Counted cross stitch samplers have been a popular method of stitching for centuries creating a family heirloom. They are an important part of a family history. Young girls would stitch them to practice their skill in stitching. If ever you see an antique sampler it is amazing how these girls managed to stitch such detailed items. The designs were created by themselves or with parental or governess tuition. Samplers would be the first step to learning embroidery and improving their skills.

They would use silk thread even today we talk about embroidery silks however in this modern age we no longer use silk but cotton or rayon threads.

They would also be a way of learning the alphabet and numbers. Usually in a traditional sampler there is the alphabet and numbers some have both this depends on the size of the sampler. Some have a poem or a saying. Most important is the date.

Traditionally the motifs on a sampler have a meaning for example

Bee diligence

Butterfly playfulness

Heart love

Each time you see an antique sampler take a look at the motifs used and they will tell a story of the life of that person.

Today the sampler has not changed a great deal in how they are stitched. The difference is they are mass produced in kit form with a rainbow of colours and a variety of designs. They are stitched on fabric counts from even-weave to 14 count. They are still a very popular way to commemorate special occasions. Wedding,births,new home to name a few but still creating family heirloom which will be around for generations to come. Using a kit is a very convenient way of producing your own sampler.

Making your own sampler with a choice of motifs and the positioning of them is as much fun as the stitching. Samplers are normally symmetrical and look balanced when finished. Designing your makes it personal to you and your family.

Jean Leeming is a keen cross stitch enthusiast. She writes articles on all aspects of Cross Stitch and also runs a website: Needlework Magic where she sells a wide range of Cross Stitch Kits which are very competitively priced.

PLASTIC CANVAS PATTERN SAMPLER NEEDLEWORK TOTE $1.69

Bucilla Needlework Kit Pledge Of Allegiance Sampler NIP $20.00

Bucilla Needlework New Friends Old Friends Sampler NIP $20.00

YESTERYEAR SAMPLER-CROSS STITCH-LITTLE HOUSE NEEDLEWORK $6.80

Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly v60 cross stitch $6.00

Vintage Lot Needlework, Embroidery Samplers Books/Mags $22.99

Home is Where You Hang Your Needlework Sampler $0.99

AUTUMN BLESSINGS W/CHARMS SAMPLER-ELIZABETHS NEEDLEWORK $9.35

NEEDLEWORK NEEDLEPOINT FANS ORIENTAL TAPESTRY SAMPLER $71.99

NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER EMBROIDERY KIT OF "CHELTENHAM" GLOS. $10.81