The Great British Sewing Bee returned with a lively first episode, full of neat construction, quick thinking and plenty of ideas for summer sewing. From shorts and practical bags to made-to-measure outfits, there was lots to take from the opening week.
We have pulled together a few fabrics, patterns and useful haberdashery picks to help you create your own version of the challenges at home.
Images courtesy of BBC/Love Productions
Pattern Challenge: Summer Shorts
Images courtesy of BBC/Love Productions
The first Pattern Challenge asked the contestants to make a pair of summer shorts. It was a useful reminder that even a relatively simple garment relies on careful preparation. Accurate seams, evenly placed pockets and neat topstitching all helped the strongest pairs look properly finished.
Fabric choice makes a big difference with shorts. Denim gives you structure and a more classic look, while lighter cottons and seersuckers are ideal for easy summer styles. A little stretch can also make a fitted pair more comfortable to wear.
Short patterns we think you will love
These patterns cover a good mix of styles, from relaxed summer shorts to smarter tailored shapes and a useful men's option.
The Transformation Challenge
Images courtesy of BBC/Love Productions
The Transformation Challenge asked the sewers to turn barbecue aprons into practical bags. It was all about seeing possibility in something ordinary and using the existing shape, straps and pockets in a completely new way.
It is a good lesson for sewing at home too. Remnants, older textiles and spare hardware can often become something far more useful than you might expect. Bags are especially good for mixing textures, adding contrast panels and making the most of smaller pieces.
Images courtesy of BBC/Love Productions
Made to Measure
For the first time in Sewing Bee history, the contestants had to design, fit and model garments for themselves rather than sewing for external models.
That made the challenge feel much more personal. Each sewer having to think about what they would genuinely wear on their ideal summer's day, while also fitting the garment on themselves under pressure. The finished looks ranged from relaxed and practical to bold, colourful and much more theatrical.
Summer dress fabrics such as viscose, linen blends, lightweight cottons and silk blends are a good place to start for this kind of project. Think first about how much drape or structure your pattern needs, then choose the cloth to suit the shape.
Sew Along at Home
Whether you fancy making shorts, a practical bag or a complete summer outfit, these fabrics offer plenty of colour, texture and movement for your own at-home challenge.
One of the best things about the Sewing Bee is the way it encourages people to have a go. Whether you are planning a quick summer make or something more ambitious, we would love to see what you create.
Inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee?
Browse fabrics, sewing patterns and haberdashery inspired by the show, or catch up on more Sewing Bee articles.
