The Great British Sewing Bee

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.

It's week 2, and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young put the 11 remaining sewers through their paces with three challenges themed around prints and colours. First, the sewers take on the Pattern Challenge, constructing a pattern-matched shell top with adaptive elements, including invisible side-zips and a high-low hem. In the Transformation Challenge, they are given second-hand clothes in purple and brown, the judges' least-favourite colours, and have to create garments that will convince them to change their minds. Finally, in the Made to Measure, the sewers must create an eye-catching outfit in just one colour.

It's week 3, and it's time for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Presenter Sophie Willan, alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, takes the fight to fast fashion with three challenges focused on the environment and sustainability. First up, in the Pattern Challenge, it's another sewing bee first as the sewers are tasked with creating pants from old t-shirts. However, they are not asked to make just one pair - they have to make three. This challenge tests not only their technical skill but also their consistency. Then, Patrick and Esme take a trip to a store of waste destined for landfill to handpick the raw materials for the transformation. Finally, the sewers get protesting as they make outfits with an environmental message made to measure their models.

The ten remaining sewers celebrate the rich fashion and textile traditions of Mexico. Host Sophie Willan and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young are joined by special guest judge, renowned fashion designer Erika Alvirez. In the Pattern Challenge, the sewers create a Mexican folkloric top, using fabrics created by indigenous communities in Mexico's Oaxaca region. For the Transformation Challenge, they are given manteles de hule, a traditional Mexican tablecloth. Using the stiffness of the fabric, they are asked to create a garment with an eye-catching structure. Finally, in the Made-to-Measure, the sewers design an outfit inspired by one of the many Mexican festivals found across the country.

It's Week 5, and the sewers are tackling the wide world of sport. In the Pattern Challenge, they hit the beach to create classic men's swimming shorts. The Transformation Challenge sees yet another Sewing Bee first, as the remaining eight sewers are divided into pairs for the first ever team challenge: working together to create outfits from recycled windsurf sails. Finally, the sewers are aiming for a strike as they use free motion embroidery and applique to personalise their made-to-measure bowling shirts.

It's Children's week. In the Pattern Challenge, the sewers tackle a children's tutu. In the Transformation Challenge, sustainability is key as the sewers repurpose fleece into stuffed animal toys with adorable results. And finally, mini models are welcomed into the sewing room for the Made-to-Measure Challenge. The sewers are tasked with creating an outfit for their very own superhero creations. Who will handle it like child's play, and who will be sent to the naughty step?

It's week 7, and a place in the quarter-final is on the line as the sewers try to get in time with three challenges inspired by music. In the Pattern Challenge, they pay homage to the original Material Girl as they make cone bras inspired by the Jean Paul Gaultier creations Madonna made famous in the 1990s. Next, in the Transformation Challenge, the sewers' collaborative skills are tested as two teams of three sewers take bedroom furnishings to create the outfits for two separate pop acts. Finally, in the Made-to-Measure, it's time for D I S C O. The sewers make outfits inspired by the decadence of the genre that defined pop music in the 1970s. Who will secure their spot in the quarter-final, and who will fall short?

In week 8, and the five remaining sewers must channel their inner bookworm in a series of challenges celebrating literary icons. For the Pattern Challenge, the judges ask the sewers to create literature's most iconic piece of headwear, the deerstalker worn by Arthur Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes. It's a challenge that at this stage of the competition is far from elementary. In the Transformation Challenge, they must imagine what the iconic children's character Matilda would be like as a grown-up and create an outfit for her from second-hand school uniform. Finally, in the Made to Measure, everyone must travel back to the turn of the 19th century and the Regency period by creating outfits inspired by the works of Jane Austen.

It's the semi-final, and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set three challenges celebrating wardrobe heroes. These are items found in every wardrobe. However little or often they are worn, these clothes are must-haves and essentials. First, in the Pattern Challenge, the sewers must put their spin on the classic leather jacket, only this time, the judges have asked them to use plant-based leather. Next, for the Transformation Challenge, the sewers take men's shirts and transform them into outfits for a wedding. Finally, in the Made-to-Measure, it's the timeless little black dress that is the inspiration Four sewers remain, but only three will make it to the final.

It's the grand finale, and the three finalists are ready to compete for the coveted title of Britain's best amateur sewer. The judges, Patrick Grant and Esme Young, set three challenges inspired to test their skills for one final time. First up, the sewers get gala ready with a cummerbund and bow tie. Next, it's time for the transformation challenge, where the sewers take gala tableware and turn it into an outfit for the perfect day-after hangout, the beach club. Finally, inspired by the Met Gala in New York, the sewers must create outfits on the theme of metamorphosis as if they had an invite to the Sewing Bee gala. Three finalists, three challenges, but only one winner will be crowned the twelfth champion of The Great British Sewing Bee.