The Britomart Sampler:

The polychrome band sampler usually began a 17th century English schoolgirl needlework education. Generally stitched reversibly with varying degrees of precision, the band sampler was an essential learning piece that laid the foundation for a girl to continue to more ambitious projects like a casket. The lessons of the band sampler taught the girl skills that she would need in her later projects.

The Britomart sampler, designed as a companion piece to the Britomart casket, is a reversible band sampler inspired by a variety of 17th century band samplers, reworked in a cohesive, streamlined colorway - meant to pair the best of 17th century inspiration with the design and color skill of a modern professional. It covers a full range of techniques, from the basic reversible cross and double running stitch to Montenegrin stitch and needlelace.

Finished with Spenser’s invocation to ‘be bold, be bold, be not too bold’, the Britomart sampler is both a fabulous, aspirational piece of needlework, and a reminder to attempt the same boldness in stitching that was displayed by 17th century schoolgirls. Showing a child’s creativity, imagination, and fearlessness, young girls created some of the most amazing embroidery that has ever been worked.

Available as a chart and kits, the Britomart sampler will take you on the same learning journey as a 17th century girl, allowing you to get into their mindset while learning, and teach you the language of band samplers.

Please note: If you wish to work this sampler in Soie Gobelins & Soie Paris silk threads, kits are available for pre-order. Please contact the shop directly to place your pre-order.