Sampler is Sampler embroidery technique: thematic combination of pictures

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:47

Cross-stitch has an ancient history and combines different directions and techniques, thanks to which you can create a unique thing, both decorative and applied. Plots that combine different details have taken pride of place among other topics. A sampler is not just an interesting picture, but a combination of different details that have a common meaning.

Former glory

The technique has been known since the 17th century, when the history of a generation was depicted on a large section of the canvas and the coat of arms of the house was embroidered. Detailing and the presence of different elements, always with text accompaniment, was explained by the fact that the materials were quite expensive, and not every embroiderer could afford such a luxury.

Samplers were made in the same style and passed down from generation to generation. Later, the tradition of embroidering history was transformed and categorized, thematic pictures with a common meaning appeared. Over time, there was less text on the samplers, and the details grew larger. Later, a central element appeared, which replaced the text and indicated the theme of embroidery.

Sampler is a combination of pictorial direction with text accompaniment and symbols to convey meaning. Now pictures with many details can be seen not only in old houses, but also in various institutions, because samplers are embroidered for learning and as a gift.

Choose a theme

Depending on the embroidered elements on the fabric, you can talk about a common theme. Working with a ready-made scheme is much easier and faster than drawing a sketch yourself and creating the basis for work on it.

The themes of the works may be different and depend on the details that will be depicted. Each stitch carries certain information and combines with the rest into a whole motif. The meaning of the sampler is to convey the idea, so every detail must fit into the chosen style. Embroiderers can hide in the paintings a magical amulet in the form of an embroidered symbol or sign. Thanks to this, the sampler can protect against negativity and the evil eye.

Popular items

The strength of the owner of the house was conveyed through the image of a lion or a cat. The embroidered fox indicated cunning and a sharp mind, the ability to predict any situation and analyze what was happening. The fox also symbolized deep intuition and insight.

An embroidered parrot indicates talkativeness, courage and courage, the ability to withstand life's troubles and negativity embodies the symbol of the phoenix. Because samplers are often limitedsize, and many elements are depicted on them, then instead of a phoenix, feathers or a bird's head are often embroidered.

A tree with wide branches on the fabric indicates a connection with relatives and a large family. Often the symbol is used in primitives, but branches can be used as a frame for other details and a connection symbol.

Christmas samplers are often made with spruce branches or holiday toys. A mandatory attribute of the style is snow and an owl. The last detail indicates erudition and life balance. Samplers with calendars are considered popular, which are sewn together with other details and serve as a practical thing.

The embroidered key indicates the protection of the house and protection from evil forces. It is a symbol of mystery and detachment from ordinary problems. It is often combined on samplers along with owls and other birds, which serve as guides to the subtle world and can also store information.

Variety of schemes

If you work with a ready-made scheme, you can get a beautiful, but not unique result. A sampler is not just embroidery, but a whole story. Therefore, various details and elements are added here, which can concretize the embroidery. Creating your own schema is easy. To do this, you first need to draw a sketch of what should be the result.

Be sure to place a key symbol in the center of the picture, which will connect the details. It should be slightly larger in size, but not take up a lot of space. If the sampler is intended for a specific person, you can specify personal data in the form of a first name, last name or datebirth.

Often needlewomen make small notes in the form of initials on samplers, sign the work. There is no need to combine several different themes in one picture so as not to mix the meanings. Contrasts should be preferred in the color scheme so that the details are sufficiently clear and noticeable.

Materials for work

Preparing the fabric is an important stage of work, since the crosses and the size of the finished work depend on it. Primitives are embroidered on linen or small-count canvas, detailed samplers are best created on 14 or 16-count canvas so that all depicted elements can be seen.

Threads are selected depending on the expected result. If you need to add volume, then woolen ones are used, for embroidering samplers with inscriptions, needlewomen advise cotton and silk ones, they convey the accuracy of letters well. Additionally, shiny threads, luminous threads, ribbons, beads, charms and other elements can be used.

The result depends on the quality of the materials, so it's better not to save. Samplers are also decorated with different options, ranging from baguette to applied design.

Sampler technique

On the photo of the best samplers you can see not only standard cross stitches, but also other options that allow you to convey smooth lines or create watercolor. Half-crosses and embroidery with several threads are often used. This adds volume to the work. Seam technique has also become popular recently, but requires experience.from a needlewoman and the knowledge of how to do it correctly.

The back stitch of the needle or back stitch adds clarity and contour to the work, so after embroidery they make out the detail so that the necessary stitches can be clearly seen. Backing is done with dark threads on a light base and light threads on a dark material. There are a number of primitive samplers that do not use backing, and a slight blur adds a watercolor look to the picture.

Finish stage

After sending the work, it is necessary to wash the fabric, but do it carefully so that the threads do not shed in hot water and do not fluff up from the washing powder. The best option would be with ordinary soap, which can remove stains and not damage fabrics. The sampler is a combination of different stitches, so the threads can fluff.

After washing, the canvas is dried in the fresh air and ironed through the fabric so that the crosses are not flat. You can spray the fabric with water during the process so that straightening occurs through steam.

You can decorate the work both in a baguette under glass, and in the form of an applied thing. It can be a beautiful apron or a pillow, a tablecloth or a napkin with openwork edges. You can make it in the form of a key holder or arrange a whole box for storing jewelry under a small motif. Sampler embroidery patterns do not always have a border in the form of an ornament, but you can choose it yourself from other motifs and simply sew on for a better look.

The edging, or border, is done in the same tint range as the entire embroidery. If in standard paintings you can do without it, then in primitives, ornaments withprotective symbols.

Tips for quick work

The process of embroidery brings pleasure, but to speed up you can embroider by color, this will help you not to make mistakes and work faster. The parking method is also used, but it is suitable if there are a lot of parts in the work and they are placed next to each other. Otherwise, broaches may be visible.

After sewing the part, you must immediately do a back stitch, so as not to return to this section later. Ornament and edging in sampler embroidery are done already at the finishing stage, when all the work is sewn.