The Great British Sewing Bee: when is the finale of the BBC competition and who are the finalists?

The Great British Sewing Bee became somewhat of a lockdown hobby inspiration as the nation was stuck at home, and has continued to attract fans throughout the current series.

As amateur sewers demonstrated their passion for quirky costumes and original styles, the contestants have been wilted down to the three most talented participants.

The finale is this week (16 June) and we cannot wait to see who is crowned King or Queen (of the) Bee.

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So, here is who is in the final, what to expect and how to watch it on TV and on demand.

Who are the Great British Sewing Bee 2021 finalists?

Raph, 34

Textile Artist from London

Raph learned how to sew during lockdown, but does work in the textiles industry already.

He is a Textile Artist, which involves dyeing fabric to be used in films. You can view some of his fun design his Instagram, @raph_sew_and_so.

When not creating showstopping outfits, he enjoys gymnastics and playing the trumpet in two orchestras.

Rebecca, 23

Customer Assistant from Scunthorpe

Rebecca is an avid Sunthorpe United football fan, currently working as a customer assistant at her local supermarket.

However, her real passion lies in textiles and sewing, which she uses as a stress reliever.

She showcases some of her quirky looks on her Instagram, @rebeccamaydesigns.

Serena, 21

Medical student from Edinburgh

Glaswegian Serena moved to Edinburgh to study medicine, but has a flair for charity shop fashion. She loves to revamp and reuse second hand bargains.

The youngest of all the contestants in the series, she learned to make alterations and jazz up dated designs by watching YouTube videos.

She now shares her own designs and projects on her Instagram, @serenasews_

What happens in the Great British Sewing Bee final?

In fitting form for the finale, the finalists are tasked with three challenges all based around occasion wear.

The BBC said of the occasion wear themed finale: “Bringing together a range of advanced sewing skills, from couture techniques to the handling of delicate luxury fabrics, perfecting occasion wear is a pinnacle for any home sewer.”

The first challenge will see judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young instruct the sewers to create a little girl’s bridesmaid dress. The contestants must incorporate complex elements such as puff sleeves, a lined bodice and a bound buttonhole.

Following the initial challenge, the finalists will face the Transformation Challenge.

In this, they must turn homeware items such as cushions, bead curtains and tablecloths into festival-ready summer outfits, with original and fun designs.

The finalists then have one last opportunity to show they have winning flare, in the Made to Measure challenge.

The sewers must produce glamorous off-the-shoulder evening gowns for their models.

Grant and Young will expect award-winning designs, fit for a red carpet.

The contestants will have access to luxury fabric, but it is what they do with it which will set the winner apart from the amateurs.

Once the final stitch is in place and the catwalk is over, the judges will make their decision and crown this year’s winner.

When is the Great British Sewing Bee final on TV?

The Great British Sewing Bee final is on BBC One from 9pm on 16 June.

The final, as well as all other episodes from this series, will also be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.