Great British Sewing Bee fans want shake-up on BBC show
Viewers think the challenge time limits are a bit tight
What did you miss?
Great British Sewing Bee fans have said it’s time for a shake-up over the “ridiculous” time limits that contestants face on the BBC show.
The latest instalment of the series – which sees amateur sewers competing to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young - focused on fashion and materials from India. The hopefuls were tasked with creating a jacket and also had to make evening wear inspired by elements of the sari, but had just four-and-a-half hours to do so.
They measured, cut and stitched as fast as they could but several of the contestants struggled to finish, leaving viewers asking whether the competition was about sewing or speed.
What, how and why?
The episode aired on Tuesday (June 18) and saw the sewing enthusiasts creating a traditional Nehru jacket. However, most found it tough to finish it, with one confessing the coat would have to be taped on because they weren't going to get the buttons done. They had similar issues with the evening wear.
Many people watching the programme posted messages on X as it aired, suggesting that it was time for a change to the time limits so that the contestants would have the chance to show off their best work.
"So sad," wrote one person. "Is it a sewing SPEED competition or is it a sewing SKILLS competition?" Another called for a "no time limit season".
"I’m so over the contestants not having enough time," said someone else. "It’s frustrating, I’d love to see properly finished garments."
Another said: "Four hrs to make a Nehru jacket is ridiculous! I’d struggle to do that and I’ve been sewing for most of my life." "I’m loving this sari inspired challenge, would prefer they had more time to do it justice," commented another viewer.
"I get that as the weeks go on that the challenges get harder but they should at least be achievable," remarked one fan. "Can’t blame poor time management on everyone!" "Give them more time to showcase their skills," urged another viewer.
"In case you're wondering why I, someone who sews a lot of my own clothes, doesn't apply to go on the Sewing Bee - it's because of the ridiculously small amount of time they're given," said one fan. "It would just feel like setting myself up for failure."
What happens in the Great British Sewing Bee?
The Great British Sewing Bee started in 2013 and so far 10 series have aired.
The programme is similar in format to The Great British Bake Off and sees the hopefuls compete in three different challenges. In the Pattern Challenge, the sewers all try to follow a pattern given to them by the judges, then in the Transformation Challenge they have to tweak and reinvent an item of clothing.
In the final task, the Made to Measure Challenge, they create their own clothing to fit a human model.
