Sewing Bee Episode 2 – Children’s Sewing Patterns

Episode 2 of The Great British Sewing Bee – watch Now on BBC iPlayer

Another exciting episode (not least to see Patrick Grant doing the floss!) watching the 9 remaining Sewing Bee’s being challenged to create technically brilliant garments whilst showing off their creativity – there were some wonderful creations and the launch of Joe Lycett’s new catchphrase – #thatsgoodsewing

Patrick and Joe teaching Esme to do the floss! (the child models would have been cringing!)

This week the theme was Sewing for Children!

Editor Amy (live tweeting through the show) was straight in with some expert advice for sewing for kids.

When making for children it’s best to make seams extra strong so a kid can move, run around, and play in the clothes with no worries! Sew twice, use an overlocker if you can and top-stitch the seam allowance into place #gbsb #sewingbee #gbsb5 #greatbritishsewingbee

— Love Sewing (@LoveSewingMag) February 19, 2019

Patrick said he’s never seen such a talented bunch and never seen a better transformation challenge than this week, what do you think – how do they compare to past bees we’ve come to know and love? Like the fabulous Tilly who has an Ultimate Guide to Sewing supplement that comes as a cover gift with Issue 64 of Love Sewing Magazine in shops tomorrow (along with two pattern gifts!)

The Pattern Challenge

This challenge is where the sewing bees are given the same pattern, they can choose their fabric and must fit it to a mannequin.

To test the sewers’ dexterity, judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young kick off the pattern challenge with a wardrobe staple of every child – a hoodie. The task requires a tricky combination of hard-to-handle stretch fabrics, small pattern pieces and getting to grips with the ruthless overlocker which cuts the fabric as it sews.

Don’t have an overlocker? Sewing jersey on your regular machine isn’t that scary! Here are the top 5 tips you’ll need to ensure sewing success https://t.co/zGAEw82vir #gbsb #sewingbee #gbsb5 pic.twitter.com/9HBux2qxIE

— Love Sewing (@LoveSewingMag) February 19, 2019

All of the sewing bees did really well, which just shows that with enough time even a beginner could make a hoodie. We’ve pulled together a collection of free Hoodie patterns for you to try – Free Hoodie Patterns

Alteration / Transformation Challenge

Next, in the transformation challenge, the sewers let their imaginations run wild, turning faux fur coats into fantastical fancy dress beasts.

If you fancy sewing up a fun kids outfit we’ve got a brilliant reindeer outfit which would be perfect to transform and adapt into whatever magical, mythical creature you desire!

Last Christmas I made my niece this adorable furry reindeer hat! She was a bit scared! You can try the free download on our website and I bet you could adapt it to be a different animal #sewingbee #greatbritishsewingbee #gbsb5 #gbsb https://t.co/yAcCmvxSUt pic.twitter.com/m2LCMJtbU4

— Love Sewing (@LoveSewingMag) February 19, 2019

Made-to-Measure Challenge

Finally, the Sewing Bee welcomes dancing mini-models for made-to-measure dance costumes. These must be perfectly fitted but allow enough freedom of movement for the dancing children to perform the Hornpipe, the Tarantella and Highland dancing down the catwalk. Who will tango their way to the top and win garment of the week, and who will stumble, becoming the second sewer to leave the Great British Sewing Bee?

Not everything went to plan…