Season 12, Episode 01 – The Great British Sewing Bee returns with brand-new host Sophie Willan. Over ten weeks, 12 of the country’s best home sewers compete to be crowned winner of the Sewing Bee crown.

In the opening week, judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set three challenges on the theme of the British summer. First up, the Pattern Challenge sees them crafting summer shorts with a patch pocket.

Next, in the 90-minute Transformation Challenge, barbecue aprons become bags.

Finally, there is a Sewing Bee first in the Made-to-Measure challenge as the sewers are asked to create garments to fit themselves. They become their own models as they make outfits for their ideal summer’s day, and once complete, the catwalk is all theirs.

One sewer will impress and earn Garment of the Week, but for another, it’s the end of the road as they leave the sewing room for good.