Lifestyle | Arts & Crafts
Station:
BBC One (GB)
Status:
Running
Start:
2013-04-02
Rating:
0/10 from 0 users
Amateur sewers take on challenges as they compete to be named Britain's best home sewer.
Next Episode is 'Episode 4' (Season 12 Episode 4) and airs on 04 Aug 2026 14:00 (CDT).
S12E1 - Episode 1
The Great British Sewing Bee returns with brand-new host Sophie Willan. Over ten weeks, 12 of the country's best home sewers compete to be crowned winner of the Sewing Bee crown.
In the opening week, judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set three challenges on the theme of the British summer. First up, the Pattern Challenge sees them crafting summer shorts with a patch pocket.
Next, in the 90-minute Transformation Challenge, barbecue aprons become bags.
Finally, there is a Sewing Bee first in the Made-to-Measure challenge as the sewers are asked to create garments to fit themselves. They become their own models as they make outfits for their ideal summer's day, and once complete, the catwalk is all theirs.
One sewer will impress and earn Garment of the Week, but for another, it's the end of the road as they leave the sewing room for good.
Air Date: 14 Jul 2026 14:00 (CDT)
S12E2 - Episode 2
It's week 2, and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young put the 11 remaining sewers through their paces with three challenges themed around prints and colours.
First, the sewers take on the Pattern Challenge, constructing a pattern-matched shell top with adaptive elements, including invisible side-zips and a high-low hem. In the Transformation Challenge, they are given second-hand clothes in purple and brown, the judges' least-favourite colours, and have to create garments that will convince them to change their minds.
Finally, in the Made to Measure, the sewers must create an eye-catching outfit in just one colour.
Air Date: 21 Jul 2026 14:00 (CDT)
S12E3 - Episode 3
It's week 3, and it's time for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Presenter Sophie Willan, alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, takes the fight to fast fashion with three challenges focused on the environment and sustainability.
First up, in the Pattern Challenge, it's another sewing bee first as the sewers are tasked with creating pants from old t-shirts. However, they are not asked to make just one pair - they have to make three. This challenge tests not only their technical skill but also their consistency.
Then, Patrick and Esme take a trip to a store of waste destined for landfill to handpick the raw materials for the transformation.
Finally, the sewers get protesting as they make outfits with an environmental message made to measure their models.
Air Date: 28 Jul 2026 14:00 (CDT)
S12E4 - Episode 4
The ten remaining sewers celebrate the rich fashion and textile traditions of Mexico. Host Sophie Willan and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young are joined by special guest judge, renowned fashion designer Erika Alvirez.
In the Pattern Challenge, the sewers create a Mexican folkloric top, using fabrics created by indigenous communities in Mexico's Oaxaca region.
For the Transformation Challenge, they are given manteles de hule, a traditional Mexican tablecloth. Using the stiffness of the fabric, they are asked to create a garment with an eye-catching structure.
Finally, in the Made-to-Measure, the sewers design an outfit inspired by one of the many Mexican festivals found across the country.
Air Date: 04 Aug 2026 14:00 (CDT)
S12E5 - Episode 5
It's Week 5, and the sewers are tackling the wide world of sport.
In the Pattern Challenge, they hit the beach to create classic men's swimming shorts.
The Transformation Challenge sees yet another Sewing Bee first, as the remaining eight sewers are divided into pairs for the first ever team challenge: working together to create outfits from recycled windsurf sails.
Finally, the sewers are aiming for a strike as they use free motion embroidery and applique to personalise their made-to-measure bowling shirts.
Air Date: 11 Aug 2026 14:00 (CDT)