Every year we’re blown away by the incredible garments produced by the contestants on the Sewing Bee, from show-stopping dresses to charming outfits for children.
If you’re feeling inspired by the show and want to whip up your own Sewing Bee-inspired outfits then you’ve come to the right place!
While the series is on the air, we’ll be updating this article every week with patterns inspired by the episodes, so you’ll be able to stitch the looks you love.
29 Great British Sewing Bee patterns
1. Make your own trench coat!
Asmaa, Tony, Mia, and Vicki made some fantastic trench coats in episode nine. They're bringing trenches back in style!
Sew your own trench coat by heading over to our collection of coat and jacket sewing patterns.
2. Stitch a modern coat
Not a fan of trench coats? Make a modern version of a long coat with Portia Lawrie's free coat sewing pattern.
3. Master collar making
We absolutely loved those trench coats in episode nine but they are tricky to sew!
Learn how to sew a collar just like those on the iconic trench coat with our tutorial.
4. Stitch your own occasion dress
Sew your very own sleek Audry Hepburn-inspired dress with Simply Sewing's occasion dress pattern.
5. Stitch your own waterproofs
Fancy turning a shower curtain into a high-fashion outfit? Or transforming your own windbreaker?
We have plenty of upcycling tutorials here on Gathered including some tips on how to sew with waterproof fabrics.
6. Master menswear!
Create your very own smoking jacket with our collection of menswear patterns. The round-up includes this rather suave number.
7. Learn how to sew sleeves
The sleeves of the smoking jackets in episode 8 caused the Bees all sorts of trouble!
Don't be like them, learn how to sew sleeves with our tutorial.
8. Sew your own 90's inspired evening dress
How stunning were the dresses for 90's week? We loved Vickis and of course, Asmaa's was incredible – high-end luxury!
If you fancy whipping up your own fitted evening dress then we have the pattern for you. Follow Portia Lawrie's evening dress pattern and make your own velvet, 90's inspired dress.
9. Master spaghetti straps
Lauren's spaghetti straps let her beautiful dress down in 90's week – don't be like Lauren!
Learn how to make spaghetti straps with Roisin McKenna's expert tutorial. It includes info about fabric grain, bias-cut straps, and lots of top tips.
10. Stitch your own delicate bras
We loved Asmaa's dress in 90s week! Her handmade bra gave it extra drama and structure.
If you fancy making your own handmade bras then head over to our collection of bra patterns.
11. Fun skater girl's dress pattern
Make your own comfy and cool partywear for your little ones! We promise Kirtsy Hartley's sweet pom pom dress pattern will be loved by adults and kids alike.
12. Customise your own denim jacket
In the kid's week transformation challenge the Bees were tasked with giving a denim jacket a fun makeover but upcycled jackets aren't just for children!
Rachael Dobbins shows you how to pimp up your jacket with her free flowers embroidery pattern. It really gives a plain jacket a new lease of life.
If embroidery isn't for you then why not learn how to make tulle flowers and add them instead?
13. Create a scary dragon costume!
Make this Halloween the most magical one yet! Inspired by the dragon dressing gowns in kids' week, this adorable dragon costume will quickly become a family favourite.
14. Get to grips with bias binding
Don't struggle with bias binding like Tony did in Children's week! Follow our bias binding tutorial and you'll be ready to sew your own dragon dressing gown.
15. Girl’s dress pattern
Children’s Week returns every year and we loved all the little dresses the contestants made this year! If you want to start making clothes for kids, we’d recommend starting with this girl’s dress pattern designed by Melanie Washington.
16. Master applique
Master the art of applique just like the Bee's did in Art week with our guide to applique! We will leave the artistic shapes, colours and Esme-pleasing bow up to you.
If you want to test out your applique skills why not make our botanical cushion?
17. Transform scraps into pom poms
How adorable was Mia's pom pom cloud dress in episode 5? We would totally wear it!
If you fancy creating your own fabric pom poms then we have the tutorial for you!
Whip up your own pom poms and make your very own surrealist dress.
18. Create your own tulle skirt
The surrealist dress Lauren created for Art week of the Sewing Bee was both trippy and clever!
She worked with tulle to create her skirt and we think it's a technique everyone should master.
Practice your sewing skills with our easy tuelle skirt refashion.
19. Make a pair of trousers for everyday wear
For sustainable week the contestants created zero-waste trousers. Perfect for the office, home, or partying, our wide leg trouser pattern is a must-make!
If these trousers don't take your fancy, head over to our pants pattern or our free harem pants pattern.
20. Design your own tote!
In episode four the Bees were tasked with creating a tote bag from leftover fabrics. Tote bags are super easy to sew and luckily for you, we have plenty of patterns!
Learn how to sew a tote bag then learn how to add applique to a tote bag for added decoration.
21. Crochet your own blanket
How cool was the Made to Measure challenge in episode 4? We loved all the crochet garments! You can learn how to crochet a blanket here on Gathered.
22. Sew your own swimming costume
In episode two of the Sewing Bee, the contestants made fabulous swimming costumes! If you fancy making some too then head over to our collection of swimsuit patterns.
23. Make a rucksack
For the Pattern challenge in episode two, the contestants made their own rucksacks much like our backpack here on Gathered. Head over to our how to make a backpack tutorial and take it on all your summer adventures!
24. Beautiful blouses
For the first challenge of the first 2023 episode, the contestants had to make their own statement blouses. They created some gorgeous twist tops that we absolutely loved!
If you fancy making your own statement blouse then our round-up of the best blouse patterns is for you.
Use funky fabric, add bold bows or stitch extravagant ruffles to make your blouse really stand out!
25. Officewear transformations
The transformation challenge had the sewists turning plain officewear into modern garments. There was everything from punk-inspired tops to cropped camis.
Try your hand at transforming your own workwear with our shirt to blouse pattern. Your old work shirts will be unrecognisable after following this pattern!
Alternatively, you could flip this Sewing Bee challenge on its head. Why not turn everyday items into fashionable officewear just like we have in our pencil skirt refashioning?
26. Cut out dresses
We were in awe of the brilliant cut out dresses created in the first episode of The Sewing Bee. The talent is unmatched.
Learn how to sew a halter dress (just like Lizzie created) or make your own infinity dress and show some skin this summer.
27. DIY shirt upcycling project
It wouldn’t be Sewing Bee without some sustainable sewing inspiration! Every episode features a Transformation Challenge, which pushes the contestants to make creative garments using old clothes.
This fun DIY shirt upcycling project is a great way to update an old shirt and give it a fresh new look.
Get to know the Sewing Bee’s Esme Young
Fashion designer Esme Young brings decades of experience to her role as Sewing Bee judge. Find out more about her fascinating life in our Esme Young profile.
28. Pleated skirt pattern
Being able to make perfect pleats is an essential Sewing Bee skill. Learn how to master this important dressmaking technique with Leah Farquharson’s free pleated skirt pattern.
Subscribe to Simply Sewing Magazine today
Save up to 45% when you subscribe to Simply Sewing magazine and receive the brand-new book ‘The Great British Sewing Bee: The Skills’ which accompanies the 2023 series. Order now: www.buysubscriptions.com/GBSB2023
29. Hoodie with a zip pattern
Inserting a zip neatly can be challenging and it’s often where Sewing Bee contestants come unstuck due to the pressure of the competition. Luckily if you’re making your own clothes at home you can work at your own pace to ensure a tidy finish.
Hone your zip sewing skills with our relaxed hoodie pattern created by Claire-Louise Hardie.
Make your own wardrobe with our Sewing Bee patterns
Channel your inner Sewing Bee contestant and rustle up stunning clothes at home with our Sewing Bee patterns guide.
Each week we love to share projects related to the episode theme so that you can get involved too.
Many of these patterns are easy enough for beginners to stitch, so it’s a brilliant way to start your sewing journey. Who knows? You could even appear on the show yourself one day!
Catch up on the latest news from the Sewing Bee
If you’re as obsessed with the Sewing Bee as we are, you’ll want to keep up-to-date with the latest highlights from the show.
Take a look at Gathered’s complete guide to the Great British Sewing Bee, which includes trivia about the judges, profiles of the contestants and more.
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