Sampler Practice Piece

Period1800 - 1820

MediumPlied silk thread on coarse brown linen

Dimensions4.25 × 4.63 in. (10.8 × 11.7 cm)

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1934

Object number708.7

DescriptionA small square practice piece of coarse brown linen, with a selvedge along the left edge, narrow hems along the top and bottom edges, and a raw edge along the right side. The embroidery is done in plied silk thread in dark green, forest green, rose, pale pink, and pale blue. Five small motifs are worked on the linen. In the lower center of the linen is worked a stylized floral blossom entirely in Queen stitch. Three other smaller floral buds are embroidered above, to the left, and to the right of the center blossom, also worked in Queen stitch, appearing to be unfinished. In the upper left corner, worked in cross stitch, is a tiny bird motif.
Curatorial RemarksThe unknown maker of this small linen panel was practicing a challenging and difficult stitch. Known variously as Queen, rococo, or renaissance stitch, this attractive embroidery was first used on seventeenth-century English band samplers. It was highly popular in eighteenth and early nineteenth century American samplers and needlework. The ability to sew a good Queen stitch was held in high regard and served as proof of a young embroiderer's skill with the needle. Queen stitch was often used to work the popular strawberry vine band or border motifs in so many American samplers. Queen stitch also consumed a good deal of expensive silk thread. It was also an indication of a familiy's ability to afford a high-quality education for a daughter that included embroidery and sewing.

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