The original sampler consists of nine horizontal pattern bands stitched primarily in double running stitch as well as back, straight, cross, counted satin and eyelet stitches, each pattern band a different color.

Although the sampler bears no date, it is fairly easy to pin down by comparing the linen, silk and stitch characteristics with thousands of similar pieces of the seventeenth century that survive in museums and private collections. Before 1620 the reversible double running stitch was commonly used to embellish the ends of sleeves, cloaks and cuffs: areas where both sides might show. Later on the use of this stitch succumbed to newer embroidery fashions which suggests that the original sampler was made in the first half of the century, although it is not unusual to find archaic motifs and devices on later samplers, even as late as the nineteenth century.

Later band samplers began to include a whole spectrum of colors and a greater variety of stitches giving more texture and depth to the designs and leading the way to the development of the sampler in the eighteenth century as an artistic and pictorial exercise. Earlier band samplers, such as this one, were often limited in their color scheme.

Typically they were intensely stitched as linen was usually imported and quite expensive.

On 40 count linen the reproduction will be almost the same size as the original: 8″x 18 ½”. The project is recommended for any level of skill.