CRAFTY sewers taking inspiration from the Great British Sewing Bee are being credited for a 25 per cent increase in sales at an East Lancashire business.

Hobkirks' chairman Peter Hobkirk said amateur sewers have been keen to mirror the techniques and signature challenges featured on the popular television show. In the last month, sales of sewing machines, zips and dress forms have increased by a quarter at the Darwen Street shop, meaning plans are in place for more sewing teachers to be recruited.

Mr Hobkirk said he had witnessed business sales on the domestic side steadily increase for a month after the television show aired.

He said: “The hit TV show has renewed interested in home sewing and machines of all prices and sizes have been purchased.”

The Blackburn business improvement district area retailer stocks over 1,300 fabrics. Bosses there are in the process of redeveloping their training school located on the premises and are now looking to recruit tutors.

Mr Hobkirk, who is a committee member of Sewing Machine Trade Association added: “Customers receive free tuition and advice when purchasing a machine from us but we want to extend these services.

“Our goal is to help teach customers to sew and to offer a personal customer service, which is not readily available when purchasing a machine over the internet.”

The Great British Sewing Bee, which recently finished its third series, was broadcast on BBC2. It saw amateur sewers take on challenges as they competed to be named Britain’s best home sewer.

Deborah Simms, a former St Bede’s RC High School and Blackburn College student, was a semi-finalist in this year’s Great British Sewing Bee.

She said: “It is fantastic news that East Lancashire businesses are benefitting from the boom in sewing over the past year.

“Small businesses are so important to the area.

“More and more people sewing can only be a good thing, it gives so much opportunity for creativity.”

Blackburn BID Manager, Harriet Roberts, welcomed Hokirks’s news.

She said: “It’s positive to see job opportunities being created in the town by specialist businesses. Hobkirks are another example of a great BID business offering expertise and customer service that can’t be beaten by the internet. This brings people to Blackburn from near and far.

“Let’s hope that the sewing trend continues.”

For more information about becoming a sewing tutor please contact Hobkirk Sewing Machines at 01254 693555.