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When they finally appeared, many people thought they were unnecessary, impractical and even scandalous
As with all good things, The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 came to an end last night with a must-watch final. The episode saw Caz, Yasmin, and Orla go head-to-head for the title of Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer – Caz ultimately being crowned winner.
Below, we talk to the talented runner-up and this year’s youngest contestant, Orla, about her experience taking part.
Here’s what Orla had to say about her time after leaving the Sewing Room…
There were some new themes in this series – is there any particular week you enjoyed or found tricky during your time on Sewing Bee?
‘I found all of the themes this season really interesting! I really surprised myself with how much I enjoyed kids week, and loved art week. My least favourite week might have actually been the final – because I knew that after it the filming would come to an end!’
Best and worst moment overall for you during the series?
‘The best moment for me was getting to hang out with my sibling Ró during the final. We had such fun together and it just felt so surreal them being there speaking Gaidhlig and joking around with me. The worst moment would have to be the film week transformation. That was definitely the worst transformation of the entire season!’
Check out Orla’s stunning final garment
Head to our article to take a look at Orla’s final garment – a beautiful celebration of queer love and identity.
Would you encourage other amateur sewers out there to have a go on the series and why?
‘If you like a good challenge, then I would definitely recommend the sewing bee. Just get the basics of sewing sown and you are good to go!’
Will you make anything from the series again, when you are at home and have more time?
‘I think my two favourite garments were my art skirt and spiral top transformations, so I would love to recreate both of them at home. I also think recreating my horror doll mask for Halloween is a must!’
Do you feel you have progressed now as a sewer?
‘I feel that I have definitely progressed as a sewer since the sewing bee and have learned new skills as well as how I deal with pressure.’
How emotional were you when you had to leave the sewing room, and how supportive was everyone?
‘It was so lovely to see all the sewists as well as our friends and family there for the final, It felt like one big party!’
What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great British Sewing Bee?
‘What I have taken away from this experience is that I need to maybe have more confidence in my ability as a sewist. I managed to prove to myself what I set out to do from the beginning: challenge and push myself whilst having fun. I will take away the friendships I have made with the other bees and am so grateful for my experience, it really was so fun.’
What is next for you in the sewing world as far as you know?
‘Just before the beginning of filming, I applied to a fashion course last minute and during filming I found out I had gotten in! So now I have switched my degree to Fashion at the University of Edinburgh, the sewing stress from the bee apparently wasn’t enough for me!
‘I will keep on sewing and upcycling in my free time, and maybe one day I can incorporate it into my career. Who knows.’
Discover the touching tribute that secured the win for Caz
Catch up on the final of The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 and read all about Caz’s incredible final dress, dedicated to the NHS, which resembled a ribcage.
