This week the bees tackled classic gent's week... a nice change from the usual dresses and skirts we see lots of on the show, and interesting to fit to a different shape! They tackled some tailoring in this episode, and in a Sewing Bee first, headwear too. Read on for fabric and pattern ideas, and some top tips for things the bees struggled with...
Sewing Bee Style Guide - Series 7, Episode 3
Pattern Challenge
What a challenge! In a Sewing Bee first, they took on the baker boy cap. This 8 piece hat was a real challenge for all contestants, and also introduced them to silky linings AND self cover buttons...
Fabric inspiration...
Glitter Houndstooth Tweed Fabric
Grey Herringbone Linen Mix Fabric
Midnight Blue Wool Boucle Fabric
Camel Wool Look Coating Fabric
Grey Herringbone Wool Look Coating Fabric
Hemline 19mm Metal Self Cover Buttons
Hemline Self-Cover Button Maker Tool
Top tip for accurate seam allowances
This challenge required the bees to sew with really precise seam allowances - if this is something your next project requires or you want to improve your accuracy in this area, try a magnetic seam guide to help! They simply attach to the metal plate on your machine at your required seam allowance, and make it much easier to follow than the tiny grove; simply make sure the edge of your fabric runs up against the edge of the guide as you sew.
Made to Measure Challenge
We loved the jacket challenge at the end of the show, where the bees had to create a utility jacket with at least three pockets. There were some amazing designs but one thing they did struggle with was applying the snaps on their jackets... read on for help!
Friday Pattern Company Ilford Jacket
Tilly and the Buttons Eden Jacket
Fabric inspiration...
Indigo 7.5oz Cotton Denim Fabric
Washed Medium Weight Mid Blue Denim Fabric
Washed Medium Weight Black Denim Fabric
Washed Medium Weight Light Blue Denim Fabric
Art Gallery Sketchbook Ink - Outburst - Cotton Canvas Fabric
Hamburger Liebe Cosy Cabin Wild Wonder Navy Cotton Canvas Fabric
Dashwood Marine Plain Corduroy Fabric
Prym 12mm Silver 'Anorak' Metal Press Fasteners with Tool
Top tips for perfect snaps
Some of the bees struggled with snaps this week, but don't let that put you off trying them - all you need is a few top tips for success! Make sure you use even pressure when applying, as this is the most common cause of wrongly applied snaps. Get a pair of Prym pliers to help apply more easily - simply squeeze the handles for easy application. And don't forget you can also remove snaps with the Prym snap removal tool that attaches to the pliers if it does go wrong!
Prym Love Teal Vario Pliers for Press Fasteners Tool Set
Want to learn more about the fabrics you see on the show?
