Embroidered sampler The earliest samplers were reference works for embroiderers. They showed copies of patterns and stitches and recorded how to achieve particular effects. In Europe in the 17th century samplers provided instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. By the 18th century girls used samplers to show more than just their needlework skills and their religious faith. This sampler shows a 'Perpetual Almanack'. It can be used to calculate the dates on which Sunday would fall for the following 50 years. The needleworker has included precise mathematics, a Latin tag and the name of the school where she was a pupil. This suggests that she wanted to show off her other skills as much as her embroidery. In fact, she has used an undemanding cross stitch. Linen sampler by Elizabeth Knowles, embroidered with silk; English; dated 1787.