Derived from the Latin word ‘exemplum’ or Old French term ‘essamplaire’ meaning example, Samplers were a way to reference various designs, types of stitches and their textures, becoming a personal authority or aide-mémoire to record and trial multiple complex stitching techniques, featuring moralising texts, pictorial motifs as well as alphabets, numerals and personal information.
Derived from the Latin word ‘exemplum’ or Old French term ‘essamplaire’ meaning example, Samplers were a way to reference various designs, types of stitches and their textures, becoming a personal authority or aide-mémoire to record and trial multiple complex stitching techniques, featuring moralising texts, pictorial motifs as well as alphabets, numerals and personal information.