Terrific tea dresses - Make the patterns from GBSB6 Sewing Bee episode 1

This week's Sewing Bee was wonderful viewing with lovely new contestants, a few giggles and some amazing garments. We thought we'd take a closer look at the beautiful tea dresses from the made to measure challenge and inspire you to get making.

12 stunning retro tea dresses from tonight's Made to Measure challenge. Well done, sewers! #SewingBee pic.twitter.com/CgurRwzjfN Sewing Bee (@sewingbee) April 22, 2020

There was a real mix of interpretations for the challenge with a few modern tea dresses thrown in! We've picked out the patterns you'll need to recreate the Bees designs from the show.

First up! Challenge winner Matt! He used this vintage pattern from Etsy called the 1940s WW2 Tea Dress which is a printed pattern from My Vintage Wish. We loved how he mixed colourways of the same print to create an eye-catching effect. Just like we did with the same fabric here... great minds think alike Matt!

We recognised instantly Simplicity 8384 being made by Ali. Patrick and Esme really loved the asymmetric hem on this pattern and Ali added a beautiful contrast placket. We love that this pattern also includes a shirt.

Therese made what looked like the Ruby dress by Simple Sew Patterns in a beautiful floral print which you can buy here.

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Fiona made a pretty version of Simplicity 8875 with it's ruffled hem. If you make this pattern why not try the dramatic sleeves of view A as this year big sleeves are the hottest trend to make!

Vintage lover Clare didn't disappoint with her 40s tea dress with contrast panels and high collar. We're pretty sure she used Butterick 6485 as it features the lovely side panels that Esme admired during the show.

Peter wowed the judged in his early challenges and we loved his modern take on the tea dress using Butterick 6130 version A! He used a bright and bold fabric and only had a slight incident trying to finish the back but we think it turned out really special.

And last but not least lovely Liz, we can't be sure but the Shelby dress and romper looks like the perfect pattern to make Liz's 90s grunge inspired tea dress.

We hoped you enjoyed this pattern round up. Make sure you're following Love Sewing Mag on twitter where we share top tips, pattern suggestions and much more during the show.