Last years (2022) Great British Sewing Bee (GBSB) features the Janome 5060 QDC Sewing Machine and the Janome AT2000d Overlocker.

*Update 2023 - The same machines are featured on this years show too!

It always interests me which machines the GBSB choose, as the poor machines get put through the mill every year, so it's nice to see which models cope well. This years machines are no exception, i was not surprised to see these models make an appearance as they're very popular machine, with good reason.

It's computerised with a decent motor, which gives it the ability to cope with thicker fabrics, but performs beautifully on finer ones too.

It has useful features like a needle threader, auto thread cutter, auto 1 step buttonhole and adjustable presser foot pressure. There are a nice amount of stitches, all the essentials with some useful additional ones.

This machine also comes with a hard cover, what i would call standard presser feet and a bonus feet pack which includes a walking foot - perfect for stretchy and slippy fabrics!

Oh! I almost forgot - it also comes with an extension table - super handy for all sorts of projects. Grab yours now and tackle a myriad of different projects alongside the sewers on this years series!

Find out more about Janome's 5060

I finally got to see which overlocker is being put to the test on this year’s Great British Sewing Bee, whilst catching up on episodes (well binge watching the series thus far), it’s the Janome AT2000D and I can see why.

I don’t know about you, but I would have an unfinished garment every time with the tight time frames given to complete them, this model is perfect though as it’s super easy to change threads, both the upper and lower loopers thread with a puff of air - It’s that simple!

The needles haven’t been forgotten about, there is a built-in needle threader that switches between the left and right needle. It’s powerful, so will cope well with thicker fabrics, but has a beautiful delicate touch on the finer fabrics. It’s light enough to move but has some weight to it so it doesn’t bounce around when sewing at high speeds.

The sewers are spoilt this year; this machine has 2, 3 & 4 thread options which provide maximum versatility, from pintucking fine fabrics to tackling super stretchy ones. With a built-in spreader to assist with fine finishes on hems, curves and ruffles using just 2 threads, it’s easy for them to achieve a professional finish.

I am lucky enough to be able to use this machine on occasion and I can honestly say that I feel privileged every time I do. It’s a quality machine that is a real pleasure to use – now that’s not something you hear where overlockers are concerned!

Find out more about Janome's AT2000!