Dive into sewing with preferred designs from The Sewing Bee collection
The eagerly awaited return of The Great British Sewing Bee is upon us, and the first episode of the new season did not disappoint. Contestants were tasked with creating tie-front blouses, circle skirts, and pleated dresses, showcasing their technical skill, creativity, and precision.
In the Pattern Challenge, all twelve contestants had to make a tie-front blouse. The seemingly simple garment proved to be quite challenging due to the gathers required to create volume and shape the fabric to flatter the wearer. For those wanting to recreate this look at home, recommended commercial patterns include McCall’s 8557, which features peplums, puff sleeves, shirt collars, and patch pockets, Tilly and the Buttons Nell, a versatile tie-front blouse and dress pattern with button-down fronts, and the Style Arc Porter Pack, offering mix-and-match options for tops, skirts, and dresses.
The episode also featured transforming circle skirts as part of the sewing challenges, with contestants creating volume and movement in these classic shapes. While specific pattern names are less clear, suggestions are available inspired by the show’s looks so viewers can sew one at home.
For the Made-to-Measure Challenge, contestants made dramatic pleated dresses. This tested their precision and flair in working with pleats. Sewing patterns include options from indie and Big 4 designers, with some dress and pleated separates patterns recommended for sewists wanting to recreate this look.
For those seeking alternative options for a tie-front blouse, another option is the Anais top, made from lightweight fabric and featuring a tassel front.
In addition to the sewing challenges, the article promises weekly updates with sewing patterns inspired by the episodes, as well as updates on the latest news from The Great British Sewing Bee. A complete guide to the show, including trivia about the judges and profiles of the contestants, is also available.
Moreover, many of the patterns provided are suitable for beginners, making it a great starting point for a sewing journey. For those who want to make their own tie-front blouse, a beautiful Bea Blouse sewing pattern is available for purchase for £8.99. Similarly, the Daisy Dress, a versatile dress that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, and the Abigail Dress, a simple, wearable dress that can be a great addition to a summer wardrobe, are both available for purchase for £8.99 from Simply Sewing's Shop.
A free circle skirt pattern is available for those who wish to make their own circle skirt, and Leah Farquharson offers a free pleated skirt pattern. A round-up of the best blouse patterns can also be found for those seeking alternative options.
Each week, the article shares projects related to the episode theme for readers to get involved. For example, this week, readers are encouraged to make their own tie-front blouse or circle skirt inspired by the challenges in episode one.
For those who want to learn more about Esme Young, a fashion designer with decades of experience, serving as a judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, a guide is available. Similarly, an episode guide for the latest Sewing Bee news is available for those who want to stay updated.
In summary, The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 kicked off with a fashionable start, testing the contestants' technical skill, creativity, and precision with classic shapes such as tie-front blouses, circle skirts, and pleated dresses. The article provides a wealth of resources for viewers who want to get involved and make their own garments at home, including free and paid patterns, project ideas, and guides to the show and its judges.
- The Great British Sewing Bee offers weekly updates on patterns inspired by the episodes, allowing viewers to sew their own tie-front blouses, circle skirts, or pleated dresses at home.
- For those wanting to recreate the tie-front blouse look, recommended commercial patterns include McCall’s 8557, Tilly and the Buttons Nell, and the Style Arc Porter Pack.
- A free circle skirt pattern is available for those who wish to make their own circle skirt, and Leah Farquharson offers a free pleated skirt pattern.
- For those embarking on a sewing journey, the show offers a wealth of resources, including patterns suitable for beginners such as the Bea Blouse, Daisy Dress, and Abigail Dress, which can be purchased online.
