Series Overview

The Great British Sewing Bee returns for its eleventh season beginning 15 July 2025 at 9 pm BST on BBC One, with episodes also available on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers. The series runs weekly until 16 September, comprising 10 episodes where 12 amateur sewists face themed sewing challenges to win the title of Britain’s best home sewer

Hosts & Judges

  • Sara Pascoe returns as host after maternity leave, taking over again from Kiell Smith-Bynoe who presented Season 10

Judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young are back—Grant is revered for his Savile Row heritage, while Young boasts decades of fashion and film costume design experience

ontestants & Format

Twelve diverse sewists from across the UK include a mix of professionals and creatives such as Caz (retired printer), Kit (digital marketer), Jess (communications lead), Yasmin (scientist), and Glendora (bus driver)

Each episode challenges them through three rounds:

  1. Pattern Challenge
  2. Transformation Challenge
  3. Made-to-Measure Challenge
    Winners earn “Garment of the Week,” and eliminations occur weekly—with no one sent home in Week 1 due to illness

Setting & Notable Moments

Filmed at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds—a former textile factory converted into a creative hub—the series continues its tradition of industrial charm and craftsmanship roots

Episode 1 explored gathered garments, pleats and tie-front blouses.

Episode 2 focused on activewear themes like caps and transformed sportswear — the first week featured double eliminations due to heightened competition intensity

Why This Season Matters

  • Sara Pascoe’s return brings warmth and wit to the sewing room, anchoring the season’s fresh tone with her hosting style.
  • Continued industry strength of judges—Grant and Young—lends expertise and entertainment through garment critiques and fashion insights.
  • Reflects growing emphasis on sustainability, community stories, and personal creativity in each contestant’s sewing narrative

Reception & Highlights

Season 11 has been warmly received:

  • Critics and fans welcomed the timely return, praising the warmth and camaraderie along with the technical challenges

Episode 1's no-elimination decision resonated emotionally with fans online, who appreciated the delicate handling of contestant wellbeing