A History of Innovation
Throughout the early 20th century, Bucilla was a pioneer in the textile industry. In the early 1900s, the company launched the Mellina brand of hand-knitting yarn. It became a sensation, eventually comprising nearly 70% of the company’s total sales and setting the standard for high-quality knitting supplies.
During this era, Bucilla also became a household name through education. We published countless pattern books and instructional guides, teaching millions of people the arts of knitting, crochet, and embroidery.
The Evolution of the Kit
As the crafting landscape changed in the 1960s, Bucilla adapted. While knitting popularity fluctuated, the demand for accessible, all-in-one creative projects grew. We shifted our focus from raw yarns and pattern books to needlework kits—providing everything a crafter needed in one package.
This pivot cemented Bucilla’s place as the leader in felt appliqué Christmas stockings, ornaments, and home decor. Today, our “glitter and felt” kits are cherished traditions in themselves, with grandmothers, parents, and children often gathering to stitch holiday keepsakes together.
Bucilla Today
After several changes in ownership throughout the 20th century—from employee ownership in the 1920s to stewardship by major corporations like Indian Head and Armour-Dial—Bucilla found its permanent home in 1996 under the direction of Plaid Enterprises.
Today, we continue to honor Bernhard Ulmann’s original vision: to provide high-quality designs that inspire creativity. Whether it is a cross-stitch sampler or a festive felt stocking, every Bucilla kit is designed to be an heirloom, “threading a tradition” for generations to come.
