‘Universal excellence’- Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant shares his thoughts on the new series

A new series of The Great British Sewing Bee returns to our screens next week, and it’s set to be the best yet. Don’t believe us? When asked about the series, Sewing Bee judge, best-selling author and fashion heartthrob Patrick Grant told us: “From the beginning, we were having to send home people who were really good.”

“This year, we had all of the normal creativity, but also a layer of technical competence that was outstanding. Every week, we were sending home somebody capable of amazing things.”

Astonishing words from a man who’s been with the show for 10 series and judged over 100 contestants! Every year, the challenges the sewists face become harder, and yet the standard continues to improve.

“How do we gauge the technical competence of our sewers? With the pattern challenges. And this year, they absolutely nailed them. can’t remember a series where they were done with such universal excellence,” Patrick said.

“Week after week, we gave them difficult things, and it wasn’t until we got to week eight that we got more than maybe one person who struggled,” Patrick revealed. “We had to resort to fine-tooth comb nitpickery in order to separate them, looking at the accuracy and spacing of their top-stitching.”

“Every week, we were sending home somebody capable of amazing things.”

Patrick will judge the contestants alongside Esme Young, a renowned fashion designer and Patrick’s co-judge for the last ten years. This year’s series will also see the return of host Sara Pascoe. “We had a fantastic time filming as always,” he said.

“Sara was on super form and Esme was at her absolute best. It was a brilliant series, but then I say that every year… because it always is.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sewing Bee (@britishsewingbee)

The return of this brilliant trio, alongside the many unique challenges and talented contestants, is sure to make this year’s series the best yet.

Watch the new series of The Great British Sewing Bee on Tuesday 15th July, 9pm, BBC One.

Want to find out more about series 11 of the Sewing Bee?

Our complete guide to The Great British Sewing Bee is packed with all the latest updates, gossip and news about the series.

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!

See author's posts