The Great British Sewing Bee, the much-loved BBC competition celebrating talent, creativity and craft, is returning for its twelfth series – and applications are officially open. With a strong emphasis on inclusion, the team behind the show is putting out a heartfelt call for Britain’s best home sewers, especially those from disabled and under-represented communities, to apply and bring their talents to the sewing room.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 14/05/2025 at 8pm
Celebrating the nation’s diverse sewing talents
The sewing room has long been a place of creativity, collaboration and inspiration, and this year, the production team at Love Productions is making it abundantly clear: everyone is welcome.
From day one, The Great British Sewing Bee has aimed to reflect the true diversity of the British public, but Series 12 goes a step further by actively encouraging disabled applicants to come forward.
The production promises that the sewing room can be fully adapted to meet individual access needs, ensuring that every participant has the opportunity to flourish in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This commitment is part of a wider effort to see more disabled individuals and marginalised groups represented on screen—not just as participants, but as role models for audiences across the UK.
Whether it’s adapting workspaces, providing alternative communication methods, or offering additional support behind the scenes, the show is determined to ensure that access is never a barrier to creativity.
A proven track record of disability inclusion on Sewing Bee
While the show has always welcomed sewers from all backgrounds, viewers will remember standout contestants from previous series who brought visibility to the disabled community.
Among them was Gill, a contestant from Series 8 who has one arm. Her upper limb difference was never treated as a limitation, nor was it explicitly highlighted during the show, allowing her talent and personality to take centre stage.
Gill later shared that taking part in the competition was life-changing, empowering her to stop wearing her prosthetic limb and fully embrace her identity. Her journey resonated deeply with audiences and served as a powerful example of authentic, natural representation on screen.
Another inspiring example is Tereza, a wheelchair user from Series 9, who impressed audiences with her flair, skill, and calm determination. Her appearance was not only a personal triumph but also a meaningful moment of representation on prime-time television, proving that disability and creative excellence go hand in hand.
The show has also featured sewers with neurodiverse conditions and other invisible disabilities, each adding to the rich tapestry of personalities and perspectives that make Sewing Bee so beloved.
Are you ready to thread the needle and apply for Sewing Bee?
Applications are open to anyone over the age of 18 (as of 1st January 2025) who lives in the UK, including the Isle of Man and Channel Islands. You don’t need to be a professional, but you do need to have a genuine love of sewing and experience making a range of garments.
Challenges across the show include womenswear, menswear and childrenswear—though you’re not expected to be an expert in everything from the outset.
The judging duo, Savile Row’s Patrick Grant and Central Saint Martins’ Esme Young, are looking for creativity, skill, and above all, a passion for clothes making.
For disabled applicants, there’s no expectation to conform to a particular style or pace. The show understands that everyone has unique strengths, and accommodations can be made to ensure a level playing field throughout the competition.
Tips for a strong application for disabled sewers
To maximise your chances of joining this year’s line-up, here are some tips from the production team:
- Be yourself: Let your personality shine. Share your story, your passion, and how sewing fits into your life.
- Show your work: Include photos of your garment creations, whether they’re everyday items or one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Film a short video: It doesn’t need to be polished—just heartfelt. Talk about your love for sewing and what being part of Sewing Bee would mean to you.
- Be specific about your access needs: The team wants to support you from the start, so don’t hesitate to note any adjustments you may require in the sewing room or during filming.
Application details and deadline
The deadline for all applications is 8pm on Wednesday 14th May 2025. Prospective contestants are encouraged to apply early to ensure they don’t miss out.
To apply, visit the official website: www.applyforsewingbee.co.uk
For further information, or to request support or accessible formats, applicants can also email the team directly at applyforsewingbee@loveproductions.co.uk.
If you’re selected for the next round, you’ll be contacted by the production team. If you haven’t heard anything by Friday 27th June 2025, it means your application has not been successful this time, though many successful sewers have made it onto the show after applying more than once.