After a truly fantastic series, this year’s run of The Great British Sewing Bee reached its conclusion on Wednesday night, which we know will stick in our minds for a number of reasons.
We definitely won’t be forgetting the contestants’ final creations in a hurry, or Esme Young’s touching speech to the eventual winner.
However, it was host Joe Lycett’s deadpan chat with judge Patrick Grant about flanges that really stood out.
Yes, while it’s the Great British Bake Off that’s usually known for its unabashed use of innuendo, Sewing Bee had a Frankie Howerd moment of its very own during this year’s finale.
During the episode, the final three sewers were tasked with making an intricate bridesmaid’s dress that included a complex buttonhole feature that required… a flange.
As Patrick explained what was required of the contestants, he declared to Joe Lycett: “It’s incredibly fiddly to achieve two even flanges in the end.”
“If I’m going to have a flange, I’d like it to be even,” Joe responded.
A straight-faced Patrick then announced: “Yes, there’s nothing more satisfying than a lovely, even flange.”
Joe was clearly enjoying the subject too much to leave it there, though, as during his narration, he was heard lamenting that Raph and Serena’s “fraying silk” had “resulted in miniscule flanges”.
Suffice to say, viewers watching along on social media were in bits:
My favourite line of #SewingBee ever ‘There’s nothing more satisfying than a lovely, even flange’. The spirit of seaside postcards lives on. Thank you.
— doddsy (@sdoddsy) June 16, 2021
“A nice even flange” #SewingBeepic.twitter.com/38f00hl42F
— Uncle Beard 🐻 🌈 (@UncleBeard1978) June 16, 2021
Nothing like an even flange #SewingBeepic.twitter.com/fWV7PqJSZt
— Dimi 🏳️🌈 (@DimitheGreat85) June 16, 2021
'There's nothing more satisfying than a lovely even flange' #SewingBeepic.twitter.com/v9DylrqIxf
— AJ 'Two Jags' 💉 (@uisgebeatha) June 16, 2021
Absolutely lovely heartwarming feelgood TV, love @joelycett, a fabulous presenter. Wonder how many takes required for the flange demo? Brilliant deadpan @paddygrant#SewingBee
— Littleshopofideas 💙 (@Pennyw61) June 17, 2021
There’s nothing more satisfying than a nice even flange… 😂 #SewingBee#GreatBritishSewingBeepic.twitter.com/NPGljSvrn1
— Deano (@babybear0188) June 16, 2021
Innuendo bingo on #SewingBee#Flange 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/jYMRmSFWcI
— 🦒🤓TimmyLDN🙄🇬🇧🇪🇺🏳️🌈🦒 (@TimmyLDN) June 16, 2021
I may have spat out my drink at "there is nothing more satisfying than a lovely even flange" #SewingBee
— Katie Dexter (@dexter_kt) June 16, 2021
Haha Sewing bee””Theres nothing more satisfying than a lovely even flange” ffffft 😂im so childish
— mysharona29 (@sharoncove1) June 16, 2021
Great even flange 😂😂😂😂 #SewingBeepic.twitter.com/Z0EdOAxHgb
— Amz 🏴☠️ (@AyMe245) June 16, 2021
'There is nothing more satisfying than a nice even flange,' deadpans Patrick. This sitting room is raucous with filthy giggles. Even the cat's laughing. #SewingBee
— Helen Walmsley-J (@TheVintageYear) June 16, 2021
Patrick said ''nothing more lovely than an even flange". With a straight face!!!! @sewingbee#SewingBee
— Jasmine Storm (@Jasminestormy) June 16, 2021
Oh #sewingbee… I do love you.#flange
— peacockpete (@peacockpete) June 16, 2021
And the show’s official Twitter account even got in on the fun, too:
Our work here is done. #SewingBeehttps://t.co/EDhQkXY02W
— Sewing Bee (@sewingbee) June 16, 2021
All seven series of the Great British Sewing Bee are available to stream now on the BBC iPlayer.