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Historical Background: Samplers were mostly used as a notebook of ideas and stitches in the 16th century. Young girls would sew alphabets and numbers with colored floss onto even-weave fabric so they would have patterns to follow later. They also sewed little pictures of trees, flowers and vines. Needlework, such as stitching a cross-stitch sampler, was taught in most early American schools for girls, along with spinning, knitting, straw-works, embroidery, openwork, and tambour. There were no books or printed sampler patterns until the 17th century.

Today, samplers are still being stitched, but are generally used as decorations or art. Some samplers have family history sewn into them and some might have favorite rhymes or verses. Other cross-stitch and embroidery pieces may feature a special house with pretty borders and other small motifs.

For more information on cross-stitching, please go to the historical backgrounds for our Early American Sampler (4201), our Quilt Pattern Cross-Stitch Bookmark (4202), and our Amish Cross-Stitch Bookmark (4203).

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