The Great British Sewing Bee Returns For 2024! What We Know So Far

After weeks of constantly checking the BBC website for updates we are so excited to announce that The Great British Sewing Bee will be returning to our screens this month. Here’s what we know so far!

When is The Great British Sewing Bee?

Series 10 of The Great British Sewing Bee airs on BBC One on Tuesday 21st May 2024, at 9pm UK time (schedule may vary in Northern Ireland and Scotland)

Who is the host of The Great British Sewing Bee?

After doing a cracking job hosting the 2023 Christmas Special, Kiell Smith-Bynoe returns as the host for the latest series. Actor Kiell is best known for his roles in TV hits Ghosts and Stath Lets Flats. He follows in the footsteps of previous hosts Sara Pascoe, Joe Lycett and Claudia Winkleman.

Who are the judges on The Great British Sewing Bee?

Back to critique the seams, style and stitching of another batch of budding sewists are the ever-dapper Patrick Grant and Esme “no bow is too big” Young. Patrick Grant is the business, brains (and moustache) behind top tailoring brands Norton & Sons, Hammond & Co, and social enterprise Community Clothing. As part of Swanky Modes, Esme Young’s designs have been worn by celebrities including Grace Jones and Cher, as well as featuring in popular films from Crocodile Dundee to Bridget Jones.
Learn more about Esme Young as she tells her story in Life In Patterns

What happens in The Great British Sewing Bee?

Following the long-established format, each episode begins with a Pattern Challenge, where the sewists are given a pre-made pattern to follow. They can choose their own fabrics, prints and embellishments and it’s a great way of comparing the skill levels of the contestants.

Next up is the Transformation Challenge where the sewists have just 90 minutes to upcycle and transform an item (or items) into something new and spectacular. This shows their creativity, flair and ability to work under pressure.

Finally, it’s the Made-to-Measure. Our sewists have to make a garment to perfectly fit their model.
At the end of the episode, one project is selected as Garment of the Week, and we sadly say goodbye to one of our new sewing friends.

What can we expect in Episode One of the new series?

We get to say hello to 12 brand new sewists - we can’t wait to meet them - then it’s time for the Pattern Challenge. As The Bee is celebrating its tenth anniversary, the first challenge is inspired by the first episode of series one and we’re hoping to see 12 perfectly execute denim A-line midi-skirts.

For the 90-minute Transformation Challenge, our sewists will be tackling T-shirts and turning them into something new and exciting.

Casual day dresses get the personal touch as the contestants create fab frocks for their models in the first Made-to-Measure of the series. We can’t wait to see them!

Catch up with all the latest series news at bbc.co.uk/sewingbee

Tell us what you love about The Great British Sewing Bee! Join the conversation on social media @sewhq on Instagram or on Facebook at facebook.com/sewhq

Images: BBC/Love Productions