THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE on BBC2

THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE launches on BBC Two next week, and will feature eight contestants competing to be crowned Britain's best amateur sewer.

Presented by Claudia Winkleman, Women's Institute member May Martin and Savile Row designer PATRICK GRANT will take on the judging roles.

‘There are some great characters who have to face some difficult challenges and you get a real sense of nervous tension,’ says Patrick. ‘These aren’t people who are interested in fame or getting their faces on television; they just love sewing and you can see them improving week by week.

They were all really lovely with each other because they share a passion. There was a real sense of camaraderie. I’d like to think this is an entertaining programme whether you like sewing or not. As with Bake Off, there’s a real warmth to it.’
There’ll also be an accompanying book for people inspired by the show, with patterns ranging from a simple A-line skirt to a complicated blouse as well as dozens of tips.

‘There are certain things in life that are inalienable facts: we need to eat and society dictates that we have to wear clothes every day,’ says Patrick. ‘Most people can manage some kind of cooking, but the fact that nobody knows how to make clothes is very sad.

‘Human beings naturally enjoy the process of making things. There’s a creative gene in all of us, whether it’s for baking or sewing or something else. When we’re children we make things all the time, but when we become adults we spend most of our time on a computer.

‘It would be nice to think people could get back into the skill of sewing; it’s not just about making new things, but also reinventing old ones. All you need is a bit of enthusiasm and someone to show you how to do it.’

The Great British Sewing Bee starts on Tuesday, April 2 at 8pm on BBC Two.