MAVED HA 603

MAVED HA 603
NEEDLECRAFT
NEEDLECRAFT
EMBROIDERY
SAMPLER
Learning Target:
1. Define Embroidery sampler
2. History of Embroidery Sampler
3. Examples of Embroidery Sampler
4. Materials used in Embroidery Sampler
5. Tutorial on how to make different
stitches
 WHAT IS
EMBROIDERY
Samplers are hand embroidery patterns featuring a
SAMPLER?
variety of embroidery stitches or motifs, borders or
letters of the alphabet. Sometimes they're very
traditional, other times they're modern. Some samplers
create an image that incorporates many stitches, while
others are much more freeform.
a piece of embroidery or cross-stitching produced as a
'specimen of achievement', demonstration or a test of
skill in needlework. It often includes the alphabet, figures,
motifs, decorative borders and sometimes the name of
the person who embroidered it and the date.
Historically, samplers date back to hundreds of years, and
they're even collectible.
Samplers were pieces of cloth, oftentimes linen, that
featured hand-embroidered designs using thread made
of silk, wool, or cotton. In the Colonial era, young American
school girls made samplers as a way of learning needlework
skills that would be useful in the repair of household linens.
Patterns stitched into these early samplers were often sewn
as a reminder of a stitch so that the maker could refer to it
later. Today, they're used in a similar way.
 HISTORY
Many new hands to embroidery are not aware of  the rich history of
embroidery samplers.  Samplers are often perceived as nostalgic
decorative pieces associated with interior decoration. In the past they
have been a method of recording information about stitches, a way of
learning stitches and before paper was plentiful a way of recording
patterns. This brief history of Embroidery Samplers touches on the
rich history of embroidery samplers that is hinted at in commercially
produced patterns. Many stitchers enjoy working antique
reproduction samplers, others work some samplers that depict Family
trees, and commemorate events, such as weddings or births.
Alphabet samplers and growth charts are also popular or samplers
that record a life event, a right of passage, or some aspect of lived
history. The function that samplers perform has however changed
over time. One thing that remains constant however is that hand
embroidery samplers have always been a record of stitches.
 HISTORY
The word exampler or sampler is derived from the French
exemplaire, meaning a kind of model or pattern to copy or imitate.
The Latin word exemplum, meaning a copy, was, by the 16th century,
spelt saumpler, sampler or exemplar.
Before printed pattern books, embroidery designs were passed from
hand to hand, many travelling through Europe from the Middle East.
The recording of patterns and motifs on fabric for future use was not
only needed to learn the stitches but it was also an essential method
of storing information. This stitched reference resulted in the creation
of a sampler. New patterns and stitches were avidly collected and
exchanged. Early in the history of embroidery samplers patterns were
placed in a haphazard way over the cloth. These samplers are now
referred to as random or spot samplers.
 HISTORY
The collection of patterns accelerated in the late fifteenth and early
sixteenth centuries. There are a number of factors that may explain
the sudden explosion of the enthusiasm that  associated
with recording patterns at this time. In the late 15th and early 16th
centuries needlework decorated clothing and furnishings. The craft of
embroidery was restricted to the wealthy due to the high cost of
materials and that by the early 16th century needlework had gained
importance as embroidery displayed wealth and status. In the late
fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries there was also a strong revival
of interest in all forms of decoration and a sudden increase in travel
at this time.
Samplers were used to demonstrate proficiency
in needlework. They are particularly remarkable
not only because they often include dates and
the names of the maker, but are some of the only
documents produced by young women from the
nineteenth century.
Samplers were also created for personal
reference, almost like a ‘sample’ of stitches and
patterns that could be recreated later in other
projects. 
SAMPLERS IN THE PAST 
The sampler is held by the 
Textile Museum of Canada and was
stitched by Mary Lacasse at age 12
in Montreal. It is dated May 8, 1818.

This sampler showcases a range of

patterns and stitches, with a floral
and tree theme. The top of the
sampler includes two angels and the
apple tree with a Snake around it is
referencing the Tree of Knowledge
in the Garden of Eden.
SAMPLERS IN THE PAST 
The second sampler is from the 
Victoria and Albert Museum, which holds a 
collection of over 700 embroidery pieces
 from the 1400s onward. It was created by
Jane Bailey in England in 1830.
The similar motifs between samplers created
in Montreal and in England show the
exchange of embroidery traditions across time
and place, connecting women’s work and
education across borders.
Bailey’s sampler also reinforces embroidery’s
role in teaching femininity by including a
verse about women’s virtues, reading “Seek
to be good but aim not to be great, A womans
noble station is retreat, Her fairest virtues fly
from public sight, Domestic worth still shuns
too strong a light.” 
SAMPLERS IN THE PAST 
This one was created in 1845 by Rachel
Barrett in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is
believed to have been completed at the
African School in Halifax. 
The sampler includes a stitched version of
the School and verses of God Save the
Queen. 
Lisa Bower of the Nova Scotia Museum has
noted
 that “as early as 1836, the anthem had been
sung during a public examination at the
school, in honour of Emancipation, and that
in 1837, wool was being purchased for
needlework instruction.” This sampler
speaks to what female students were being
taught at the Halifax African School in the
1840s and shows a connection to moral and
religious instruction.
MATERIALS USED IN EMBROIDERY
SAMPLER

Aida Cloth Linen Evenweave

 MATERIALS USED IN EMBROIDERY
SAMPLER

Embroidery Floss Needle Rayon Thread

Embroidery Sampler
Patterns
Mod Embroidery
Sampler
This modern take on an embroidery
sampler brings a lot of sampler
tradition while bringing fresh colors
and motifs into the picture.
The Stitch Up shares this pattern
without specific stitch instructions, but
you'll see opportunities to use back
stitch, chain stitch, satin stitch, french
knots, buttonhole wheels (made with a
blanket stitch) and more.
Vegetable Garden
Sampler
This free sampler looks like a
vegetable garden, but it's really
an opportunity to learn or
practice 11 different embroidery
stitches. Each row uses one or
more stitches to create a
vegetable.
Heart Silhouette
Sampler
Traditional samplers often have
rows of embroidery stitches, but
this uses that same idea to make
a shape. It's a great example of
how even basic lines of repeating
stitches can make a strong
impact. 
EMBROIDERY STITCHES
FOR BEGINNERS