Great British Sewing Bee 2026

[LIZS]

Back on 14th July at 8pm

You were agreeing with the preceding post which stated Anna was being "set up to win"

And as for the "story", the task was to create a garment with an environmetal message. Patrick was really clear that it didn't have to be overt, he said they could convey the message through the materials they use. Anna was making a point about invasive, non-native plants like himalayan balsam impacting the native environment. Her message was in the handprinted fabric she'd made using himalayan balsam. Several of the other sewers took exactly the same approach.

She could have used her fabric to make any garment but she chose to take inspiration from a textile related period of history that has some parallels, which was a really clever idea. She didn't need to explain the Calico Acts etc. she was using it as supporting reference.

No, I quoted them. I did not agree with that aspect, nor did I comment either way (which would be clear if you'd read what I'd actually written). As it happens, I don't believe anyone is 'set up to win' because as others have already pointed out, the show deliberately tries to make it look like certain people will definitely win, and they don't.

Agree to disagree re: the latter.

Thanks for the clarification.

As your post started with the word And It seems reasonable to think that you were agreeing with the post you quoted. We weren't to know you only agreed with some of the post. But you have clarified that.

(I still have no idea why any of this would make feel like you want to punch Patrick)

she will win. She’s great but I think it’s u fair that sewers like Sam and angie are presented as similar talent when they are not. It’s also frustrating for example that her dress was unhemmed and it wasn’t mentioned but others were.

Probably edited out. Theyonly have an hour to fill.

A whole new Sewing Bee - naked where they make draught excluders and oven gloves 🤣

I liked the way the brief was quite open - we could discuss the pros and cons of each. You could argue that, unless the bags for life were at the end of their practical life, the dress was a one-wear novelty from something still useful. I think Lewis was onto something with his idea, it made me think about a versatile garment that could be worn in many ways, I wonder if that would’ve fit the brief? Made me think, at least!

I never, never understand why these TV competitions aren’t decided - at least partly - on cumulative results.

So, at this stage we cannot say definitively that one of the two or three demonstrably most talented will win - because one bad week could see them thrown out, even though they’re in a different league of competency to others.

It’s the same with Masterchef, and frustrates me greatly.

Completely disagree about it being cumulative. Some people might have been swing for years and will go in with all that experience. Others bloom late on the competition. These are very often the exciting ones.

Next week's theme is Mexico. Cue Frida Kahlo.

I disagree too. Some people start Masterchef with one or two good dishes they've practised a lot and then they run out of steam. It's lovely to see others really blooming in confidence as they progress, applying the new techniques and ideas they're learning and visibly improving and getting more creative with every task. As mentioned above, I can't sew, so don't watch Sewing Bee with any kind of expert knowledge, but I assume it's similar.

I loved Anna's dress, but I also thought Beth's was fantastic too. Did I think Anna's was the best thing we've ever seen on SB? No, although it was up there.

I have done the fabric printing with flowers and leaves, and it's fun to do, it would have been a lot of work to do that whole piece of fabric. Anna is very talented but Beth, Emma and Rebecca are all up there, although I don't think the overall standard is as high as some previous years.

I agree, they should get points for each week, no one goes home, and the final winner is who has the most points. It's what they do with Great British Menu, for the first three courses, and then the one with the lowest score goes and the remaining ones fight it out over dessert.
Same with Bake off, there are people who are fantastic at bread but rubbish with Patisserie, and no different with sewing. There are some who are brilliant with tailored items but not so good with children's wear, just as an example.

Anyway, I think there are some excellent sewers this year, and it's going to be a close final if its the ones who I think that will be in it (won't jinx them by saying ;) )

I’d struggle remembering every one if they didn’t send anyone home. I like it when there are less sewers & you have got to know their strengths from the preceding weeks. I normally find the recycling week a chore but I thought it was really good this series - there were some thoughtful & creative responses to the broad brief.

I’m going to hold my hands up and say I find Frida Carlo tedious. Not the artist herself, but the way she is on every bloody thing.

Fair point. And likely wouldn't have made interesting BBC viewing.

And the amazing Small Prophets?

I think Sophie is genuinely funny.

No, she wasn't. I first saw her ages ago when she did It Takes Two, which was definitely the poor relation to Strictly and in no sense a plum job. She made it enjoyable and showed a genuine interest in everything as well as being able to connect well with people. She more than earned the promotion to the main show.

I agree, I think she has been trivialized and made safe.

Anna is coming across as a bit of a one trick pony.

I have enjoyed this series so far but agree that Esme is frustrating as a judge now. In the transformation challenge with the recycled materials she gushed over the fabric of one of them. I think it is so unfair in that round when they don’t really have much choice, it’s first come first served, and it was a week when her and Patrick supposedly ‘chose’ the fabric!

What about Stephen Mangan as the presenter? He knows how to speak to people, has a natural wit and is good at the job on the Sky art programme.

Stephen Mangan’s too good for this, save him for best

Can't see Stephen Mangan doing this.

I also was a bit surprised the unfinished hem didn't get mentioned. But maybe it was, and was edited out. But am I right in thinking that these were just flowers hammered onto the material? So won't they go bad in time? Go brown?

The print left will remain. Actually in this instance, a hem not finished added to the finished garment. Beautiful.