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 for the first four series, with judges Patrick Grant, May Martin (series 1–3), and Esme Young (since series 4).
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. Sophie Willan replaced Pascoe as host of the 2025 Christmas Celebrity Specialhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002p11g and also hosted the 2026 season. Since 2022 Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, West Yorkshire has served as the new filming location for series 8 onwards.
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.
Series overview Series Episodes Premiere FinaleWinner 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 12 10 14 July 2026 15 September 2026 Anna
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. May Martin was replaced by new judge Esme Young. 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. Exterior shots are of 1 Tanner Street, Bermondsey. 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. 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.bbc.co.uk Retrieved 2023-05-24 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. 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. 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.https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/great-british-sewing-bee-huge-35899421?int_source=nba
Series 12 (2026)
The twelfth series began on 14 July 2026 on BBC One. Esme Young and Patrick Grant returned as judges, whilst Sophie Willan took over from Sara Pascoe as presenter. The finalists were Anna, Beth, and Emma, with Anna winning.
Specials Winner
Christmas Special (2013)
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.
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) 1 Edith Bowman 2 Cape 2 1950s Flared Dress Jenny Eclair 21 October 2014 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) 2 Gaby Roslin 3 Dinosaur 2 Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Sara Cox 23 October 2014 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) 3 Gemma Cairney 4 Covered Prom Dress 4 Silk Brocade Cape Anita Rani 24 October 2014 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) Sara Pascoe 4 Sleigh Outfit 2 Tartan Dress 26 December 2020 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) Lesley Joseph 2 Ugly Sister Costume 4 Cinderella Evening Dress 31 December 2020 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) Kate Bottley 2 Reindeer Outfit 1 Festive Kaftan 22 December 2021 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) Lawrence Chaney 1 Silver Dress 1 'Pigs in Blankets' Dress 30 December 2021 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) Johannes Radebe 1 Candy Cane Outfit 2 Harry Styles-inspired Jumpsuit 22 December 2022 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) Kerry Godliman 4 Brussels sprout 1 Glamorous two-piece 21 December 2023 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) Ian "H" Watkins 1 Reindeer 1 "Green, Green Grass of Home" inspired dragon outfit 19 December 2024 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
Celebrity Christmas Special (2025) Host: Sophie Willan Sewer Pattern Challenge(Christmas Present Sack) Transformation Challenge(Child's Fancy Dress Outfit, inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas) Made-to-measure(Outfit based on a Favourite Christmas Treat) Originally Aired Viewers(millions)Anton Du Beke 1 Six Geese A-laying 1 Champagne Flute Dress 24 December 2025 3.3 Lucy Beaumont 4 Eight Maids A-milking 2 Blue Cheese & Pickled Onions Dress Susan Wokoma 3 Three French Hens 4 Ice Cream Dessert Dress Tom Wilson 2 Seven Swans A-swimming 3 Gingerbread Dress
International versions Broadcast Australia — The series premiered on 15 December 2014 on The LifeStyle Channel. Japan — broadcast since 3 October 2019 on NHK Educational TV. New Zealand - broadcast since 2021 on TVNZ.