This episode went round the world, with some iconic styles to tackle - from Breton tops to sarongs and more! This time the made-to-measure wasn't themed by the type of make but by a particular style. Read on for fabric and pattern ideas, and some top tips for things the bees struggled with...

Sewing Bee Style Guide - Series 7, Episode 4

Pattern Challenge

A nautical icon, this week it was all about the breton top. A seemingly simple striped top, there was a lot of pattern matching and some tricky button plackets to conquer too! 

Find some variations on this long-sleeved top below depending on your preference, and a ton of stripey knits - including the rainbow stripes used on the show...

Tilly and the Buttons Coco Top

Tilly and the Buttons Romy Top

Cashmerette Concord T-Shirt

Grainline Studio Linden Sweatshirt

Tilly and the Buttons Agnes Top

Simplicity 8375

Fabric inspiration...

 

 

Tilly and the Buttons - Rainbow Breton White - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric

Tilly and the Buttons - Rainbow Breton Black - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric

Tilly and the Buttons - Wide Stripe Lilac - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric

Tilly and the Buttons - Wide Stripe Multi - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric

Classic Stripes Black/Off-White Double Knit Fabric

Stof of Denmark Navy/Turquoise Mini Stripe Avalana Jersey Fabric

Stof of Denmark Pink/Red Mini Stripe Avalana Jersey Fabric

Stof of Denmark Cream/Orange Mini Stripe Avalana Jersey Fabric

Natural/Ivory Striped Tubular Rib Jersey Cuffing Fabric

Black/White Striped Tubular Rib Jersey Cuffing Fabric

 

Top Tip for Knit Tops: Seam Tape

If you haven't heard or seen seam tape before, it's about to be your new best friend! Iron-on flexible seam tape is ideal for stabilising shoulders and necklines, and designed to work specifically with knit fabrics to help stop them stretching out of shape. Simply apply to the seam allowance, slightly overlapping your seam line so when you stitch you are stitching through the seam tape.

Vilene Flexible Seam Tape 15mm - White

 

Made to Measure Challenge

The made to measure was an interesting one this week, with complete freedom on the type of garment the bees could make, but all inspired by the life and work of the colourful artist, Frida Kahlo. Popping vibrant prints, florals and statement styles were the name of the game here...

 

New Look 6540

Simplicity S9012

New Look 6125

New Look 6352

Simplicity 8743

Simplicity 8609

Simplicity 1195

New Look 6341

 New Look 6342

Simplicity 8330

New Look N6622

New Look 6376

Cashmerette Calder Pants

Simplicity 1069

Fabric inspiration...

 

 

Art Gallery Sun Kissed By Maureen Cracknell - Summerdress Dreams Flare - Rayon Fabric

Art Gallery Bloomsbury By Bari J - West End Gathers - Jersey Knit Fabric

Art Gallery Esoterra by Katarina Roccella - Plantae Sunrise - Jersey Knit Fabric

Art Gallery Bloomsbury By Bari J - Writers Garden Stem - Jersey Knit Fabric

Butterfly Garden Pink Printed French Terry Fabric

Watercolour Floral Printed Cotton Jersey Fabric

Painted Flower Black Printed French Terry Fabric

Stof of Denmark Peach Floral Avalana Jersey Fabric

Embroidery Flowers Digital Cotton Jersey Fabric

Girly Girl Printed Cotton Jersey Fabric

rt Gallery Tallinn By Jessica Swift - Tigris Lollipop - Jersey Knit Fabric

Dashwood Our Planet - Tiger Floral White - 100% Cotton Fabric

Dashwood Our Planet - Tiger Floral Navy - 100% Cotton Fabric

Dashwood Our Planet - Animals Blue - 100% Cotton Fabric

Dashwood Gardenia Foliage Green Rayon Fabric

Dashwood Circle Line Paint Blue Rayon Fabric

Dashwood Circle Line Paper Jungle Rayon Fabric

Painter's Palette Textured Viscose Crepe Fabric

 

 

 

Want to learn more about the fabrics you see on the show?

If you're new here, you may not have seen that we have made our very own fabric sample guides. They're a way to help you learn to identify different fabrics and how they feel and behave. The books include 52 samples of common fabrics, alongside useful info like composition, what to use them on and needle type required.
 
May 06, 2021