Sampler is a small square or strip of cloth covered with sample patterns of needlework. The term sampler comes from the Latin word exemplar, meaning a pattern. Adults first used samplers to record patterns of embroidery or lace. But as early as the 1500’s, young girls made samplers for practice or to show their skill.
Samplers were made of colored silks stitched on wool or linen canvas, or of lace patterns on closely woven linen. The girls often embroidered letters, numerals, quotations, and verses to gain experience with different techniques. Sometimes a girl would add her name, age, and the date the sampler was made. Many samplers had intricately embroidered birds, flowers, patterns of Bible verses, and even tiny human figures.
Samplers are mentioned in the literature and wills of the early 1500’s. Many styles and shapes were produced in Europe and the United States until the end of the 1800’s. Today, samplers featuring pictorial elements and those dating before 1860 are especially prized by museums and collectors.
