Episode 2 of The Great British Sewing Bee turned up the colour, with bold prints, clever pattern matching and a made-to-measure challenge built around a single colour palette.

It was an episode made for fabric lovers, so we have gathered together some of our favourite printed cottons, viscose fabrics, voiles, batiks and textured cloths to help you bring a little Sewing Bee inspiration to your own sewing room.

Pattern Challenge: Matching Prints with Precision

The opening challenge raised the technical bar with an adaptive shell top designed by Victoria Jenkins. Alongside practical details such as side zips, a wider neckline and a high-low hem, the sewers had to keep the print carefully matched across the garment.

Pattern matching can transform a handmade garment. When a bold floral, tropical leaf or repeated motif flows cleanly across pockets and seams, the finished piece looks much more polished. The trick is to plan before you cut, rather than trying to correct the print once the pieces are already under the machine.

Paradise Palm Viscose Fabrics

The Crafty Spot Cotton Poplin

Pretty Polly Cotton Poplin Prints

Printed Cotton Voile Fabrics

Transformation Challenge: Purple, Brown and Plenty of Imagination

For the Transformation Challenge, the sewers had to combine purple and brown, two colours the judges are well known for having strong opinions about. With no pattern to follow, the contestants relied on draping, gathering, asymmetry and texture to make the colour pairing feel deliberate rather than dated.

This is where fabric choice can do much of the work for you. A mottled tie-dye, a richly coloured batik or a flowing printed viscose already contains movement and variation, making it easier to build an outfit around less obvious colour combinations.

Stretch Needlecord Tie-Dye

Batik and Tie-Dye Fabrics

Printed Viscose Fabrics

Printed Voiles for Lightweight Layers

Made to Measure: One Colour, More Than One Texture

The final challenge asked the sewers to create a complete outfit using a single colour palette. Without contrasting colours to rely on, they had to create interest through shape, surface texture, drape and construction.

A one-colour outfit does not need to look flat. Combining fabrics with different weights and finishes can make even a quiet palette feel considered. Think soft viscose with structured twill, a lightweight voile layered over something opaque, or smooth lawn paired with a fabric that has a more visible weave.

This is also a useful way to plan a handmade wardrobe. Choose one colour family, then mix several fabrics within it to create separates that work together rather than isolated pieces that are difficult to style.

Our Customers Never Shy Away From Colour

The best inspiration often comes from seeing what other home sewers have made. These customer projects show how colour, print and texture can turn a length of fabric into something completely personal.

Sew Along at Home

Episode 2 was a strong reminder that prints do not need to be intimidating and colour does not need to match perfectly to work. A little planning, a careful cut and the right fabric can make all the difference.

Whether you fancy practising pattern matching, trying an unexpected colour combination or sewing an outfit around one shade, we have plenty of fabrics to help you get started.