McCall's and Kwik Sew join forces

Photo: McCall.com

Rumors of the merger have been in the air for some time, but just recently McCall's and Kwik Sew officially announced that they have joined forces. The McCall's Pattern Company (parent company to Vogue, Butterick, and McCall's patterns) purchased Kwik Sew in late 2011.

McCall's history

A New York-based, privately owned company, McCall's was founded in 1870 and acquired Butterick and Vogue in 2001. In addition to the McCall's, Butterick, and Vogue pattern lines, the company also distributes independent patterns, such as Marfy and Indygo Junction. The company is known for its quality and variety of pattern designs: Butterick specializes in classic designs; Vogue offers couture style; and McCall's features designs for the contemporary sewer.

Kwik Sew's history

Founded by Kerstin Martensson in 1967, Kwik Sew started with a focus on knit patterns. At the time, knit patterns were nearly nonexistent. As an industry leader in sewing with stretch fabrics, Kerstin found a need and filled it--and the sewing community is grateful. Once established with knit patterns, Kwik Sew expanded to woven patterns and offers the largest selection of menswear and children's wear patterns. Kerstin's focus on quality patterns and directions has been continued by her son, Eric McMaster, since the late 1990s.

What this merger means to us

Shopping will be easier. McCall's has consolidated the online shopping carts so you can purchase any McCall's brand pattern and Kwik Sew patterns in one transaction. Also, BMV club members will now receive discounts on Kwik Sew.

There are great expectations for this merger among sewers. Many say that they hope Kwik Sew continues to print patterns on heavy, white paper; offer clear instructions; and focus on teaching new sewers. On its website, McCall's assures that the quality will remain the same.

What do you think?

What are your thoughts on this merger? Are you excited for the all-in-one online shopping feature?

Annie O'Connor, assistant editor
Posted on Feb 9th, 2012 in patterns, kwik sew, McCall

Comments (7)

judy46 writes: I hope the merging of Kwik Sewing patterns does not distort the quality of a great product. I hope Kwik Sew will be able to keep it's identity, after all it was Kwik Sew that offered multi sizing long before McCalls, Butterick, Vogue or Simplicity. It is difficult to find a knit or stretch garment pattern that can compare to a Kwik Sew pattern in fit, ease of construction and easy to understand directions. Time will tell if McCalls assurances of quality will be maintained. We can only hope!
Posted: 11:09 am on April 28th

jacigh writes: I have loved Kwik Sew patterns for years. They are my go to source for all things stretch. When no one else has patterns for active wear from Bike shorts to dance togs, they have it. They even cover lingerie.
The Master Pattern format printed on heavy paper is the best.

PLEASE don't change this! Please don't push Kwik Sew into formats that are already covered by your other pattern companies.
Posted: 10:21 am on March 29th

Bobbi42ohildri writes: Looking forward to having Kwik Sew patterns more available, they have always been hard to locate in my area.
Posted: 2:33 pm on February 23rd

donnaei writes: At first I was skeptical about the merger, but then I had questions: will Kwik Sew patterns be available in fabric stores? Will the pattern adjustments we've been used to with Kwik Sew patterns stay as they are? I really like the simple booklet that could be downloaded, it has helped me a lot to make pattern adjustments with Kwik Sew patterns. Will we still be able to call Kwik Sew for sewing questions about their patterns? Will there be discounts on Kwik Sew patterns? as with Simplicity, McCalls, and Vogue?

Posted: 8:05 pm on February 17th

spicegirl1 writes: BMV is Butterick, McCall's and Vogue. Here is the site - http://clubbmv.mccall.com/
Posted: 10:29 am on February 16th

lapark writes: i have used kwik sew patterns to make shirts for my husband...a big teddy bear belly that you've just got to love but hard to fit easily...over the last 10 years or so i have had to cut back on sewing for my family because of going to work with 2 different jobs...but i am now trying to juggle a sewing business into the mix (and juggle one or both other jobs OUT!) so i am constantly looking for ways to help me on my way...having kwik sew online with mccalls will be so convienient! by the way...what is a "BMV club member"? and where can i join? (i assume it is a community that for pattern users...with a discount..i love discounts!

Posted: 1:29 pm on February 15th

Thimblefingers writes: I am so excited! There's only one place here where Kwik Sew patterns are available and they don't have a good selection - and the store is hard to get to for me. My list is ready to order and I'll be doing that this weekend!
Posted: 10:41 pm on February 9th

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