Chicago Embroidery Company

During long cold winter nights, Swiss farmers and their families concentrated on handicrafts that could be sold for extra income.

Handmade lace and so called hand machine embroidery was often used in decorative clothing, curtains, table linens and many other applications.

With the start of World War II, the U.S. military suddenly needed for millions of embroidered patches to signify rank, unit, and specialty of members of the armed forces.

Chicago Embroidery opened a second factory, and with three shifts working six days a week on more than 20 looms, millions of patches were produced for shipment around the world.

Computerized digital sewing machines allowed intricate designs to be sewn directly onto shirts, jackets, caps, or other items.