Samplers can be found dating back to the 16th century, but most samplers date from the 19th century, although 17th and 18th century examples can be found.

Their purpose was to teach girls from as young as 9 or 10 and young women a variety of sewing stiches through instruction and practice, in the era before examples were available in printed magazines and books. They also were an aid to teaching the embroiderer the alphabet and numerals - most samplers include both of these in the lower section.

Samplers often carry the name of the embroiderer and the date. Sometimes the age of the embroiderer is given and occasionally the name of her house or school. This information adds interest to the piece, and can also affect the value, particularly if it verifies that the sampler was completed in Australia.

Samplers were sewn on linen and wool or silk threads were more...

210 items found, 193-210 shown:

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An embroidered sermon sampler, 1839, reading 'Happy the child…

Sermon Sampler: Happy Child, Fearful of Hell (9 words)

An embroidered sermon sampler, 1839, reading 'Happy the child whose tender years Receive instructions well, Who hates the sinners path and fears, the road that leads to hell Meranda Golding July 25 1839', 39 x 26 cm

Victorian hand embroidered sampler embroidered by 'Margret…

Margret Thickett's 1842 Hand Embroidered Sampler in Wood Frame

Victorian hand embroidered sampler embroidered by 'Margret Thickett, aged 9, 1842,' in wood frame, 34 cm x 34 cm total framed dimensions.

Early framed needlework picture sampler large embroidery in…

1772 Jacob's Journey Sampler

Early framed needlework picture sampler large embroidery in silk on linen, entitled: '1772, Jacob Journey to Laban and meets with Rachel,' 'Genesis 29,' 54 cm x 70 cm.

Framed antique wool embroidery sampler

Antique Wool Sampler with Intricate Embroidery

Framed antique wool embroidery sampler

19th century sampler, 'Ann. Duffells. Work. Aged. 10', 44.5 x…

Ann Duffells' Sampler, Age 10

19th century sampler, 'Ann. Duffells. Work. Aged. 10', 44.5 x 39.5 cm

A needlework sampler from 1742 by Elizabeth Hill 'Aged 12 Years…

Elizabeth Hill's 1742 Needlework Sampler: The Ten Commandments

A needlework sampler from 1742 by Elizabeth Hill 'Aged 12 Years November the 7, 1742' being a finely embroidered section from chapter 20 of Exodus, being the ten Commandments. Nicely decorated with flowers and leaves, Elizabeth hill is believed to have…

Early 20th century sampler coloured cottons on linen worked in…

Memory's Garden Sampler

Early 20th century sampler coloured cottons on linen worked in cross-stitch with quote 'Sow kind Acts and Memory's garden Will Smell Sweet' 26.5 x 21.5 cm

Early framed sampler, burr walnut frame, handcraft by Mary…

Mary Young's Handcrafted Sampler, c. 1795

Early framed sampler, burr walnut frame, handcraft by Mary young, aged 8 c1795 with hand stitched daily affirmations 21 x 28 cm

An antique sampler by 'Jane Bold Aged 10 years', in an…

Antique Sampler by Jane Bold, 19th Century

An antique sampler by 'Jane Bold Aged 10 years', in an Australian cedar frame, 19th century 44 x 48 cm overall

An antique sampler in maple frame, 19th century, 58 x 37 cm, 70…

19th Century Maple Framed Antique Sampler

An antique sampler in maple frame, 19th century, 58 x 37 cm, 70 x 47 cm overall

An antique English needlework sampler in original maple frame…

19th Century English Needlework Sampler in Maple Frame

An antique English needlework sampler in original maple frame with gilt slip and glass, mid 19th century. A very extensive and detailed example in an impressively large format, 83 x 72 cm overall

Good antique framed Scottish embroidered sampler embroidered by…

Good antique framed Scottish embroidered sampler embroidered by Agnes 16th May 1840, 53 cm x 50.5 cm (including frame), details verso.

'Elizabeth Batson 1826' antique sampler in a maple frame with…

Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Batson, 1826

'Elizabeth Batson 1826' antique sampler in a maple frame with gilt slip, 46 x 46 cm overall

A framed sampler Pentonvilla, circa 1825 by Sarah Clarke,…

A framed sampler Pentonvilla, circa 1825 by Sarah Clarke, August 20th 1825 height 40.5 cm, width 36 cm

Sampler by Susanna Harper 'The temple of Fame, 1814', in later…

Sampler by Susanna Harper 'The temple of Fame, 1814', in later frame and mount, 41 x 31 cm, 54 x 43 cm overall

An antique sampler by 'Mary Davies, 1849', 50 x 40 cm overall

An antique sampler by 'Mary Davies, 1849', 50 x 40 cm overall

Sampler antique English needlework display, 19th century, 41 x…

Sampler antique English needlework display, 19th century, 41 x 33 cm overall

An early Victorian alphabet sampler, by Ann Simpson age ten in…

An early Victorian alphabet sampler, by Ann Simpson age ten in October 1837, featuring the alphabet, birds, trees, biblical verses and geometric designs. 40 x 31 cm.