Sewing Bee Style for your Summer Get Away

With The Great British Sewing Bee back on our screens, it’s hard not to feel inspired. Each week brings new challenges, clever pattern hacks, and the kind of joyful sewing energy that makes you want to dig into your stash or treat yourself to a new fabric (or three). And if you’ve got a summer break or weekend escape planned, what better excuse to sew something special?

In true Sewing Bee spirit, we’ve pulled together some style ideas, fabric picks and simple project inspiration to help you stitch a little sunshine into your suitcase. Whether you're heading off to the coast, countryside or simply lounging in the garden with a cold drink, here’s how to bring a bit of Sewing Bee flair to your summer wardrobe.

Light and breezy dresses

Every Sewing Bee season has a few standout dresses that combine lovely movement with clever construction. Channel that same energy into your holiday wardrobe with loose-fitting, breathable designs that are easy to wear and even easier to sew.

Look for patterns with elasticated waists, tiered skirts or adjustable straps - great for warm weather and when you've had a few ice creams. A-line and trapeze styles are ideal for layering over swimsuits or popping on for a trip to the café.

Fabric ideas:

• Pima cotton lawn – cool, soft and ideal for intricate prints or florals

Shop all our pima cottons here. 

• Lightweight viscose – for that swishy, floaty drape

Browse our viscose here. 

• Double gauze – soft and crinkly, no need to iron, perfect for relaxed days away

Have a look at all our double gauze here. 

Easy-to-wear separates

Sewing Bee contestants often impress the judges with two-piece sets or mix-and-match separates and the same idea works brilliantly for travel wardrobes. Think wide-leg trousers and matching tops, elastic-waist skirts and cropped blouses, or a pair of relaxed shorts with a boxy shirt.

These are the pieces you’ll reach for again and again because they’re comfy, breathable and suit pretty much any holiday plan, from lounging with a book to walking round a local market.

Fabric ideas:

• Linen – breathable in warmer weather 

Shop all our linens here.

• Cotton chambray or lightweight denim – great for shorts, skirts or more structured tops

L-R: Roseberry Chambray  :  Denim Chambray Anglaise in Dark Blue  : Embroidered Denim Chambray in Ladybug :  Sunday Denim Chambray  :  6.4oz Stretch Denim in Blue Black

• Seersucker – the natural crinkle adds interest and keeps you cool

Shop all our seersuckers HERE. 

Cover-ups and layers

Even in summer, we know how unpredictable the British weather can be. A simple handmade kimono or oversized shirt makes a lovely light layer for cooler evenings or beach breezes.

If you’re after something really versatile, go for a shirt dress, it works as a cover-up, day dress, or even something smarter if you're heading out for dinner. The Sewing Bee has seen some brilliant shirt dress interpretations over the years, and it’s a great pattern for experimenting with fabric.

Fabric ideas:

• Cotton – cool and breathable, with crispness for clean lines

• Viscose – drapey and relaxed

• Sheer georgette – if you’re feeling bold!

Don't forget the details

One of the joys of watching Sewing Bee is spotting all the clever little details, contrast pockets, hand-stitched buttons, topstitching in a bold colour. When you're sewing for a getaway, these personal touches can really make a difference.

Why not add:

• A secret contrast facing in a pop of colour

• Handmade fabric ties instead of a belt

• A decorative topstitch in a bright or metallic thread

• Pockets (always pockets!)

Holiday sewing doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can be special (see our blog on Summer Wardrobe Editions One & Two). 

Fabric to match your mood

If you’re stuck for inspiration, try picking fabric based on the mood of your trip. Heading to the seaside? Go for breezy blues, nautical stripes, or painterly prints. Off to the country? Soft florals, linen textures or earthy tones. Staying local? Treat yourself to something bold and bright - after all, you’ll never lose track of a loved one in a tropical print.

The Sewing Bee often champions statement prints and colour confidence, so don’t be afraid to go for something that makes you smile. Even a classic pattern in a new colour can feel fresh when styled with sandals and a straw bag.

Patterns we love for summer sewing

Here are a few styles to look out for if you’re after a new make:

• Loose shirt dresses (perfect for layering or wearing open over a swimsuit)

• Tiered maxi skirts (great for showing off prints)

• Boxy cropped tops (ideal with high-waist shorts or trousers)

• Wrap dresses or skirts (easy to fit and flattering on most figures)

• Elasticated jumpsuits (comfortable enough for travel, stylish enough for dinner)

Check your stash for forgotten gems or have a browse through our summer fabric collection—­we've got plenty that would be right at home in a Sewing Bee transformation challenge. You can browse and filter all our sewing patterns here: filter by garment, difficulty, best selling or even by the indie pattern companies we stock. 

Time to get stitching

So whether you’re sewing along with the Sewing Bee challenges or just watching with a cuppa and taking notes, now’s the time to turn that inspiration into something wearable. Even a quick top or last-minute pair of shorts can add a handmade touch to your holiday and give you something to proudly say “I made it!” when someone compliments your outfit.

Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, stitching and Sewing Bee style.

The Croft Mill Team x