SALES of sewing machines at online retailer Argos are up by 56 per cent compared to this time last year, as Brits have been inspired to sew by the second season of the BBC2 show The Great British Sewing Bee.

Argos has also seen a 70 per cent surge in searches for sewing machines across its mobile and online channels since the show started in mid February.

Argos’ sewing machine buyer, Nick Small, said: “A few years ago TV shows such as Kirstie's Handmade Britain made it fashionable to make your own clothes and homeware items and it’s interesting to see the role television can play in driving consumer trends and product demand.

“It’s great to see how a show like The Great British Sewing Bee has reignited the nation’s love of sewing again."