Our Old Loom
Swiss farmers created lace during long winters, developing a world-renowned craft. The Industrial Revolution introduced power looms, enabling mass production. Johannes used these looms to launch The Chicago Embroidery Company, blending tradition with modern embroidery technology.

US Patent
As lace declined in popularity in the 1930s, Chicago Embroidery was asked to stitch designs on men’s socks. They invented a patented holder that allowed embroidery without closing the sock, earning a U.S. patent in 1938.

Military Patch Work
During World War II, the U.S. military needed millions of patches for uniforms. Chicago Embroidery converted lace looms for wartime production, creating shoulder sleeve insignia and pioneering the mass production of embroidered patches in the United States.

Boy Scouts of America
After World War II, a cap maker hired Chicago Embroidery to create patches for Boy Scout caps. This began a decades-long relationship, as the company expanded to make patches for military, civic groups, youth programs, and businesses.

Around the World
In the 1960s and ’70s, patches became a popular fashion trend and were widely used by organizations. Chicago Embroidery expanded, opened a second factory, and produced millions of patches shipped worldwide for clients like the Boy Scouts.

New Embroidery Technology
In the 1980s, direct embroidery technology disrupted the patch industry. Demand declined as digital machines gained popularity. By 2007, the company was sold to a former employee but still produces and ships patches worldwide for many organizations.