Great British Sewing Bee Series 2

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 2 #GBSB

Nine sewers return back to the sewing room to face three more challenges. Episode 2 is all about matching and combining patterned fabrics.

We have put together some information below, including Fabrics and Supplies featured in the episode (or similar) along with Tips, Techniques and other resources to get your creativity flowing.

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 1 #GBSB

Challenge 1 - Pleated Skirt

Challenge 1

Learn to to make a Pleated Skirt

5 easy steps on how to Sew Pleats

DIY Box Pleat Skirt

Perfect Pleats

How to do a Lapped Zip

Video on Machine Topstitching

What is Indian Chintz?

Check out this great video on on how to make a Pleated Skirt

We have some great plain and printed Peachskin and Poly Twill fabrics - ideal for pleated skirts.

Here are 3 methods used to pleat fabric.

Products seen (or similar) - Gingham Fabric used by David

Challenge 2 - Combine two men's shirt into one garment

Great Kid's Sailor Dress tutorial.

Tailor a men's shirt to fit a woman

Tailor Sewing Patterns to get you going

Satin Bias Binding used by Julie

Cotton Bias Binding

Challenge 3 - Made to Measure Men's Pyjamas

Challenge 3

A general guide to help with how to get the right measurements for men.

Here is a short video on how to sew a pair of Pyjamas

A great tutorial for pyjama pants for the whole family.

Great tutorial here on how to match printed fabrics along seams.

Simplicity Sewing Pattern used by Simon & Tamara

Black Cotton Gingham used by David

How to put in a drawstring or elastic waist

How to make and use piping tutorial

How to make How to sew and attach a collar

Easy Patch Pocket Tutorial

We have a great selection of fabrics to make pyjamas from; Fleece Fabrics , Cottons and Polyester Prints and Plains

Sewing Essentials

And of course you will need all of your Sewing Essentials which are used regularly in sewing, ranging from repair patches, marking & measuring equipment, machine accessories, scissors, pins & needles and more.

Sewing Essentials

We offer a huge selection of zips including Concealed, Open End , Closed End and Chunky

We also have a great choice of Buttons and Ribbons , Interfacings , Cotton Seam & Bias Bindings and Elastics

Here is our guide to Episode 1 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 3 #GBSB

Claudia Winkleman is back with eight sewers who return tonight to do battle again in three challenges designed to test their ability to handle stretchy fabric. Of course Savile Row's Patrick Grant and sewing expert May Martin will be there every step of the way ....

We have put together some information below, including Fabrics and Supplies featured in the episode (or similar) along with Tips, Techniques and other resources to get your creativity flowing.

judges

Challenge 1 - Leggings

Make your own Leggings

How to make your own Leggings.

Great steps to make your leggings tighter

Video showing how to recycle your old leggings into a brand new pair.

Products featured or similar . . Elastics , Twin Needles , Lycra & Cotton Jersey

Learn a bit more . . A better elastic waistband finish tutorial

We have a great range of Stretch Fabrics online.

The answer to hemming stretch fabrics is found here and the 'twin needles' can be bought here

Challenge 2 - Altering an Oversized T-Shirt

Alteration Challenge

Fab tutorial for a Toddlers Leotard

Video showing how to make a bodysuit/leotard from a T-Shirt

Great tutorial on how to make an assymetrical mini skirt.

Products featured or similar . . Bias Bindings, Zips by David, Jenny & Tamara and Stretch sequins stretch sequins by Carina

Learn a bit more . . 4 ways to make ruffles & Gathering fabric the proper way

We have a large selection of Lace and Dress Trim to choose from for up cycling projects and to accessorise with.

Challenge 3 - Made to Measure Challenge

Made to Measure

What does Made to Measure actually mean?

Take your measurements Men and Women

Products featured or similar . . David’s Sewing Pattern , Velvet Fabrics like Chinelo’s , French Curves , Interfacing & Stretch Jersey Fabrics

Learn a bit more . . Easy wrap dress tutorial , Tips for working with knits & stretch fabrics , Simple stretch Wrap Dress tutorial, Sewing Facing tips from Tilly , How to make a Cap Sleeve like Tamara, Video on How to Sew a Collar onto a Dress like Julie & Learn how to use an Overlocker

Sewing Essentials

And of course you will need all of your Sewing Essentials which are used regularly in sewing, ranging from repair patches, marking & measuring equipment, machine accessories, scissors, pins & needles and more.

Sewing Essentials

We offer a huge selection of zips including Concealed, Open End , Closed End and Chunky

We also have a great choice of Buttons and Ribbons , Interfacings , Threads , Cotton Seam & Bias Bindings and Elastics

Here is our guide to Episode 1 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 2 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 5 #GBSB

Six sewers left! This week they are getting to grips with some of the most difficult fabrics to sew with. A nylon anorak, using leather to transform a high street top & make a pair of trousers in delicate velvet.

We have put together some information below, including Fabrics and Supplies featured in the episode (or similar) along with Tips, Techniques and other resources to get your creativity flowing.

judges

Challenge 1 - Nylon Anorak

ripstop fabric

7 steps to sewing with Rip Stop Nylon

A great step by step guide to Snap Fasteners and buy your anorak snaps here. We also stock the cord ends to finish your item.

We have lots of Waterproof Fabrics perfect for any jacket you might want to make. And we have a couple of patterns for ladies anoraks here

Loving these little tutorials for a child's Raincoat and Poncho

We even found a tutorial for a Dog Coat

Learn more - How to do a Raglen Sleeve , watch how to use a Walking Foot , learn how to attach a Ribbed Waistband and learn how to top stitch your Zipper

Challenge 2 - Transform a High Street Top with Leather

leather pieces

Great tips for sewing with Leather

We have Leather Pieces sold by the bag at just £1.99 - perfect for upcycling projects. We also have Leather Vinyl Needles and Machine Leather Needles for all your sewing needs.

Double sided tape available here

Learn how to do Reverse Applique , how to sew rouleau ties without tools here but you can buy a loop turner here

Challenge 3 - Made to Measure - Velvet Trousers

velour

How to sew an easy pair of Trousers

Tips for sewing with Velvet

Take a look at our range of Velvet & Velour fabrics and our patterns for both Ladies and Mens trousers. You may also need some Interfacing and Dress Lining

Check out The Colette Patterns Pants Fitting Cheatsheet to solve your mis-fitting trouser dilemmas.

Your guide to trouser Pockets ,Flat Seat Adjustments and Fly Closures

6 easy steps on how to hand sew a Hem

Sewing Essentials

And of course you will need all of your Sewing Essentials which are used regularly in sewing, ranging from repair patches, marking & measuring equipment, machine accessories, scissors, pins & needles and more.

Sewing Essentials

We offer a huge selection of zips including Concealed, Open End , Closed End and Chunky

We also have a great choice of Buttons and Ribbons , Interfacings , Threads , Cotton Seam & Bias Bindings and Elastics

Here is our guide to Episode 1 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 2 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 3 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 4 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 4 #GBSB

Claudia Winkleman is back with seven sewers tonight to make clothes on a miniature scale ..... children's clothes of course!. With Patrick Grant and May Martin watching their every move ....

We have put together some information below, including Fabrics and Supplies featured in the episode (or similar) along with Tips, Techniques and other resources to get your creativity flowing.

judges

Challenge 1 - Toddler Dungarees

dungarees

What a fab tutorial to make your own Toddler Dungarees

We have a great range of Cotton Fabrics and Denims, Drills & Cords perfect for making dungarees.

We also have lots of Buckles , Snap Fasteners, Buttons and other Fastenings that you can use.

A great tutorial on how to use snap fasteners

The What and How of a Top Stitching

How to sew a Flat Felled Seam

Challenge 2 - Fancy Dress Outfit

fancy dress

We have a great range of fancy dress sewing patterns including Pirates and Dinosaurs similar to tonight's episode. For the full range of children's fancy dress costume patterns please click here

What every pirate needs all in one place with this simple costume tutorial

Dressing up fabrics include: Tulle , Felt , Satins , Chiffons & Organzas and lots of Novelty Prints

Ever wondered how to do Applique

Challenge 3 - Made to Measure Prom Dress

judges

Prom dresses are so varied these days - here are a few of our favourite tutorials and videos we have managed to find ... A Ballerina Dress , A Dainty Cocktail Dress , A Little Black Dress , A Ruffle Dress and for the adventurous A Belle Dress

Great tips can be found here for sewing with Satin and Taffeta

We have a great selection of Special Occassion Dress Patterns to choose from with lots of Satins , Chiffons & Organzas and Taffetas to choose from to make your special dress. And don't forget your Dress Lining

We also have a large selection of Lace and Dress Trim to accessorise you dresses with.

Learn how to sew a Boned Bodice and find your boning here

Ever struggled with zips? This video shows you how to insert the dreaded invisible zip

Sewing Essentials

And of course you will need all of your Sewing Essentials which are used regularly in sewing, ranging from repair patches, marking & measuring equipment, machine accessories, scissors, pins & needles and more.

Sewing Essentials

We offer a huge selection of zips including Concealed, Open End , Closed End and Chunky

We also have a great choice of Buttons and Ribbons , Interfacings , Threads , Cotton Seam & Bias Bindings and Elastics

Here is our guide to Episode 1 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 2 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 3 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 6 #GBSB

The Final five are left and are taking a step back in time - they are gong to be using a sewing machine from the 1930's and suing a 1930's pattern to make a silky blouse. Second challenge is transforming a man's suit into a ladies garment and finally the made to measure challenge - a hefty vintage coat!

We have put together some information below, including Fabrics and Supplies featured in the episode (or similar) along with Tips, Techniques and other resources to get your creativity flowing.

Final Five

Challenge 1 - 1930's Silky Blouse

Silky Blouse

How to hand gather like Lynda , How to machine gather like David , How to sew an easy placket & Shirring tutorial

Great tutorials for a Scalloped Collar and a Peter Pan Collar

Learn how to make your own Puff Sleeves

Make your very own version of Tilly's Mathilde Blouse or make a smaller item with this child's Retro Inspired Shirt

We have some great fabrics to choose from : Polyester Prints & Plains , Poly Habotai and Silk Habotai

Challenge 2 - Transform a Man's Suit into a Ladies Garment

Suit

Make a Pencil Dress like Chinelo (well almost!), How to Sew Darts and Pleats & a cute Pinafor Tutorial similar to Lynda.

Plus we have a great range of Suitings, Tweeds & Tartan Fabrics if you feel up to this challenge.

Challenge 3 - Made to Measure - A Coat

coat

Learn how to insert a sleeve and how to insert a sleeve head similar to David

16 steps to sewing a Woollen Coat

Here is a great tutorial from Tilly and the Buttons on Drafting a Jacket Lining

Learn how to do Bound Buttonholes , Cover Buttons and Sew a Princess Seam

We have a couple of gorgeous coat fabrics in Black/Cerise and Camel along with a great range of Dress Linings, Sew / Iron-on Interfacings and canvas Interfacing.

NEW - Great British Sewing Bee Book : Sew Your Own Wardrobe

Great British Sewing Bee: Sew Your Own Wardrobe

This hardback book has 224 pages full of fantastic projects wit a core collection of wardrobe essentials. These include menswear, babies and small children (onesie, dungarees and a little dress). A section on retro and glamourous with garments such as prom dresses and 60's style coats and clothing. It will have an emphasis on creative elements and choosing fabrics and trimmings to compliment garments. Click here to get your copy!

Sewing Essentials

And of course you will need all of your Sewing Essentials which are used regularly in sewing, ranging from repair patches, marking & measuring equipment, machine accessories, scissors, pins & needles and more.

Sewing Essentials

We offer a huge selection of zips including Concealed, Open End , Closed End and Chunky

We also have a great choice of Buttons and Ribbons , Interfacings , Threads , Cotton Seam & Bias Bindings and Elastics

Here is our guide to Episode 1 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 2 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 3 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 4 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 5 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 7 #GBSB

Semi Finals and down to the final four sewers who are back in the sewing room. They face three challenges - they must demonstrate their ability to drape on the stand by making a dress out of a piece of fabric straight on to the mannequin, next they alter a dress by adding a pair of perfectly symmetrical sleeves. Finally they bring in their favourite garment from home, make a new copy and fit it to themselves.

We have put together some information below, including Fabrics and Supplies featured in the episode (or similar) along with Tips, Techniques and other resources to get your creativity flowing.

Fab Four

Challenge 1 - Draping Dress

Draped Dress

A novice guide to Draping

Easy Draped Maxi Dress tutorial.

Learn about Selvedges, Bias & Grain

Video on How to cut fabric on the Bias

Learn about Warp & Weft in Fabrics

3 ways to do a Rolled Hem

Great video tutorial for a draped cocktail dress

Great fabrics to choose from Viscose and Polyesters for your own draped dress.

Challenge 2 - Dress with symmetrical sleeves

Symnnetrical Sleeve

How to Draw a Pattern for a made to measure Sleeve

Make a puffed sleeve like Tamara

How to sew a cuff onto a sleeve

Make a symmetrical sleeve block.

Learn about different types of sleeves

Challenge 3 - Make a copy of their own garment

copying clothes

Black Organza Fabric like Chinelo

Cream Satin Fabric like Heather

Tailors Chalk

French Curves for cutting Fabric

How to make a Shift Dress similar to Heather

How to make Yoga Pants similar to Tamara

How to make a Wrap Dress similar to Lynda

How to sew a boned bodice like Chinelo

Great video on how to copy a readymade garment and a great step by step guide to copy a dress

NEW - Great British Sewing Bee Book : Sew Your Own Wardrobe

Great British Sewing Bee: Sew Your Own Wardrobe

This hardback book has 224 pages full of fantastic projects wit a core collection of wardrobe essentials. These include menswear, babies and small children (onesie, dungarees and a little dress). A section on retro and glamourous with garments such as prom dresses and 60's style coats and clothing. It will have an emphasis on creative elements and choosing fabrics and trimmings to compliment garments. Click here to get your copy!

Sewing Essentials

And of course you will need all of your Sewing Essentials which are used regularly in sewing, ranging from repair patches, marking & measuring equipment, machine accessories, scissors, pins & needles and more.

Sewing Essentials

We offer a huge selection of zips including Concealed, Open End , Closed End and Chunky

We also have a great choice of Buttons and Ribbons , Interfacings , Threads , Cotton Seam & Bias Bindings and Elastics

Here is our guide to Episode 1 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 2 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 3 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 4 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 5 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 6 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

The Great British Sewing Bee - Episode 8 #GBSB

It's the Final! Chinelo, Tamara & Heather will have their toughest challenges yet with three couture-themed challenges! We are looking forward to seeing how they make a man's tie, transform a wedding gown into a bridesmaid dress and then make their very own made to measure couture gown for an unexpected model.

Final 3r

We have put together some information below, including Fabrics and Supplies featured in the episode (or similar) along with Tips, Techniques and other resources to get your creativity flowing.

Challenge 1 - A Man's Tie

Men's Tie

Accessorise your tie with these fabulous Handmade British Pocket Squares

For those who don't know how here is a video on how to Tie a Tie

Ties can be made with - Satin Fabrics or even Cotton Prints for the Novelty look.

Interfacing Fabrics to help keep the shape of your Tie

Tips for Sewing with Silk

Dress lining fabrics

Hand sewing : Learn how to do a Basic Hand Slip Stitch

Challenge 2 - Transform a Wedding Gown into Bridesmaid Dress

Wedding Gown

Tips & Tricks for Bias Binding

How to create a Hand Rolled Hem

Lots of bridal fabrics available Satins , Chiffons & Organzas, Lace, Clearance Dress Net Fabric , Clearance Veiling Fabric

Back to basics for Dress Linings and Tulle & Veiling

Tips for sewing with Satin and Taffeta

Trimmings galore Ribbons , Lace , Dress Trim and Flowers and Accessories

Challenge 3 - Made to Measure Couture Gown

Couture Dress

What does Couture mean?

Behind the Seams with Burda The Making of a Couture Dress

Great tips and techniques on Couture Sewing

How to do Box Pleats like Tamara

How to do a Lettuce Hem like Heather

Organza similar to Tamara’s Crystal Organza

Liquid Satin and Dress Net Tulle like Chinelo’s

Fabulous fabrics to use for these dresses include Satins , Chiffons & Organzas , Lace , Dress Linings and Tulle & Veiling

You can find here the Cationic Chiffon and Taffeta used by Heather.

NEW - Great British Sewing Bee Book : Sew Your Own Wardrobe

Great British Sewing Bee: Sew Your Own Wardrobe

This hardback book has 224 pages full of fantastic projects wit a core collection of wardrobe essentials. These include menswear, babies and small children (onesie, dungarees and a little dress). A section on retro and glamourous with garments such as prom dresses and 60's style coats and clothing. It will have an emphasis on creative elements and choosing fabrics and trimmings to compliment garments. Click here to get your copy!

Sewing Essentials

And of course you will need all of your Sewing Essentials which are used regularly in sewing, ranging from repair patches, marking & measuring equipment, machine accessories, scissors, pins & needles and more.

Sewing Essentials

We offer a huge selection of zips including Concealed, Open End , Closed End and Chunky

We also have a great choice of Buttons and Ribbons , Interfacings , Threads , Cotton Seam & Bias Bindings and Elastics

Here is our guide to Episode 1 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 2 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 3 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 4 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 5 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 6 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

Here is our guide to Episode 7 and in case you missed it you can catch up here

The Great British Sewing Bee - Series 2 Round Up

Well! What a final and what a series! Great contestants, great sewing and great TV! A BIG congratulations to the winner of The Great British Sewing Bee 2014 - Heather - a well deserved winner! What are we all going to do on Tuesday evenings now? Why sew and create of course!!

Here is our complete guide to Series 2 of The Great British Sewing Bee - enjoy!

Series 2

Episode 1 Cotton, Wool & Silk Week

Episode 2 Pattern Week

Episode 3 Stretch Week

Episode 4 Children's Clothes Week

Episode 5 Tricky Fabrics Week

Episode 6 Vintage Week

Episode 7 Draping Week

Episode 8 Couture Week

We hope you have enjoyed the Series and our guides to each episode with our handy tips and tutorials! We are already looking forward to Series 3! In the mean time don't forget to send us your own creations to be in with a chance of winning a £20 voucher to spend with us by entering our Project of the Month Challenge