Great British Sewing Bee 2025 – Episode 1 – Pattern Picks

Did you tune into the first episode of 2025’s Great British Sewing Bee last night?  It was great to meet all of the new contestants and see their creations.  My favourite has to be Orla’s made to measure black and white dress – it was stunning!

I am often asked if I would like to go on the show but the answer is always no!  I would hate the pressure and would not do well with a camera in my face all of the time!  But I do enjoy watching it!

Great British Sewing Bee 2025 – Episode 1 Pattern Picks

If you would like to try your hand at some of the garments the contestants worked on, here’s my pattern picks for this week’s show based on the challenges:

Tie Front Blouse Patterns (GBSB 2025 Episode 1 Pattern Challenge)

1.        The Nell Blouse (and dress) from Tilly & The Buttons – This is a very similar pattern to the one the contestants used but without a peplum.  You might at first see a button down front but scroll through the pictures for a version with ties

2.        The Fleur blouse and dress from Fabric Godmother – this is almost exactly the same as the version the contestants used!

3.        The Amelie Top and the Daisy top from Indie patterns on Etsy. - These again are very similar - one has sleeves and no peplum, the other is a high neckline and sleeveless.

4.        McCall's Tops M8557 – very similar if not identical to the one on the show

Pleated Dress Patterns (GBSB 2025 Episode 1 Made to Measure Challenge)

1.        The Lily Dress from Daria Pattern making - a lovely dress with pleats over the bust and on the skirt

2.        The Bonnie dress (and blouse) from Sew Over It - a 1940s style dress for the vintage lovers with pleats down the front bodice

3.        The Elsie dress also from Sew Over It - a great party dress with big dramatic pleats on the skirt

** I haven’t made any of these patterns so can’t comment on what they are like to sew but thought they fit the bill perfectly for this week’s show!

Let me know in the comments if you make any of them!

Looking forward to next week’s episode!