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
Grainline Studio Linden Sweatshirt
Tilly and the Buttons Agnes Top
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...
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?
