Returning tonight: 7 lesser-known details about the 2025 edition of The Great British Sewing Bee
The Great British Sewing Bee, now in its 11th season, is a celebration of creativity, textile heritage, and everyday sewing skills. Filmed in Leeds, a city rich in textile history, the show brings together contestants from diverse professional and personal backgrounds, many of whom are hobbyists rather than industry professionals [1].
The competition is known for its balance of technical challenges and creative freedom. In the 2025 series, contestants were immediately tested with a tie-front blouse (Pattern Challenge) and a Transformation Challenge where they had to repurpose an old skirt into something new and wearable [3]. Unique twists, such as the Made-to-Measure Task in a recent season where no one was sent home, add an unexpected element to the show [3].
Judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant play integral roles, not only on-screen but also as passionate advocates for sewing. Young, who continues to teach at Central Saint Martins, often showcases garments she has made herself on the show [1]. In the past, she has even made shirts for Leonardo DiCaprio to wear in the movie The Beach [1].
The show's production process is fascinating. Filming takes place in Leeds, a city that Young describes as a "spiritual home for textiles," referencing the city's historic mills and vibrant fabric shops [1]. Contestants and judges often source fabrics from local Leeds shops, offering a glimpse into the city's rich textile heritage and diverse fabric offerings [1].
The opening of each episode gives a rapid-fire overview of the season's highlights, which some viewers find a bit spoilery, as it reveals key moments from upcoming episodes [3]. Host Sara Pascoe returned after a break for maternity leave, with Kiell Smith-Bynoe stepping in during her absence [3].
The Great British Sewing Bee has inspired both beginners and experienced sewers, especially as formal sewing education has declined in schools [1]. The show's winners are known for their technical precision and creative flair, often displaying a combination of these qualities [2]. Popular challenges, such as the Victoriana dress, have inspired viewers to recreate garments at home [2].
The show occasionally features celebrity episodes, adding variety to the usual amateur competition format [4]. Past contestants get to keep everything they make on the show, promoting sustainability [1]. There is no cash prize for the winners, but they receive the title of Britain's Best Amateur Sewer and a golden mannequin trophy [1].
As the show returns for its 11th season on Tuesday, July 15th at 8pm, it remains a highlight in the BBC's summer schedule. Only two men have ever won the Sewing Bee: Matt Chapple in 2015 and Luke-Matthew Iveson in 2024 [1]. Contestants do not get paid for their time on the show, but the cost of their fabrics is covered [1].
Patrick Grant, a judge on the show, was a rugby player and represented Scotland in U18 and U19 national rugby sides [1]. Esme Young has shared behind-the-scenes gossip about the new series of the Sewing Bee [1]. Sara Pascoe reveals why the Sewing Bee 2025 is her favorite series yet [3]. The new series of the Sewing Bee is set to premiere in 2025 [3].
- The Great British Sewing Bee competitors demonstrate their sewing skills, as well as their talent in knitting and quilting, showcasing their creativity in various fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden projects.
- In addition to being a platform for showcasing diversity in sewing skills, The Great British Sewing Bee also serves as a lifestyle program, inspiring both beginners and experienced sewers to explore the rich textile heritage of cities like Leeds.
- As judges, Esme Young and Patrick Grant promote the art of sewing both on-screen and off, with Young even creating garments for renowned actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio.
