What sewing machines are used on Sewing Bee?

Besides ogling our favourite haberdashery every week in The Great British Sewing Bee’s sewing room, we love looking out for clues to discover which sewing machines are used on the show. What can we say? We’re curious like that.

While the machines on screen have their branding concealed, as BBC1 is not a commercial TV channel, we asked Simply Sewing Magazine’s Technical Editor, Sarah Taylor, to look for clues about exactly which machines the contestants are using.

The machine in this article is from the 2025 series, but we’ve also included two of the machines used in previous years. Keep scrolling and you’ll be stitching like the Bee’s in no time.

If you’re a fan of the Bee, catch up with all the latest episode news and get to know the latest batch of contestants in our Great British Sewing Bee guide.

What sewing machine is used on Sewing Bee 2025?

Janome Horizon 8200

Although we can’t be 100% sure, our sewing team believe the machine used in the Sewing Bee 2025 is the Janome Horizon 8200. This impressive sewing machine sews up to 1,000 S.P.M. (perfect for those time crunch challenges) and has over 200+ built-in stitches.

It has a range of great features, including an auto-thread cutter and needle threader, as well as a lock stitch feature and full speed control. We can see why it’s the sewing machine for the Sewing Bee contestants!

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Get to know the Sewing Bee judges

Read our interview with the beloved Esme Young and our chat with Patrick Grant right here on Gathered.

Sewing machines that have been used in previous years

Janome 5060 QDC Sewing Machine with Extension Table

This is the machine that was previously on the sewing tables of the sewing bee. Despite the branding being concealed, we’re pretty sure the sewists were using a Janome 5060 QDC sewing machine.

It features 60 stitches plus two styles of automatic buttonholes, an LCD display, and a superior feed system. The extension table makes it easier to work on larger sewing projects, too. The automatic thread cutter is an added bonus!

If you’re new to using a sewing machine, then take a look at our beginner’s guide to sewing.

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Janome AT2000D Professional Air Thread Overlocker

Overlockers are an essential piece of kit on the Sewing Bee! We’ve done some sleuthing and this year the contestants appear to be using the Janome AT2000D Professional Air Thread Overlocker.

This overlocker has a handy jet air threading system with an upper and lower looper. This machine is sturdy, lightweight and excellent value for money.

You can learn more about the best overlockers on the market with our handy guide.

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Now you know what sewing machines are used on the Sewing Bee!

Thanks to Simply Sewing’s eagle eyes, you know exactly what sewing machines they use on the Sewing Bee. Why not order your own? If they’re good enough for the sewing room, then they’re definitely good enough for us!

How to choose the best sewing machine for your needs

Not sure what sewing machine you need for your latest project? We’ve put together a complete guide to the best sewing machines to help you make your decision.

The guide covers everything from machines for beginners to the best options for advanced sewers. There’s even a round-up of the best cheap sewing machines for crafters on a budget.

Phoebe Burt

Phoebe is an experienced craft writer. As well as writing for craft websites and magazines, Phoebe is a freelance copywriter and content producer with work both in print and online. Her work spans the tech, homes, DIY and small business advice. Aside from content writing, Phoebe’s main passions are travelling and crafting (diamond painting, paint by numbers and embroidery are her favourites). She’s backpacked across South East Asia and recently hit her goal of 30 countries under 30 years old!

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