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Episode 6

Amateur sewers test their sewing and dressmaking skills. The five remaining sewers take on a 1930s-themed quarter-final using old-fashioned techniques and machines.

Claudia Winkleman takes the five home sewers back in time for the quarter-final.

Patrick Grant of Savile Row and sewing teacher May Martin have tracked down an original pattern from the 1930s to surprise the sewers with. Without the markings and guidance of a modern-day pattern, they must figure out the codes to make a complex silky blouse. To make the challenge a true sewing re-enactment, they are each given an antique 1930s sewing machine to work on. Some of the sewers actually learn to sew on these machines, while others are horrified at a machine that is so basic in comparison to the modern ones they are used to.

Next, the sewers relive the days of 'make do and mend', when they are given a man's suit to transform into a wearable garment for a woman. Finally, they take on the most ambitious made-to-measure challenge yet - a complex and hefty coat taken from a historic or vintage pattern.

6 months left to watch

1 hour

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Claudia Winkleman
Expert May Martin
Expert Patrick Grant
Executive Producer Anna Beattie
Series Editor Susanne Rock

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