Things got tiny this episode, as this week the bees tackled childrens wear! You'd think smaller was easier, but in reality it turned out it just meant extra fiddly...
Sewing Bee Style Guide - Series 7, Episode 5
Pattern Challenge
The first challenge called for a cute little garment... a romper suit! Great for young children who are ready to toddle around, this pattern featured fiddly elasticated cuffs and casing, crossover straps and snap fasteners on the legs.
We've rounded up some super cute romper patterns similar to the one in the episode, plus some fabrics like the prints they chose too, and don't miss our top tips for applying snaps!
Fabric inspiration...
3 Wishes Little Dino - Cool Dino - 100% Cotton Fabric
The Craft Cotton Co Dino World - Cream - 100% Cotton Fabric
3 Wishes Little Dino - Dinosaur Roar - 100% Cotton Fabric
The Craft Cotton Co Makoti by Stuart Hillard - Purple Flower - 100% Cotton Fabric
The Craft Cotton Co Makoti by Stuart Hillard - Purple Flower Border - 100% Cotton Fabric
Tilda Chambray - Petrol - 100% Cotton Fabric
Baby Animals Blue Cotton Jersey Fabric
3 Wishes Wild About You - Animals Assorted - 100% Cotton Fabric
Studio E Flamingo Beach - Lemons - 100% Cotton Fabric
Studio E Coastal Dreams - Fish Allover Blue - 100% Cotton Fabric
Dashwood Night Jungle - Jungle - 100% Cotton Fabric
Top Tips: Applying Snap Fasteners
This challenge called for 3 snap fasteners on the crotch, which scared a couple of the contestants! If you're feeling the fear, we're here to help with top tips for success:
- Make sure you've got the right tools - you will need to use a special tool to apply them. We'd always recommend the Prym pliers and snaps which we've tried and tested!
- Reinforce the area you will put your snap on - use a bit of interfacing to strengthen the fabric in this area so that when you pop the fasteners, the fabric doesn't rip.
- Snaps can feel quite stiff when first applied - don't worry! Snapping them open and closed a few times should help loosen them up a bit.
- Mark where you're going to put them carefully, before you start applying. They're really hard to get off once applied (except with the handy Prym tool) so you want to make sure you get it right first time!
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Round Blue Mix
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Pink Hearts
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Round Green Mix
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Round Yellow/Orange Mix
And remember, if you ever go wrong applying them... there's always the snap removing tool to make it right! (My life was changed when I discovered this existed)
Made to Measure Challenge
This week the bees were challenged to make rainproof overcoats... aka raincoats! Of course this required waterproof fabrics, a fun array of plasticy delights that couldn't be pinned or pressed easily. We couldn't find any children's patterns close to what they used but we've got a couple of cute alternatives you can make in waterproof fabric; and some adult raincoats if you fancy one for yourself!
We're also sharing the secret to making ANY fabric waterproof...
Tilly and the Buttons Eden Jacket
Fabric inspiration...
Shine Bright Like The Rainbow Printed Soft Shell Fabric
The Dino's Are Back Printed Soft Shell Fabric
Abstract Blue Printed Soft Shell Fabric
Navy/Blue Plain Soft Shell Fabric
Birds Navy Water Repellent Raincoating Fabric
Dusky Pink Plain PUL Raincoating Fabric
Don't forget your Mini Fabric Clips 10pk
Can't find a waterproof fabric you love?
This was a dilemma faced by some of the bees this week, and if you've had this problem too, we've got the solution for you! This amazing product called Odicoat is a waterproofing gel that you can use on any fabric to make it waterproof. Simply brush on and let dry - the more layers you add, the more waterproof it is... magic!
Want to learn more about fabrics you see on the show?
