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The Great British Sewing Bee is returning to our screens on Tuesday 14th July 2026 at 8pm for a brand new season! Keep scrolling to discover what we know so far.
Series 12 of The Great British Sewing Bee will air on BBC One. Comedian Sophie Willan takes over as the host, joining judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young to guide a brand new crop of 12 home sewers through a series of challenges over ten weeks.
We see perennial favourites return: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Week, Sports Week, Music Week and Kids Week. While new themes this year include: Colours and Prints, Mexico, Literary Icons and Wardrobe Heroes. Guest judges this year are: Victoria Jenkins – the adaptive fashion designer and disability activist – and Erika Alvarez, the London-based Mexican multidisciplinary artist and fashion entrepreneur.
Another newbie, British Summertime Week, kicks off the series with a pattern challenge asking our bees to make a pair of women’s shorts. The transformation sees them turn BBQ aprons into bags with a function, while the made-to-measure is an outfit for your perfect summer’s day. In the first format tweak of 2026, bees must model their own ensemble on the catwalk. There will also be two team challenges this year.
Here’s your first look at our 2026 bees!
Here’s your first look at the 2026 The Great British Sewing Bee contestants! We can’t wait to meet this talented group of passionate sewists and see what they create as they tackle the challenges of season 12. From bold designs to brilliant transformations, it’s sure to be another inspiring series. Say hello to: Lewis, Angie, Adele, Tim, Beth, Emma, Sam, Rebecca, Minnie, Heather, Dawn, Anna
Aged 27 to 64, the nine women and three men hail from: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, London, North Yorkshire, Scotland, Suffolk, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, and West Yorkshire. Their day jobs are: care farm director, classical soprano, actuary, project manager, homemaker, teacher (x2), barista, heating engineer, Chief Financial Officer, and a PhD student in Engineering.
This year’s contestants have been announced! Meet the 2026 Sewing Bee contestants.
Read our exclusive interview with Patrick Grant!
Read our exclusive interview with Esme Young!
Get your fellow crafters involved in a sweepstake!
Fancy a bit of friendly competition? Simply print the PDF below, cut out the contestants, pop them into a hat, and draw one at random to find out who you’ll be cheering on to win!
Click here to download the sweepstake!
Who is hosting of the Great British Sewing Bee 2026?
This year sees a new host joining Esme and Patrick in the sewing room! Bringing her trademark wit and warmth, comedian and writer Sophie Willan will be leading this year’s most creative stitchers through their challenges.
Meet new presenter Sophie Willian
What channel is the Great British Sewing Bee 2026 on?
The Great British Sewing Bee is shown on BBC One, with the series starting on Tuesday 14 July at 8pm.
Where can I stream the Great British Sewing Bee 2026?
All past Sewing Bee episodes are available on iPlayer shortly after they air. The show can also be streamed on the Sky Go app.
The BBC has made all of the past eleven series of The Great British Sewing Bee available on iPlayer, so you can catch up on any series that you’ve missed.
Watch the Great British Sewing Bee
Looking for some early inspiration?
Discover two inspiring titles from The Great British Sewing Bee (both published by Quadrille Publishing Ltd). Everyday Style: Sew Your Own Capsule Wardrobe helps you create a collection of timeless handmade garments and accessories you’ll love to wear, while Repair and Re-wear: How to Sustainably Mend, Upcycle and Care for your Clothes is packed with practical techniques for mending, refreshing and extending the life of your favourite pieces. Together, they’re the perfect guides to creating a more sustainable, handmade wardrobe.
Your complete guide to the 2025 Sewing Bee!
Looking for something specific? Jump straight to our Sewing Bee sections to learn more.
Everything you need to know about the Bee:
- Who won The Great British Sewing Bee 2025?
- When is the Great British Sewing Bee 2026 on?
- The Great British Sewing Bee FAQ
The Great British Sewing Bee Season 12:
Meet the Sewing Bee Season 12 cast:
Meet the Sewing Bee judges and presenters:
2026 Sewing Bee episode guide – SPOILERS BELOW
Check out this page the day after each episode goes live for our handy round up!
Episode 1 summery:
Season 12 of The Great British Sewing Bee got off to a sunny start with British Summer Week, with introductions to the 12 new amateur sewers and Sophie Willan as the show’s new host alongside returning judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
The opening Pattern Challenge saw the contestants tackle a pair of tailored shorts with patch pockets. Precision was key, with contestants needing to produce neat topstitching, accurate pockets and a well-fitting waistband under pressure. With Anna coming out on top.
For the Transformation Challenge, the sewers were tasked with turning old barbecue aprons into bags. The unusual materials encouraged plenty of creative thinking, with contestants transforming everyday aprons into practical totes, handbags, and statement accessories. The winner of this challenge, once again, was Anna.
The episode concluded with the Made to Measure Challenge, where the sewers designed, created and (for the first time ever) modelled garments inspired by the British summer and their perfect day. From picnic-ready dresses to festival outfits, the challenge tested both technical ability and personal style as the contestants showcased their creativity. With her bold-printed swimsuit and trousers combo, Emma came first, winning Garment of the Week!
Our Favourite: Beth’s fun festival outfit!
Episode 2 summery:
Episode two started out with the remaining 11 sewers tackling Prints and Colours Week.
The episode started out with the Pattern Challenge, with the contestants making an adaptive shell top, designed by adaptive fashion designer, Victoria Jenkins, who joined them in the sewing room. Contestants had to master accurate pattern matching while incorporating practical features such as invisible side zips and a high-low hem, proving that accessible design can be both functional and stylish. In this challenge, Rebecca came out on top with her fantastic, well-sewn garment in a bright tinned fish patterned fabric.
Next came the Transformation Challenge, where the sewers were given second-hand garments in Patrick and Esme’s least favourite colours – purple and brown – and tasked with creating fashion-forward pieces that would change the judges’ minds. With episode one’s Garment of the Week winner, Emma, coming first.
For the Made to Measure Challenge, the sewers were tasked with creating outfits using just one colour., meaning they had to rely on texture, silhouette, and construction to create interest. And for the first time in the season, fitting a garment to a model. The judges praised several exceptional garments for their technical excellence and originality. This week’s top Made to Measure garment went to Adele’s ‘perfect’ top and culotte set.
And sadly, we said goodbye to Sam when, although his construction was perfect, his colour combination failed to impress.
Our favourite: We loved the effect created by Rebecca’s godets and would love to recreate Adele’s two-coloured top and culottes combo with a crossed back and matching hair bow!
Episode 3 summery:
In episode 3 we saw the return of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Week, with the remaining ten sewers putting their creativity to the test through a series of sustainability-themed challenges.
The episode opened with an unusual Pattern Challenge, where the contestants had to make three identical pairs of knickers from second-hand T-shirts with judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young looking for precise construction across all three garments. First place went to Emma, due to her perfect elastic, colour combination, great side seam matching.
For the Transformation Challenge, Patrick and Esme took a trip to the studio’s scrap area where they found materials for the sewers to turn discarded materials into stylish new garments, encouraging them to give unwanted textiles a second life and add drama to the back. The challenge highlighted the importance of sustainable fashion and each contestant made something based on a cause they were passionate about. With Anna’s incredible green dress coming out on top.
The final Made-to-Measure Challenge saw the contestants create an outfit with an environmental message close to their heart. The judges praised the sewers who successfully balanced originality with strong technical sewing. The episode reinforced the message that beautiful, high-quality fashion can be created from materials that might otherwise end up as waste, making it one of the series’ most thought-provoking weeks. This week’s Garment of the Week went to Anna’s breathtaking 18th century-inspired structured dress with hand-printed fabric.
Patrick even got quite emotional about Anna’s Garment of the Week dress, saying,
‘I cannot remember where I’ve seen something so extraordinarily beautiful before and so incredibly well thought through… it is one of the best things we’ve ever seen in Sewing Bee’
And sadly Angie was sent home after her badly-fitting and unfinished patchwork dress failed to impress the judges.
Our favourite: We loved Rebecca’s jumpsuit made up completely from a tent! Utilising all the parts including the cords, zips, bottom sheet.
Episode 4 summery:
Episode 4 was Mexico Week, celebrating the country’s vibrant textiles, craftsmanship and traditional dress. The remaining nine sewers faced three colourful challenges inspired by Mexican fashion and culture. This week, the judges were joined by guest judge Erika Alvarez, a fashion entrepreneur whose work showcases Mexican craftsmanship and blends traditional textiles with contemporary design.
The Pattern Challenge saw the contestants create a traditional Mexican folkloric blouse. Precision was key, with the judges looking for perfectly spaced necklines, decorative ribbon and braid details, and careful handling of the hand-woven fabric. Beth came in first place with her exceptional rendition of the traditional top,
In the Transformation Challenge, the sewers had to turn manteles de hule (oilskin tablecloths) into sculptural fashion garments. The unconventional material proved difficult to manipulate, but it inspired some of the most inventive designs of the series so far as contestants experimented with dramatic shapes and silhouettes and all created something the judges were impressed with. Coming out on top was Rebecca’s pink gingham dress with sunray-pleated bodice.
For the Made to Measure Challenge, the sewers designed statement outfits inspired by Mexico’s colourful festivals, drawing on traditional embroidery, bold colour palettes, and elaborate silhouettes while creating contemporary garments that paid tribute to Mexican culture. The garment of the week was awarded to Heather’s floral tiered dress that encapsulated the spirit of the best of Mexico’s tradition and the festivals.
And sadly this week we said goodbye to Lewis, whose unfinished shirt and trousers set proved to be too big of a task for the time constraint, although being well made.
Our favourite: We loved Tim’s glorious feathered jacket.
Episode 5 summery:
It’s Sports Week in the Sewing Room, and the remaining sewers are put through their paces with a series of activewear-inspired makes using unusual materials and tricky construction techniques.
First up, the sewists took on the Pattern Challenge with a pair of men’s swim shorts. Working with lightweight, slippery fabrics and incorporating a mesh lining, they had to demonstrate precision and control to create a garment that is both practical and stylish. With elasticated waists and neat finishing to contend with, this deceptively tricky challenge put their construction skills to the test. The number one spot went to Heather’s beautifully sew shorts, made in a complementary olive and blue combination.
For the Transformation Challenge, the sewers (for the first time!) worked in pairs to transform an old windsurfing sail into a coordinating two-piece set. With limited flexibility and unconventional shapes to work with, the sewers had to think creatively and collaboratively to make the most of their materials while ensuring their finished designs were wearable. With four garments to choose from, the first-place outfit went to Rebecca and Anna’s criss-cross trouser suit.
Finally, the Made to Measure challenge was inspired by bowling! The sewers were asked to create a bowling shirt inspired by a hobby or team they like and use free motion embroidery and appliqué techniques. The sewists showcased a huge range of fun and unique shirts but it was Anna’s ‘beautifully graphic’ cooking-inspired shirt that captured the judges’ hearts, with Patrick even saying, ‘This is one of the best things I’ve seen in here’. And despite his wholesome design, it was Tim who was sent home.
Our favourite: Beth’s bowling shirt featuring her love for powerlifting combined with a stunning portrait of her dog Cilla, who sadly passed a few weeks prior.
Want to have a go at appliqué? Try our beginner-friendly tea towels here
Episode 6 summery:
It’s Kids’ Week in the Sewing Room, and the remaining sewers are challenged to create fun, imaginative garments for little ones, with tricky techniques, unusual materials and plenty of pressure along the way.
First up, the sewers took on the Pattern Challenge with a classic ballet tutu. Working with a combination of stretchy spandex and stiff net, they had to carefully construct the tiny garments while creating the tutu’s distinctive gathered layers. With precision and flawless execution, Beth came out on top.
For the Transformation Challenge, the sewers were given just 90 minutes to turn synthetic fleece into adorable stuffed toys. With the material needing to be transformed into something three-dimensional and child-friendly, the contestants had to think creatively while working quickly to produce toys with plenty of personality and it was Anna’s funky octopus that stole the judges’ hearts.
Finally, the Made to Measure challenge saw the sewers creating and designing unique superhero costumes for nine-year-old models. From capes and appliqué to stretch fabrics and quilted details, the contestants had to bring their superhero ideas to life while making sure their costumes fitted their young models perfectly. Rebecca’s imaginative superhero ‘Treblemaker’ earned her Garment of the Week. And it was Minnie’s cat costume that didn’t ‘wow’ the judges and she was sadly sent home.
Our favourite: While all the toys were adorable and (sometimes) quirky, we can’t help but fall in love with Heather’s utterly adorable (and somewhat wonky) elephant toy.
Want go have a go at making cuddly toys? Checkout our patterns on the Gathered Shop!
Episode 7 summery:
Episode 7 was Music Week in the Sewing Room, and the remaining sewers are challenged to hit all the right notes with three music-inspired makes, from iconic pop lingerie to upcycled stage wear and dazzling disco looks.
First up, the sewers took on the Pattern Challenge with Madonna’s iconic cone bra, inspired by the famous Jean Paul Gaultier designs from the 1990s. It featured quilted conical cups, power mesh, ribbon boning, and a tricky front zip to contend with. For this challenge, Heather’s red and animal print bra came first.
For the Transformation Challenge, the sewists were split into two teams of three and tasked with turning bedroom furnishings into outfits for pop acts. With just 90 minutes to transform the unlikely materials into cohesive stage wear, the teams had to balance creativity with collaboration and make sure their three looks worked together. Anna, Emma and Beth were the team who won, and Anna was placed first in the group.
Finally, the Made to Measure Challenge saw the sewers travelling back to the 1970s to embrace the world of disco. From shimmering sequins and metallic fabrics to dramatic silhouettes and dancefloor-ready designs, the contestants had five hours to create glamorous outfits. Anna’s bold, oversized trousers impressed the judges and earned her Garment of the Week.
With the competition getting tougher and the quarter-final within reach, the judges had to make the difficult decision to send Adele home, leaving just five contestants to battle it out in the next round.
Our favourite: Rebecca‘s Made to Measure red draped top and wide-leg trouser combo.
Episode 8 summery:
Episode 8 was Literary Icons Week in the Sewing Room, and the five remaining sewers were challenged to bring some of the most memorable characters and stories from the page to life.
First up, the sewers took on the Pattern Challenge with Sherlock Holmes’ famous deerstalker hat. With 31 pieces to cut and multiple panels to fit together precisely, the deceptively small accessory proved a serious test of accuracy and construction. Beth proved her skill and attention to detail and came first.
For the Transformation Challenge, the sewers were asked to imagine what Roald Dahl’s Matilda would wear as a grown-up, using second-hand school uniforms as their starting point. All the sewists came out with great reimaginings but it was Anna’s tartan dress.
Finally, the Made to Measure Challenge saw the sewers travelling back to the Regency period, taking inspiration from the novels of Jane Austen. With five hours to create historically inspired outfits featuring the era’s signature empire waistlines, the contestants had to balance period details with impeccable fit and finish. Beth’s beautiful, intricate gown impressed the judges and earned her Garment of the Week.
With the semi-final now in sight, the judges faced another difficult decision. Rebecca’s Regency outfit couldn’t quite match the standard of the others, and she was sent home.
Our favourite: Anna’s stunning monochrome Made to Measure ‘goth-sten’ outfit
Here’s what you have to look forward to for episode 9:
It’s the semi-final, and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set three challenges celebrating wardrobe heroes. These are items found in every wardrobe. However little or often they are worn, these clothes are must-haves and essentials.
First, in the Pattern Challenge, the sewers must put their spin on the classic leather jacket, only this time, the judges have asked them to use plant-based leather.
Next, for the Transformation Challenge, the sewers take men’s shirts and transform them into outfits for a wedding.
Finally, in the Made-to-Measure, it’s the timeless little black dress that is the inspiration
Four sewers remain, but only three will make it to the final.
Who are the Sewing Bee judges?
The judges on the Sewing Bee are Patrick Grant and Esme Young, who are both respected fashion industry experts. Read on to find out more about Patrick and Esme…
Patrick Grant – Judge
Patrick, 53, is a designer and creative director of bespoke tailors Norton & Sons of Savile Row and its subsidiary E Tautz.
He won Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2010. He bought ailing Blackburn clothing manufacturer Cookson & Clegg in 2015, saving the factory from closure, and launched social enterprise Community Clothing to champion UK-made quality, affordable and sustainable fashion. He has also presented the documentary Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King and has judged The Great British Sewing Bee since its start in 2013.
Find out what Patrick Grant thinks about the 2026 series of the Sewing Bee
Esme Young – Judge
Esme, 77, joined The Great British Sewing Bee as a judge in 2016. A designer who’s made costumes for films such as Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Trainspotting and Bridget Jones’s Diary, Esme is also a tutor at Central Saint Martins art school.
With three friends passionate about fashion, she opened the iconic store Swanky Modes in Camden, London, in the 1970s and dressed stars such as Grace Jones, Siouxsie Sioux and Cher. Their most famous creation, the Amorphous dress, is in The V&A Museum.
She’s guested on shows including: Richard Osman’s House of Games, Would I Lie to You? and The Wheel. Her autobiography Behind the Seams: My Life in Creativity, Friendship and Adventure was published last year.
Read our 2026 interview with Esme Young
Sophie Willan – Host
The BBC has just announced the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee! Comedian, writer and actor Sophie Willan will take over from Sara Pascoe as the presenter of the show from the Celebrity Christmas special this December.
Sophie will join judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young to lead Britain’s most creative stitchers through their challenges when the new series arrives on BBC One and iPlayer next year and will also host the Christmas Celebrity Special later this year. Sophie’s humour and warmth will be a welcome addition to the Sewing Room in 2026.
Find out more about Sophie here!
Who has hosted previous Sewing Bees?
She’s back! After a brief absence on maternity leave, comedian Sara Pascoe is back in the sewing room. And she’s missed it: “I’d really missed everyone and had awful FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) not being there last year.”
During her maternity leave, the show was hosted by comedian and Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
Sara Pascoe first hosted the show in 2022 and has been a warm, supportive presence in the sewing room. We’re very excited to see her back on our screens!
Read our 2025 interview with Sewing Bee host Sara Pascoe
Throughout its run, the show has had several presenters:
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- Sophie Willan (2026–Present)
- Sara Pascoe (2022–2025)
- Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Guest host in 2023 for Series 9 while Pascoe was on maternity leave)
- Joe Lycett (2019–2021)
- Claudia Winkleman (2013–2016)
The Great British Sewing Bee FAQ
Who won The Great British Sewing Bee 2025?
After 12 gruelling weeks, Caz (60, Midlands) was awarded the title of Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer. Her incredible Made to Measure dress, which was a tribute to the NHS, clinched her the crown and wowed the judges and public.
Read our full interview with Caz, where she discusses her highlights, hardest moments and what it felt like to win the Sewing Bee.
Want to find out more about the 2025 season? Click here!
Who won the Great British Sewing Bee in 2024?
Luke was crowned winner of the Sewing Bee in 2024. Take a look at our interview with Luke and find out their story.
We also caught up with runner up Pascha to hear about her experience in the competition.
Who won the Great British Sewing Bee in 2023?
The incredible Asmaa won The Great British Sewing Bee 2023. She wowed the judges throughout the competition with her skill, passion and creativity.
In the final of the Sewing Bee 2023, Asmaa’s stunning two-in-one dress won her the trophy and we think she’s a very worthy winner.
Read our interview with Asmaa over in our Meet the 2023 Great British Sewing Bee winner article. She shares all her thoughts and feelings on this year’s show with us.
Who won the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022?
It’s Annie! Read our interview with the Great British Sewing Bee 2022 winner Annie to get to know the new sewing champion. You can also read our interview with the Sewing Bee 2022 finalists.
The celebrity Christmas special winner was Johannes Radebe.
Who won the Great British Sewing Bee in 2021?
Last year’s winner was 21-year-old Serena Baker, who was a trainee doctor from Edinburgh. She was the youngest sewer of the series and produced some impressive makes during her time on the show.
What sewing machines are used on the Sewing Bee?
If you’ve been eyeing up the machines on the show, discover the exact make and model with our what sewing machines are used on the Sewing Bee guide.
Where is the Great British Sewing Bee filmed?
The Great British Sewing Bee is located in a former textile mill called Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds.
Sunny Bank Mills was founded in 1829 and was a working textile mill right up until 2008. It’s now a business space and is home to a wide range of companies – there’s even a sewing school!
The Great British Sewing Bee was previously filmed at The Chainstore on Trinity Buoy Wharf for series 7 in 2021, which is just across the Thames from the O2 Arena.
The show’s former warehouse setting for the 2020 series was located in London’s Bermondsey, in the heart of the capital’s historical textiles quarter. For the truly geeky among you (we include ourselves in this category), the 2019 series was filmed at 47/49 Tanner Street (also the location of Dragon’s Den!), near Tower Bridge.
What happens to the clothes made on the Sewing Bee?
All the clothes on the Sewing Bee are returned to the contestants after filming. There’s no waste in Sewing Bee studio!
Past contestant, Chinelo Bally also helped to clear up this mystery for us when she appeared on our We’ve Made It podcast. She also revealed that contestants receive a budget to buy the fabric needed for the show.
In the episode, Chinelo talked about her experiences on the show and shared some great tips for novice sewers. You can find We’ve Made It on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
What does the winner of the Sewing Bee get?
The winner of the Sewing Bee receives a golden mannequin award and the title of Britain’s best amateur sewer. There’s no cash prize, but many previous winners have gone on to write their own sewing books or set up their own craft businesses.
Do Sewing Bee contestants get paid?
No, Sewing Bee contestants do not get paid. They just do it for the honour of taking part and the chance to be the Sewing Bee champion!
Is the Sewing Bee filmed in one day?
No, Sewing Bee contestants have to commit to taking part in 20 days of filming spread over four months when they apply to be on the show.
Has a man ever won the Great British Sewing Bee?
Yes! Matt Chapple was the first male winner of the Sewing Bee in 2015. In recent years, we’ve seen more men taking part in the show such as Raph Dilhan who was a finalist in 2021.
Sewing Bee book 2025
The Great British Sewing Bee: Pattern Drafting: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Dressmaking Patterns From Scratch is the brand new Sewing Bee book for 2025.
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Get the Sewing Bee book 2024
Get yourself a copy of The Great British Sewing Bee: Back to Basics: Create Your Own Capsule Wardrobe With 23 Dressmaking Projects 2024.
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Previous Sewing Bee bundle set of 3
The Great British Sewing Bee Collection 3 Books Set (Made to Measure, The Skills & The Techniques).
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Why the Sewing Bee is one of our favourite craft TV shows
The Sewing Bee has got it all: kind contestants, beautiful clothes, loveable judges and lots of incredibly creative ideas. It’s not surprising that it’s one of the most popular craft TV shows out there.
The best part is that the Sewing Bee has inspired lots of people to take up sewing for themselves, with some of them even appearing as contestants on the show!
Start your sewing journey
If watching the show has inspired you to start sewing, you’re probably wondering where to begin. We’d recommend starting with our best sewing machine guide, which is packed with expert tips and advice to help you enjoy this satisfying hobby!
All images from BBC/Love Productions.
