Samplers were originally used as a way of learning new embroidery stitches, and of recording which ones were learnt.
They were first used in the latter part of the 16th century when needlework became very important in the education of girls, as it was used to decorate many items in the home, including linen, curtains and upholstery.
Lovely examples of samplers exist from the 17th century, when girls had access to new designs. New printing techniques allowed for patterns to be transferred to fabric, by punching holes in the pattern, placing it on the fabric, and then dusting chalk over the top! These samplers now showed embroidered numbers, letters, verses and illustrations, such as flowers or aspects of home life.
During the 18th century, samplers became more integrated into children’s other lessons, such as religion. They became a symbol of achievement and of virtue, showing embroidery design and religious verses.
The 19th century saw a change in the way that samplers were used. They remained important in the education of girls, however their designs simplified. Cross-stitch was still used to create geometric borders, letters and numbers, and images of domestic and natural themes.
These themes that young girls incorporated into their samplers varied. Memorial samplers were common, as death and illness were a far more common part of life at that time. Others were made to commemorate special places or events. Friendship was also acknowledged through the stitches girls used, with verses telling of remembrance.
By 1900, it was far more common for the samplers to be more practical. Stitches now included button holes, darning and patching. Often the border was now of fabric; a thin band of matching fabric which ‘hemmed’ the piece. Illustrations were used less, as the samplers were again seen as more prosaic, rather than decorative wall hangings.
The tradition of making samplers dimished further in the 20th century. Needlework was still taught in schools, though with a much more functional view. Cushion covers were one method of combining the practicing of embroidery stitches into a practical piece of home furnishing that young girls (or boys) could complete within the school setting.
Samplers have become very collectable. Early ones sell for thousands of dollars, with museums acquiring some of the loveliest ones. There has also been a resurgence amongst embroiderers to create new samplers. These are used to produce a record of a ‘family’, with details of the embroiderer’s family, such as family members, pets and homes.
