Week 5: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle week
This week, The Great British Sewing Bee turns its attention to the environmental cost of clothing, as the contestants embrace the ethos of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle week!
First up, in the Pattern Challenge, the sewers tackle a tricky zero-waste workwear jacket, a design that demands precision, planning, and a touch of mathematical genius. It’s a true test of skill, and proves that fashion can be functional and planet-friendly!
The Transformation Challenge comes with an unexpected twist, as the sewing room is filled not with fabric bolts but with second-hand tents. It’s out with the camping trip and in with the creativity, as each contestant refashions abandoned camping gear into a complete, wearable festival outfit.
Finally, the Made to Measure Challenge channels the wartime spirit of the Make Do and Mend campaign. The sewers raided their own wardrobes, along with those of friends and family, breathing fresh life into neglected garments and showcasing how sustainability can inspire stunning new designs.
With this week's theme, we’ve pulled together our best tips for sewing sustainably, from creative ways to make the most of your fabric scraps, to a peep into our fabric specialist, Dawn’s, wardrobe for reworked ideas to inspire your next project.
The Pattern Challenge
How To Use Your Favourite Patterns Guilt Free
For the first challenge of the week, the Bees set out to craft a utility jacket using a zero-waste pattern. A brief that tested their precision, problem-solving, and even their maths skills. This challenge was a test of how closely they can follow complicated instructions, however sustainability doesn't always have to be so tricky...
Watching them rise to the occasion got us thinking of easier ways to make any pattern more environmentally friendly, allowing you to carry on using all your favourite patterns guilt free.
If you’re a regular Fabworks browser, you’ll know we’re always sharing ideas for how to use leftover fabric scraps - find within the ‘Other Uses’ section of our product pages.
Scrap Busting
Here are our favourite ways to give any sewing project a sustainability boost by putting leftover scraps to good use:
Accessories:
- Scrunchies, hairbands, and bow ties
- Tote bags, belts, caps, and hats
- Fabric-covered buttons or key fobs
- Small pouches, pencil cases, or makeup bags
- Fabric jewelry, like bracelets or brooches
Crafting:
- Appliqué, patchwork, and textile art
- Decorative bunting or garlands
- Ragrugging
- Mini quilts or wall hangings for a creative touch
Furnishings & Homewear:
- Cushion covers from patchworked straps
- Blind trims, draught excluders, and quilted pot holders
- Patchwork throws, table runners, or placemats
- Fabric trays, baskets, or storage pouches
- Napkins, tea towels, or reusable shopping bags
Loving this week’s workwear jacket style?
We instantly spotted the resemblance to the Ilford Jacket pattern by The Friday Pattern Co! Featuring a boxy fit, four top-stitched patch pockets with flaps, and a buttoned fastening that starts at the collar, the Ilford Jacket also offers customizable length, sleeve, and pocket options. Its dropped shoulder gives a relaxed, casual look that we absolutely love.
Pair this pattern with our scrap-busting tips, and you can create your very own eco-friendly version. Fabric choice is key, for this challenge, the Bees selected a stunning range of materials that combine structure and durability with a soft, luxurious feel, such as supple denims and corduroys.
Transformation Challenge
Episode 5's Transformation Challenge pushed the Bees to get truly creative, as they repurposed abandoned tents into bold vibrant festival outfits.
Esme and Patrick were keeping a close eye on how cleverly each contestant used the features of the tents, from ties and zips to hoops, panels, and even the waterproof fabrics. The challenge tested not only their sewing skills but also their ingenuity and eye for design. The Bees certainly rose to the occasion, some incorporated dramatic silhouettes, others played with unexpected textures, and a few even added playful details that made the outfits feel ready for any festival stage. Overall, it was a fantastic showcase of creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainable fashion in action.
We were all excited to see Dan catch the judges eye with his bikini, chapps and cape ensemble earning himself his first win of the season. We loved how he reused every bit of the tent from the handwear to the waterproof fabric and the tent ties and just like Esme appreciated the cheeky element to his creativity!
Let us know in the comments of this blog!
Made To Measure Challenge
This week’s Made to Measure challenge asked the Bees to create a completely new garment using pre-loved clothing sourced from their own wardrobes, as well as those of family, friends, and charity shops. It was all about creativity, sustainability, and making the most of what’s already out there.
Dawn, our fabric specialist and resident queen of ‘make do and mend,’ is here to guide you with her expert advice, showing how to transform pre-loved pieces into fresh, wearable designs. Like our very own Mrs Sew-and-Sew, she shares tips for upcycling.
Take a look at two of Dawn’s favourite upcycled creations, made from nostalgic pieces she had tucked away in her stash. Scroll on to see her Smock Blouse and Upcycled Childs Tabard Apron.
Dawns Advice to Upcycling:
✂ Match fabric weights: When combining different pieces, choose fabrics of similar weight to ensure the new garment drapes and behaves well
🧶 Preserve character: Embrace the history of pre-loved items by keeping unique details, such as embroidery, logos, or prints.
🧵 Use durable fabrics for high-wear areas: Reinforce elbows, knees, cuffs, and other stress points with thicker, sturdier fabrics.
✂ Add patches or panels: Incorporate contrasting fabric panels or patchwork to cover worn areas or create design details. I love to use old embroidered table cloths for this
🧶 Repurpose existing features: Zips, buttons, pockets, pleats, and even sleeves like in my smock blouse can be cleverly reused to add style and functionality.
🧵 Keep seams and hems: Existing hems, seams, and edges can save time and give a polished, professional look.
Images courtesy of BBC1 The Great British Sewing Bee