Business closure announced: Joann is ceasing operations
Design Group Americas (DGA), the parent company of the iconic sewing pattern brands McCall’s, Simplicity, Vogue, and Butterick, has entered a significant period of change. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025, the company is now under the ownership of Hilco Capital Group, following a sale in May for just $1.
Despite the financial challenges faced by DGA, including the impact of Joann’s retail downturn and U.S. tariffs, the brands continue to operate. According to company leadership, DGA is in dialogue with multiple interested parties regarding the sale of certain business segments, with the intention of maximising asset value, not necessarily to liquidate all brands.
While the future of each brand is uncertain, Simplicity has communicated that it is "business as usual" for now, with regular social media updates and ongoing pattern sales.
As part of the reorganisation, DGA will discontinue its domestically manufactured woven ribbon products business and supporting assets. The company is also actively seeking buyers for many of its brands, which could result in new ownership for one or more of the Big 4 sewing pattern brands, or potentially the winding down of some brands if buyers are not found.
The international operations of IG Design Group (formerly the parent of DGA) are not part of the U.S. bankruptcy proceedings and continue normal business.
Interest from multiple parties has been expressed in acquiring some of the craft and sewing brands, but it is not yet clear which brands will be retained, sold, or discontinued. The future outcomes will depend on the sale process and decisions of new owners, should any be found.
Here's a summary of the current status and future outlook for each brand:
| Brand | Current Status | Future Outlook | |--------------|-----------------------|-------------------------------| | McCall’s | Operating | Possible sale or continuation | | Simplicity | Operating, marketing ongoing | Possible sale or continuation | | Vogue | Operating | Possible sale or continuation | | Butterick | Operating | Possible sale or continuation |
As the situation develops, sewing enthusiasts and the wider crafting community will be eagerly awaiting updates on the future of these beloved brands.
The sale of certain business segments within Design Group Americas (DGA) is in discussion, aiming to maximize asset value and potentially leading to new ownership for some of the Big 4 sewing pattern brands. Simplicity, one of DGA's brands, is currently operating as usual, continuing social media updates and pattern sales. The future of each brand, including McCall’s, Vogue, and Butterick, remains uncertain due to the ongoing sale process. International operations of IG Design Group, the former parent of DGA, are unaffected and continue normal business. The outcomes for these brands will depend on the decisions of potential new owners.
