Week 6: Children's Week
This week on The Sewing Bee, it’s Children’s Week- and for the very first time, adaptive fashion is taking centre stage.
The Pattern Challenge sees the sewists create a pair of children’s dungarees, with expert guidance from adaptive fashion designer Victoria Jenkins, who joins the judging panel to lend her specialist eye.
Next, sustainability comes into play in the Transformation Challenge, as maternity wear is cleverly repurposed into toddler outfits—proving just how much life can be found in garments we might otherwise pass on.
Finally, the sewing room is buzzing with excitement as the sewists welcome their mini-models for the Made to Measure. Each outfit is inspired by a child’s dream of who they’d like to be when they grow up—from polar explorer to beekeeper to politician—bringing bags of imagination and plenty of fabric fun to the runway.
The Pattern Challenge
Accessibility at the Heart of Sewing
This week’s first challenge really stood out for its focus on accessibility. We loved how the sewists used simple but effective techniques to make clothes that can be adapted for different needs. The use of a placket and press-studs along the side seams of trouser legs, and elastic at the shoulders, showed how small changes can make a big difference.
Most sewing patterns come with guides for lengthening or shortening pieces, which is handy for fitting different heights. But adapting clothing isn’t just about length. For people with disabilities or unique accessibility needs, thoughtful adjustments can transform how wearable, comfortable, and empowering a garment is.
Here are some more ways to adapt your patterns:
🧵 Alternative Fastenings – swap buttons or zips for Velcro, magnetic closures, or elastic panels to make dressing easier.
✂️ Side Openings – add plackets, poppers, or zips along trouser legs or sleeves for simple, discreet access.
🪡 Adjustable Straps & Waistbands – use elastic, drawstrings, or sliders so garments grow with the wearer and adapt to needs.
🧷 Hidden Access Points – discreet zips or press-studs that make medical access easier without compromising style.
📏 Comfort-First Finishes – flat seams, soft fabrics, and removing scratchy tags for those with sensory sensitivities.
👖 Stretch & Breathability – fabrics with a bit of give allow for easier movement and long-lasting comfort.
Anyone else feeling nostalgic after seeing those kids’ dungarees last night?
If this week's episode of the Sewing Bee made you feel nostalgic about your favourite childhood clothing and pastimes, you're not alone.
Ah, the simple pleasures of childhood- when every day felt like summer and playtime was always outdoors. It’s no wonder dungarees were (and still are) a go-to for children. These hard-wearing, comfortable, and easy-to-wear all-in-ones, layered effortlessly over a T-shirt or jumper, are the perfect cross-seasonal staple.
Whether you're young at heart or simply drawn to clothing that's both fun and functional, we say dungarees are always a winner!
Our Fabric Specialist- Dawn is a true advocate for becoming an avid dungaree maker and wearer!
A pair for the "mini" and a pair for ME!
Match you little mini me with a pair of our Lynsey Dungarees, complete with pockets, style your dungarees your own way with alternative ideas to finish your dungarees!
Transformation Challenge
This week’s transformation saw the sewists turn maternity clothes into children’s play outfits, always one of the most imaginative challenges of the series, and although we are overqualified to even apply to go on the Sewin Bee, this is one that we all admitted we would struggle with if we were contestants!
We had our eye on Orla and Yasmin as potential winners, and we were really surprised to see Kit struggle here, as we have seen that transformations are usually his strength. In the end, it was Orla who triumphed, with her adorable appliquéd giraffe dress paired with fabulously made tights. The outfit looked like something you’d actually find in the shops, practical, playful, and well-sewn for a 90-minute challenge!
Reminiscent of our Roots!
What we love about this challenge is how creative it allows the sewists to be. Working on a smaller scale, using children’s mannequins, reminded us of our sewing roots, making tiny outfits for dolls and teddies, or tackling those first GCSE children’s wear briefs.
There’s something joyful about sewing in miniature: it saves fabric, stretches the imagination, and offers the perfect chance to practice a wide range of techniques without the pressure of a full-size garment. For beginners, especially, it’s a fantastic way to build confidence while making something utterly charming.
Made To Measure Challenge
This week was all about fun, fun, fun… and we loved it! The sewists had to create outfits for their mini models inspired by what they wanted to be when they grew up. The results were an absolute delight: tiny Antarctic explorer gear, snowdrop ballet dresses, and even mini politicians! It was almost too cute to handle.
In the end, we unanimously agreed that Caz deserved Garment of the Week. It was such a joy to see her shine after the challenges she faced earlier on, and we’re admittedly quite attached to her fabulous made-to-measure creations here at Fabworks.
Her unique approach pulled her through once again. We loved her playful use of bold colours and prints (she really understood the brief). The winning detail for us was how she got her mini model involved by using the child’s own drawings on the fabric, cleverly incorporating them into the design. It perfectly emphasised how young she was when she dreamt of being a fashion designer, while showcasing Caz’s thoughtful creativity.
On top of that, her technical execution was spot on, from the beautifully shirred back to the perfectly finished seams. Fun, personal, and immaculately made… simply fabulous!
Of course, every high comes with a low, and this week we had to say goodbye to Dan. We saw the same ambition in his ideas as Caz, but sadly, the execution didn’t quite match up this time. It was such a shame to see him go, especially after his big win last week.
When you were little, what did you imagine you'd grow up to be?
Our group chat lit up with discussions about what we would have made for this challenge. Chloe would have chosen a vet or a teacher. Leo wanted to be a zookeeper. George would have made a mini racing car driver outfit. Dawn (naturally) would have been a fashion designer. Harriet saw herself as a nurse, and Rebecca dreamed of being none other than Hannah Montana!
If you enjoyed reading our reflections on this GBSB Episode 6 make sure to check back in next Wednesday at midday where we'll have a full rundown of Episode 7 - Art Week!
Images courtesy of BBC1 The Great British Sewing Bee