Example of a stitch sampler ('stekenlap'), The Netherlands, 1960s.
Courtesy Textile Research Centre, Leiden, acc. no. TRC 2014.0426.
A stitch sampler is a form of sampler, in which two or more different decorative stitches are worked on the ground material in a pre-ordained order or pattern, in order to display the knowledge and skill of the embroiderer and/or his/her teacher.
If one or more stitches are worked on small pieces of cloth in a random manner and these are then fastened together somehow, then this may also be classed as a stitch sample or a piece sampler. Such samples are generally intended to remind the embroiderer of how to work the stitches and are used for private information and purposes.
See also the Needles entry on chelliga.
TRC online catalogue (retrieved 20 March 2017).
GVE
