The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 Start Date, Contestants & Filming Secrets
- Alison from Mokshatrim
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 can't be long now surely!
The last series, Series 10, aired on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, and this year's book, which accompanies the new series, is set to release on May 8, 2025.
As usual, a number of new amateur sewers, typically 12, will join judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant. But the big question is, will we see Kiell Smith Bynoe or Sara Pascoe this time?
Who else is looking forward to meeting the new batch of sewers? I know I am!
As ever, I'm hoping for a better use of the haberdashery this season.
While we're waiting why not explore Mokshatrim's latest unusual haberdashery finds....
This Year's Great British Sewing Bee Contestants
There will be more information about this year's contestants coming soon!
Stay tuned – once the cast is announced, we’ll update this section with behind-the-seams details on each contestant!
What to Expect from Great British Sewing Bee Series 11
The excitement is building as we anticipate the start of Series 11. This season promises to bring fresh challenges and creative sewing projects.
Expect to see innovative designs and techniques that will inspire both viewers and contestants alike. As the contestants face off in their sewing challenges, the pressure will be on to showcase their skills.
Not only will we witness the talent of these amateur sewers, but we will also enjoy the camaraderie and character development that unfolds. It's always a thrill to see who rises to the occasion and who, unfortunately, might not make the cut.
What makes The Sewing Bee such a national treasure?
What do you think?....
For me, it’s more than a sewing competition - it’s a big cuddly celebration of creativity, kindness, and quiet determination.
Sewing is usually a solitary endeavour, but week after week, we get to watch amateur sewers pour their heart and soul into their makes, tackling fiddly zips, wild fabrics, and emotional briefs with a spirit that’s endlessly inspiring.
There’s no cut-throat drama - just genuine camaraderie, gentle humour, and moments of pure magic when someone pulls off a transformation they didn’t believe was possible.
For those of us who stitch for the joy of it, the Sewing Bee feels like home: a reminder that handmade still matters, and that creativity flourishes when it’s nurtured with care.
Where is The Great British Sewing Bee Filmed?
Since Series 8 in 2022, the Great British Sewing Bee has been filmed at Sunny Bank Mills, located just outside of Leeds in Farsley, West Yorkshire.
This 19th-century woollen mill was once one of the world's most significant fine worsted mills. Worsted is a high-quality type of wool yarn used for fabric and dressmaking.
Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant said: "Leeds is at the heart of the wool and textile industry, so it feels appropriate to film in a great big spinning mill.
The show's journey began in 2013 when it was filmed in a former chapel in Dalston, with a caravan in the back acting as a green room. They even used the coffee shop across the street!
The initial goal was to attract a million viewers, but they ended up doubling that! An icon was born.
In 2014, for Series 2, filming moved to Metropolitan Wharf, a line of five 19th-century warehouses on the banks of the River Thames in London's East End.
From 2019, for Series 5 and 6, the series was shot at 47-49 Tanner Street in Bermondsey. This area is historically considered the heart of London's textiles.
Interestingly, this location is now best known as the filming spot for the popular BBC show, Dragon's Den.
In 2021, filming for Series 7 moved to The Chainstore on Trinity Buoy, London, located on the riverside near the O2 arena.
How Long Does It Take to Film The Great British Sewing Bee?
Filming takes place over a 6-8 week period, usually between August and November. Contestants are asked to commit to around 20 days of filming for the show.
Why Not Apply for Series 12 of the Great British Sewing Bee?
While you wait for Series 11, why not apply for the next series?
You need to be aged 16 or over and consider yourself an "amateur sewer." This means you should not have an NVQ or any equivalent sewing-related qualifications.
You cannot have previously worked full-time as a "dressmaker, sample machinist, pattern cutter, tailor, or seamstress in the past 15 years."
Make sure to read up on all the Sewing Bee rules before sending off your application.
Keep colorful!
Alison
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