Great British Sewing Bee 2026

[LIZS]

Back on 14th July at 8pm

I would like them to set a challenge to viewers in the first episode then insert some pictures of viewers creations in the last (so much padding in the final episode - take one minute off each of the proud families and you have plenty if time!). Something adaptable like decorate a bag. It would be fairly easy to insert last minute.

Heather's GOTW didn't have the embellishments that the others did, though. It didn't show the skills that the others used with sewing on the ribbons and embroidery.

Yes true but they bleat on about up cycling stuff and at least it was practical

I agree.
It’s a mystery to me why it was chosen.
Those patterns didn’t go well together nor were they fantastically striking in their mismatch iykwim.

It was typical Esme I thought lol, she speaks as she finds

I’m so envious I wish I was creative and could sew, I’m in awe every week. Anna is still my prediction for the win, but think it could be close with Rebecca and Beth.

I agree with you. It is good that the competition is so tight.
I too can barely sew on a button hence I’m a dab hand with the iron on hemming tape 😬

I think at least for the first series, they did a book at the end with sewing tips and the patterns in.

I have watched every series since GBSB started and I have only now begun to notice all the grabbiness which I don’t like. It seems that some are very grabby and the ones who aren’t get left with what is left.

Yes I noticed the grabbing in the last episode. ☹️

Yes, one of the contestants commented on Anna grabbing the fabric he wanted.

I think.they should have a companion programme - Sewing Bee technical - they could show techniques, add in fashion history, talk to designers...

They should have a garment on their table, covered.

Absolutely agree with this. It's so nice to see people who are actually able to sew and don't have 'I'm wacky, me' as their entire personality.

I got thoroughly sick a couple of series ago with the 'As a member of the Queer Community, Esme, I will be making..."

I have absolutely no interest in whatever race, creed, religion or sexual orientation the contestants have - I want to watch people who are good at sewing challenge themselves. This year they all seem decent, pleasant people who can sew - although I do feel that all of the men were very moderate sewers and it was a bit 'tokenism'. Having said that Tim's creation this week was better.

I’d love them to replace the middle challenge with a skill type challenge, with the same skill being taught to the audience. Maybe things like button holes at the beginning and including things like full bust adjustments and fitting trousers to different shapes, with all contestants having the same mannequin to fit to. That would mean that it would be tested equally, unlike in the made to measure where those who choose a male model tend to have an easier time with fitting, and allows judging on the particular skill unlike the first challenge where there are various aspects to judge.

I think the Mexican lady should have had the last word on the MTM section. Perhaps she did.

I'm not sure how much grabbing and rivalry there really is. I think so much of it is done by the direction and editing of the show. It may transpire that two people are using the same pattern, fabric, or have had a similar idea (like the fans in the transformation challenge) and the editing slips in a little shot of someone looking up from their work with a frown. All subtle ways of trying to heighten the competition that probably isn't there in the studio. I've found this editing technique much more present in the past couple of series and it really jars once you've noticed it. It would be a lot nicer if they removed that, and showed everyone supporting each other and helping each other out as I'm sure they actually do, rather than leading us to believe they are all at each other. It's not a cut throat competition. You can still have a winner and a competition without it. It makes me worry that the production team think that all viewers want is people fighting each other even over something as innocent as amateur sewing. We can handle programmes without conflict and drama.

Stay stitching would be a good name for it!

I have the house to myself for a few days (luxury) so going to so some sewing. I normally see with stretchy fabric as button holes scare me! Today’s dress is a linen cotton blend sun dress that doesn’t need any fixtures so a quick and easy(I hope sew).

Yes … I’m sure I recall the competitors supporting and assisting each other in earlier seasons. (I could be imagining it …)

It occurs to me that in the knitting program (forget name!) there were some elements of teamwork, even though in the end there’s an individual winner. And what it did was reveal to the group, and viewers, what each person excelled at. A similar section would add another level of interest here. A day trip (like Masterchef!) where they split into teams to produce something big would be fun.

Noo I would hate group work on this show.
I hate it on the Interiors show.
The remit of the show is to select the best individual sewer. How would group work do that ?

The transformation challenge always annoys me. For a programme that stresses the importance of sustainability, and Patrick’s company is all about this, there is too much waste.

Last week was classic - take perfectly function and they look new, tablecloths and turn them into landfill. They could have used that material and made beech bags, raincoats, swimming bags. Something that could reasonably be used again! But then there isn’t enough time to do it properly, as it is a filler segment.

I would love the patterns from the pattern challenge to be available.

I had given up on it, but watched the last episode.

I think the technical even of the contestants is higher this year, the mindless waste is infuriating thought, and some of the challenges are just silly.

I don’t think I’ll be watching again.

I agree. They always show it as if someone isn’t going to finish on time, but they do. And lo and behold, it’s a perfect garment.

I'd also not like group tasks. It's an individual competition.

I guess I don’t really feel the competition is what makes me watch. Obviously I want my favourite (by the end) to win - but the joy of the series for me is watching people sew, and create garments, within their little community.

Possibly because the show feels quite small scale and parochial - with no vast life changing consequences for competitors … 🤷‍♀️