The Great British Sewing Bee
British television sewing competition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Great British Sewing Bee is a BBC reality show that began airing on BBC Two on 2 April 2013. In the show, talented amateur sewers compete to be named "Britain's best home sewer". A spin-off of the format of The Great British Bake Off, the programme was presented by Claudia Winkleman[1] for the first four series, with judges Patrick Grant, May Martin (series 1–3), and Esme Young (since series 4).
| The Great British Sewing Bee | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Reality Game show |
| Presented by | |
| Judges |
|
| Theme music composer | Ian Livingstone |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 11 |
| No. of episodes | 87 (plus 9 specials) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Anna Beattie |
| Producers |
|
| Production locations |
|
| Editor | Susanne Rock |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production company | Love Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC Two |
| Release | 2 April 2013 – 2 April 2019 |
| Network | BBC One |
| Release | 22 April 2020 – present |
| Related | |
| The Great Pottery Throw Down The Piano | |
After a three-year hiatus, the series returned in 2019, with Joe Lycett taking over as presenter. The sixth series began airing on BBC One in April 2020 and the seventh began airing in April 2021. Sara Pascoe took over as presenter from series 8, which began airing in April 2022. Kiell Smith-Bynoe took over presenting for series 10 in May 2024, with Pascoe returning for series 11. Since 2022 Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, West Yorkshire has served as the new filming location for series 8 onwards.[2][3]
Series format
The show format is similar to The Great British Bake Off in that each episode features three challenges within an overall theme. The series starts with 10 amateur sewers, with the weakest eliminated each episode. In the Pattern Challenge, the judges give them the same pattern, which they must follow as accurately as possible. In the Transformation Challenge, existing garments or fabrics of a similar form, picked from a rail provided by the programme, or sourced by the contestants themselves, are reinvented by the sewers as a specified different type of garment. In the third Made-to-measure Challenge, the sewers design and create their own garments, and must adjust their patterns to fit human models.[4]
Series overview
| Series | Episodes | Premiere | Finale | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 April 2013 | 23 April 2013 | Ann Rowley |
| 2 | 8 | 18 February 2014 | 8 April 2014 | Heather Jacks |
| 3 | 6 | 5 February 2015 | 12 March 2015 | Matt Chapple |
| 4 | 8 | 16 May 2016 | 4 July 2016 | Charlotte Newland |
| 5 | 8 | 12 February 2019 | 2 April 2019 | Juliet Uzor |
| 6 | 10 | 22 April 2020 | 24 June 2020 | Clare Bradley |
| 7 | 10 | 14 April 2021 | 16 June 2021 | Serena Baker |
| 8 | 10 | 27 April 2022 | 29 June 2022 | Annie Phillips |
| 9 | 10 | 24 May 2023 | 26 July 2023 | Asmaa Al-Allak |
| 10 | 10 | 21 May 2024 | 24 July 2024 | Luke Iveson |
| 11 | 10 | 15 July 2025 | 16 September 2025 | Caroline 'Caz' Wilson |
Series 1 (2013)
The first series of The Great British Sewing Bee started on 2 April and aired for four episodes, concluding on 23 April 2013. The series was hosted by Claudia Winkleman and the judges were WI tutor May Martin and Patrick Grant of Savile Row. The all-female final was won by Ann, with Sandra and Lauren as runners up.
Series 2 (2014)
A second series of The Great British Sewing Bee began airing on 18 February 2014 on BBC Two. The series was filmed at Metropolitan Wharf in London, with Claudia Winkleman returning as host alongside May Martin and Patrick Grant as the judges. Once again it was an all-female final, which was won by Heather, with Chinelo and Tamara as the runners up.
Series 3 (2015)
The third series of The Great British Sewing Bee began airing over six weeks from 5 February 2015 on BBC Two. It was once again filmed at Metropolitan Wharf in London, with Claudia Winkleman returning as host alongside resident judges May Martin and Patrick Grant. After six weeks of competition, the ten sewers were reduced to the three finalists - this time, there were two male and one female finalists - with Matt declared the winner, and Lorna and Neil as the runners-up.
Series 4 (2016)
The fourth series of The Great British Sewing Bee began airing on 16 May 2016.[5][6] Mae Martin was replaced by new judge Esme Young.[7] The finalists were Jade, Charlotte, and Joyce, with Charlotte the winner.
Series 5 (2019)
The fifth series began on 12 February 2019 on BBC Two. Joe Lycett took over from Claudia Winkleman as presenter, and Esme Young and Patrick Grant returned as judges. The series was shot at 47-49 Tanner Street.[8] Exterior shots are of 1 Tanner Street, Bermondsey.[9][10] The finalists were Juliet, Leah and Riccardo, with Juliet winning.
Series 6 (2020)
The sixth series began on 22 April 2020 on BBC One. Joe Lycett returned as presenter, and Esme Young and Patrick Grant also returned as judges. The finalists were Clare, Matt, and Nicole, with Clare winning.
Series 7 (2021)
The seventh series began on 14 April 2021 on BBC One.[11] As with the previous series, Joe Lycett returned as host, along with Esme Young and Patrick Grant as judges. The finalists were Raph, Rebecca and Serena, with Serena winning.
Series 8 (2022)
The eighth series began airing on 27 April 2022 on BBC One. Esme Young and Patrick Grant returned as judges, whilst Sara Pascoe took over as presenter. Production moved to Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds. The finalists were Annie, Brogan, Debra and Man Yee, with Annie winning.
Series 9 (2023)
The ninth series began on 24 May 2023 on BBC One.[12] Sara Pascoe returned as presenter, and Esme Young and Patrick Grant also returned as judges. The finalists were Asmaa, Mia and Tony R, with Asmaa winning.
Series 10 (2024)
The tenth series began on 21 May 2024 on BBC One.[13] Esme Young and Patrick Grant returned as judges, whilst Kiell Smith-Bynoe took over as presenter. The finalists were Ailsa, Luke and Pascha, with Luke winning.
Series 11 (2025)
The eleventh series began on 15 July 2025 on BBC One.[14] Esme Young and Patrick Grant returned as judges, with Sara Pascoe returning as host having taking the previous series off due to maternity leave. The finalists were Caz, Órla, and Yasmin, with Caz winning. This was Pascoe's last series presenting with actress Sophie Willan taking over next series.[15]
Specials
Winner
Christmas Special (2013)
| No. | Title | Original release date | Viewers (millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Christmas Special" | 15 December 2013 | 1.14 | |
|
Semi-finalists Lauren, Sandra, Stuart, and winner Ann return for a Christmas special. Holiday projects include a table runner, embroidered Christmas napkins, and a Christmas stocking. | ||||
The BBC Children in Need Sewing Bee (2014)
Three special episodes were commissioned as 12 celebrities took to the sewing machines in a bid to raise money for Children in Need.[16]
| Episode | Sewer | Pattern Challenge (A Line Skirt) | Alteration Challenge (Hawaiian Shirt) | Made-to-measure (A Dress from their favourite era) | Presenter | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[17] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edith Bowman | 2 | Cape | 2 | 1950s Flared Dress | Jenny Eclair | 21 October 2014[18] | 2.25 |
| Dave Myers | 4 | Child's Dress | 3 | 1960s A Line dress | ||||
| Dawn Harper | 1 | Tunic Dress | 4 | 1920s Flapper Dress | ||||
| Wendi Peters | 3 | Sundress | 1 | 1950s V-Neck Dress | ||||
| Episode | Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Pyjama Bottoms) | Alteration Challenge (Onesie-Animal Costume) | Made-to-measure (Childhood Story Skirt) | Presenter | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[17] | |
| 2 | Gaby Roslin | 3 | Dinosaur | 2 | Alice in Wonderland Tea Party | Sara Cox | 23 October 2014[19] | 1.87 |
| Louie Spence | 2 | Ladybird | 3 | Ra-ra Skirt | ||||
| Mark Watson | 4 | Zebrafish | The Emperor's New Clothes | |||||
| Pam Ferris | 1 | Cockerel | 1 | London Skyline at Night | ||||
| Episode | Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Jersey T-shirt) | Alteration Challenge (Old Prom Dress) | Made-to-measure (Child's Garment) | Presenter | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[17] | |
| 3 | Gemma Cairney | 4 | Covered Prom Dress | 4 | Silk Brocade Cape | Anita Rani | 24 October 2014[20] | 1.86 |
| Helen Lederer | 3 | Camden Lock '84 | 3 | Silk Party Dress | ||||
| Kathryn Flett | 2 | Playsuit | 2 | Little Red Riding Hood Cloak | ||||
| Timmy Matley | 1 | Gathered Skirt | 1 | Michael Jackson Pleather Jacket | ||||
Celebrity Christmas Special (2020)
| Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Pyjama Bottoms) | Transformation Challenge (Dog Coats) | Made-to-measure (Christmas Day Dress) | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[21] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sara Pascoe | 4 | Sleigh Outfit | 2 | Tartan Dress | 26 December 2020[22] | 5.93 |
| Ranj Singh | 3 | Snow Angel | 4 | Christmas Party Dress | ||
| Denise Van Outen | 1 | Superhero Cloak | 3 | Christmas Pudding Dress | ||
| Shirley Ballas | 2 | Sleigh Bells Outfit | 1 | Wrap Dress | ||
Celebrity New Year Special (2020)
| Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Children's Party Skirt) | Transformation Challenge (Old Clothes) | Made-to-measure (New Year's Memories Party Dress) | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[21] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lesley Joseph | 2 | Ugly Sister Costume | 4 | Cinderella Evening Dress | 31 December 2020[23] | |
| The Vivienne | 1 | Cinderella Costume | 2 | Fishtail Dress | ||
| Sabrina Grant | 4 | Jasmine Costume | 3 | Cocktail Dress | ||
| Sally Phillips | 3 | Pantomime Horse Costume | 1 | Dog-print Dress | ||
Celebrity Christmas Special (2021)
| Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Christmas Sweatshirt) | Transformation Challenge (Second-hand Clothes) | Made-to-measure (An outfit from Christmas Past) | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[21] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kate Bottley | 2 | Reindeer Outfit | 1 | Festive Kaftan | 22 December 2021[24] | 4.28 |
| Kiell Smith-Bynoe | 3 | Christmas Present Outfit | 2 | Mrs Claus Dress | ||
| Antony Cotton | 1 | Green and Red Bow Dress | 3 | Christmas Present Dress | ||
| Anneka Rice | 3 | Punk Angel Dress | 4 | Festive Jumpsuit | ||
Celebrity New Year Special (2021)
| Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Festive Waistcoat) | Transformation Challenge (Party Dress) | Made-to-measure (Party Food Fancy Dress) | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[21] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Chaney | 1 | Silver Dress | 1 | 'Pigs in Blankets' Dress | 30 December 2021[25] | |
| Kirsty Wark | 4 | Black and Purple Dress | 3 | 'Hogmanay Buffet' Dress | ||
| Claire Richards | 2 | Pink Dress | 4 | 'Ice Cream Sundae' Dress | ||
| Rose Matafeo | 3 | Gold Dress | 2 | 'Fondue Set' Dress | ||
Celebrity Christmas Special (2022)
| Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Festive Apron) |
Transformation Challenge (Baby Outfit) |
Made-to-measure (Pop Inspired Outfit) |
Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[21] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannes Radebe | 1 | Candy Cane Outfit | 2 | Harry Styles-inspired Jumpsuit | 22 December 2022[26] | 3.73 |
| Natalie Cassidy | 4 | Christmas Pudding | 3 | Liam Gallagher-inspired Parka | ||
| Rosie Ramsey | 3 | Christmas Present | 1 | Dolly Parton-inspired Dress | ||
| Penny Lancaster | 2 | Christmas Ornament | 4 | Madonna-inspired Dress | ||
Celebrity Christmas Special (2023)
| Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Christmas Stocking) | Transformation Challenge (Puffer Jacket) | Made-to-measure (Christmas Day Garment) | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[21] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerry Godliman | 4 | Brussels sprout | 1 | Glamorous two-piece | 21 December 2023[27] | 3.02 |
| Toyah Willcox | 2 | Carrot | 2 | "Snow Queen" outfit | ||
| Jessica Knappett | 1 | Brussels sprout | 4 | Christmas tree dress | ||
| Hammed Animashaun | 3 | Purple Quality Street | 3 | Christmas tunic | ||
Celebrity Christmas Special (2024)
| Sewer | Pattern Challenge (Advent Calendar) | Transformation Challenge (Onesie) | Made-to-measure (Christmas No. 1 inspired outfit) | Originally Aired | Viewers (millions)[21] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian "H" Watkins | 1 | Reindeer | 1 | "Green, Green Grass of Home" inspired dragon outfit | 19 December 2024[28] | 3.12 |
| Kellie Bright | 2 | Christmas Pudding | 3 | "Last Christmas" inspired jumpsuit | ||
| Fatiha El-Ghorri | 3 | Ice Queen | 4 | "Stay Another Day" inspired kaftan | ||
| Charlotte Crosby | 4 | Star | 2 | "Sausage Rolls for Everyone" inspired dress | ||
International versions
Broadcast
- Australia — The series premiered on 15 December 2014 on The LifeStyle Channel.[29]
- Japan — broadcast since 3 October 2019 on NHK Educational TV.[30][31]
- New Zealand - broadcast since 2021 on TVNZ.[32]
| Country | Local title | Host(s) | Judges | Channel | Premiere |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Corte y confección[33] (Cut and confection) | Andrea Politti | Verónica de la Canal Benito Fernández Fabián Zitta[34] | Canal 13 | 14 January 2019 |
| Denmark | Klar, parat, sy[35][36] (Ready, Set, Sew) | Lene Beier | Jesper Høvring Jette With[37] | TV 2 | 14 March 2015[38] |
| France | Cousu Main[39] (Hand Sewn) | Cristina Córdula | Amparo Lellouche Julien Scavini | M6[40] | 30 August 2014 |
| Germany | Geschickt eingefädelt (Skillfully Threaded) | Guido Maria Kretschmer | Inge Szoltysik-Sparrer Anke Müller | VOX | 3 November 2015 |
| Italy | Tailor Made – Chi ha la stoffa?[41] (Tailor Made – Who Has What It Takes?) | Tommaso Zorzi | Elide Morelli Cristina Tardito | Discovery+ Real Time | 28 June 2022 (Discovery+) 14 September 2022 (Real Time) |
| Netherlands | Door Het Oog Van De Naald (Through the Eye of the Needle) | Nicolette van Dam | Nelleke Rimmelzwaan Maik de Boer | RTL 4 | 28 January 2015 |
| Norway | Symesterskapet[42] (Sewing Championship) | Christine Hope | Tine Solheim (2014-2017) Andreas Feet (2014-)[43] Jenny Skavlan (2019-) | NRK[40] | 19 November 2014 |
| Portugal | Cosido à mão[44] (Hand Sewn) | Sónia Araújo | Susana Agostinho Paulo Battista Mariama Barbosa | RTP1 | 4 November 2017 |
| Spain | Maestros de la costura[45] (Masters of Sewing) | Raquel Sánchez Silva | Lorenzo Caprile María Escoté Palomo Spain | La 1 | 12 February 2018 |
| Maestros de la costura Celebrity[46] (Masters of Sewing Celebrity) | 9 February 2025 | ||||
| Sweden | Hela Sverige Syr[47] (The Whole of Sweden Is Sewing) | Linda Lindorff | Lisbeth Stålborg Frederik Andersen | Sjuan[40] | 14 October 2014[48] |
Etymology
Historically the word bee has been used to describe a get-together where a specific action is being carried out, such as a spelling bee, husking bee, a quilting bee, or an apple bee. In the USA, the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition has been held annually since 1925. Its etymology is unclear, but the word possibly derives from the Old English word bēn, meaning prayer.[49]
