As well as knickers in all shapes and sizes, you can challenge yourself further with bras and swimwear too! If you didn’t want to use a T shirt we also have a selection of Jersey prints.
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We were so inspired by the scrap challenge this week. Although we don’t stock any scrap we do stock a lot of deadstock fabrics, which are often leftover from the fashion industry when brands overbuy on fabric.
Here are some of our favourite deadstock fabrics
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Also if you were thinking of working with trims like the bee’s we have a massive section here and checkout our guide to working with Ric Rac.
WE'RE INSPIRED TO MAKE...
Like Emma, Adele and Haether we are inspired to make an ocean themed outfit. With our beautiful sea and fish prints being a great place to start.
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GARMENT OF THE WEEK
Anna's Garment of the Week was an unforgettable highlight, showcasing not only exceptional technical ability but also a deeply personal and creative vision. Every element was executed with precision, resulting in a beautifully crafted piece that resonated far beyond its construction. The garment had a profound emotional impact, moving Patrick Grant to tears as he described it as one of the finest creations ever produced on The Great British Sewing Bee. Moments like this remind us that great sewing isn't just about skill—it's about creating something that tells a story and leaves a lasting impression.
WHO WENT HOME?
We were so sad to see Angie leave the Sewing Bee this week. Her final made-to-measure garment was a beautiful way to end her journey, with the stunning patchwork showing off her incredible talent and creativity. We'll definitely be following Angie's sewing journey on Instagram and can't wait to see what she makes next!
SEWING BEE INTERVIEW
Tony R - Series 9
What is the most memorable moment from your time on The Sewing Bee?
Winning garment of the week in kids week meant so much, as my inspo was my own daughter’s Christmas list from when she was five.
How has your life changed since the Bee?
I’ve now found my people and my thing; it’s taken me 50-odd years, but here I am.
What are you up to now?
I’m still working as a postie, but I’m also totally immersed in the sewing community. Doing the larger sewing shows, tutoring at my own workshops and also working with the NHS in getting men sewing to improve their own wellbeing and mental health.
Follow Tony's journey here - https://www.instagram.com/tonyr.maker/
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WEEK 2
The Challenges
This week is 'colour and print' week and this is right up our street. The pattern challenge was to sew an adaptive shell top with high-low hem, a wider neckline and invisible zip. For an added challenge, the tops also needed to be pattern matched. For the transformation challenge, they took Patrick and Esme's least favourite colours and combined them - cue the purple and brown challenge! Finally, for the made-to-measure the bees needed to make an outfit head-to-toe in one colour!
Highlights
Yet again the pattern challenge was full of our fabrics. It feels like a very good thing that the FG team didn't go for a 'drink every time you see one of our fabrics' game this year! Four of the bees chose to use one of our prints.
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| Daisy Beau Cotton Lawn - Maroon | Sardinia Viscose & Linen - Multi | Jessie Cow Print Denim - Ivory | Yoko Viscose & Linen - Ivory |
Our free pattern matching tutorial will guide you through a few techniques, including how to perfectly match a patch pocket.
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| Match Made in Fabric: A Guide to Pattern Matching |
The purple and brown challenge got us thinking. We love purple and brown but are we more team purple or team brown? We have to say, we do love a good brown. Whether it is chocolate, maroon, or even burgundy, it goes so well with other colours. Here are some of our favourites.
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| Bandana Denim - Chocolate | Bay Viscose & Linen - Brown | Dorothy Floral Patchwork Viscose Twill - Espresso |
We're Inspired to Make...
Emma is inspiring us once again this week with her stylish waistcoat, giving us serious Marlowe vibes thanks to those beautifully sewn welt pockets. We love how she's paired it with a floaty gathered skirt for a fresh, effortless look. If you've been wanting to master welt pockets yourself, our step-by-step video tutorial will guide you through every stage of sewing the perfect finish.
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| Fabric Godmother Marlowe Waistcoat | How to sew perfect welt pockets |
Garment of the week
Wow! Adele's two tone co-ord coulottes and cross back top was stunning. The placement of the two green fabrics created a gorgeous look. We are off to look through all our coulottes patterns and find that cross back top!
Who went home?
It is such a shame to lose such a skilled sewist as Sam. He is clearly very talented and we have been loving seeing his work with recycled coffee sacks on Instagram. We can't wait to see what he creates in the future.
Next week is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Week, and the sneak peeks in the trailer have us counting down already. The dramatic looks are seriously exciting, and we can't wait to see what the sewers create!
WEEK 1
The Challenges
The Sewing Bee is back, and we couldn't be more excited. This week's theme is 'British Summer', and the Pattern challenge was to sew a pair of shorts with patch pockets and topstitching. For their transformation challenge, the Bees were provided with a selection of aprons to transform into the bag of their choice. The made-to-measure was a first time for the Sewing Bee. The sewists made a summer garment for themselves.
Highlights
We loved meeting all the new bees. It's always fun to see if we can spot what patterns they are wearing. In the first challenge, we spotted lots of shorts in our fabrics and added some of them below, along with some perfect patterns to recreate your own.
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| Lobster Viscose & Linen - Blue | Strawberry Fayre Denim - Cream | Padstow Crab Viscose & Linen - Pink |
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| Fabric Godmother Ren Shorts | Tessuti Bailee Shorts | Puff and Pencil Breezy Shorts PDF |
We're Inspired to Make...
A summer dress like Adele's in blue Strawberry Fayre has jumped to the top of our sewing plans. Esme said she really loved this fabric, and so do we! We also loved Heather's dress in Kio Viscose Linen with that stunning piping.
If you fancy attempting an invisible zip like these two Bees, we've added a link to our free tutorial.
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| Inserting a concealed Zip - Free Tutorial | Strawberry Fayre Viscose & Line - Blue | Kio Visocse & Linen - Ivory |
We loved seeing the huge variety of bags created in the transformation challenge.
These are some of our favourite bag patterns in the FG studio.
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| Rosie Caldwell Quilted Kit Bag PDF (Beginner) | BF Patterns Bestie Bag PDF (Beginner) | Fibre Mood Mehri Bag PDF (Beginner) |
Need some extra help? Our free tutorials are here to help...
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If you fancy adding topstitching to your shorts too, read our handy post with: |
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The made to measure required the Bees to sew and fit a garment for themselves. Our free tutorial introduces you to simple fit adjustments on our Marlowe waistcoat. |
Garment of the week
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Garment of the week was Emma's beautiful, colourful swimsuit and matching trouser combo. Now all we want to make is swimwear and cover-ups. If you fancy matching your swimsuit to your cover-up, we have just the fabrics. Lots of our swimwear fabrics come with a matching woven fabric.
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| Neon Parrot Swimwear Jersey - Blue | Lolita Swimwear Jersey - Pink |
Who went home?
We Were So Sad To See Lovely Dawn Go.
We Can't Wait For Colour And Prints Week Next Week. That Sounds Right Up Our Street.