Darning Sampler

Darning samplers hold special appeal to collectors and needleworkers today due to their strong graphic quality and the practical, yet impressive, skill they display. Household textiles and clothing were very expensive and treasured by all strata of society. An understanding of weave structure and the ability to use this knowledge to prolong the life of valued fabrics was therefore considered an important skill.

Most known darning samplers are Dutch and date from the mid-18th to the early 19th centuries; they are generally signed only with the initials of the maker.

This excellent darning sampler is dated 1747 and it is one of the earlier that we have known. Twelve darned squares were completed in different weave patterns and the center section was cut and mended, a demonstration of yet another skill. The overall construction of the linen ground fabric is interesting as well, as the fabric began in three parts and very fine stitches join them together.

The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in a black painted frame.