Embroidered sampler Wool sampler by Emma Susanna Matthew, embroidered with silk; English; dated 1839. The earliest samplers were reference works for embroiderers. They showed 'samples' 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. Making a sampler was part of a girl's school education throughout the 18th century and into the early 1800s. By this time embroidered samplers were very often a simple and undemanding exercise. This sampler is well made but otherwise typical. The needleworker probably copied the decoration from pattern books.