ABOUT US

Welcome to Universal Lettering, where tradition meets innovation in custom embroidery services. Founded in the heart of Van Wert, Ohio, our company has been a cornerstone of quality craftsmanship and personalized service since 1933. A cherished family-owned and -operated enterprise, we specialize in crafting top-tier custom-sewn goods built to withstand the test of time.


Our journey began with a passion for preserving the rich tradition of chenille patches and varsity lettering, a tradition deeply ingrained in the fabric of American culture. Over the years, we've evolved and expanded our offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers, while staying true to our roots.


In January 2019, our dedication to innovation led us to expand our services, introducing state-of-the-art laser and rotary engraving capabilities, along with comprehensive third-party logistics (3PL) support for the National FFA Organization. By January 2020, our operations expanded further as we transitioned to a spacious 32,000-square-foot facility, allowing us to efficiently warehouse, consolidate, and drop ship all merchandise for the National FFA Organization.

In addition to our extensive contract sewing offerings, Universal Lettering excels in full-service custom embroidery, chenille varsity letter manufacturing, and top-notch screen-printing services, all bolstered by our in-house digitizing expertise.


Continuing our commitment to serving our community and beyond, we've recently redirected our resources, retooling our cut-and-sew operations to produce both disposable and washable level 1 and level 2 non-surgical hospital gowns, as well as fabric community face masks. This initiative serves to address the critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and underscores our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in challenging times.


At Universal Lettering, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of services to suit all your embroidery needs:

  • Chenille Patches: Elevate your style with our premium quality chenille patches, crafted with meticulous attention to detail for vibrant colors and intricate designs.
  • Custom Chenille Patches: Express your creativity with our customizable chenille patches, tailored to your specifications to make a statement that's uniquely yours.
  • Varsity Letter Patches: Honor achievements and celebrate excellence with our classic varsity letter patches, perfect for schools, universities, sports teams, and organizations.
  • FFA Chenille Patches: Show your pride in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) with our specialized FFA chenille patches, designed to uphold the proud traditions of this esteemed organization. For the lifetime of our company, Universal Lettering has proudly served as the exclusive provider of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H jackets, fostering a legacy of trust and excellence.
  • Contract Sewing: Trust our experienced team for all your contract sewing needs, from prototype development to full-scale production, with a focus on quality and precision.
  • Custom Embroidery: Add a personal touch to your apparel, accessories, and promotional items with our custom embroidery services, featuring high-quality stitching and attention to detail.
  • Embroidery Fulfillment: Streamline your operations with our embroidery fulfillment services, offering warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment to meet your business needs.
  • FFA Services: As proud supporters of the FFA, we offer specialized services tailored to the unique requirements of FFA chapters and members, including custom patches, apparel, and promotional items.


Throughout our history, Universal Lettering has remained committed to excellence in craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and community involvement. We invite you to experience the difference of working with a trusted partner who shares your passion for quality and tradition. Contact us today to discuss your embroidery needs and let us bring your vision to life!In addition to our extensive contract sewing offerings, Universal Lettering excels in full-service custom embroidery, chenille varsity letter manufacturing, and top-notch screen-printing services, all bolstered by our in-house digitizing expertise.

Continuing our commitment to serving our community and beyond, we've recently redirected our resources, retooling our cut-and-sew operations to produce both disposable and washable level 1 and level 2 non-surgical hospital gowns, as well as fabric community face masks. This initiative serves to address the critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and underscores our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in challenging times.

Share by: