Genuine miniature samplers, not fragments of larger pieces or excerpts from full-sized samplers are quite rare. The most common sort feature either monochromatic alphabetic and numeric tests, or even a simple, short, sentimental verse. The former type, sometimes called "plain work," usually originated in a working class school setting where young girls learned the means of self support. Small samplers like this were occasionally bound into small volumes, and today are more often found plundered, individually, rather than in their original book format. The latter type of miniature was often a presentation piece. Girls and women gave each other gifts of their handwork, a meaningful sentiment then as well as now.

The antique miniature samplers that The Scarlet Letter have reproduced demonstrate a variety of "functions" that are still useful today: as mementos, as gifts, even as learning exercises. As the original samplers were invariably stitched with silk floss on linen or varying thread counts, they have assembled these kits to match the original materials in every way. All of these are recommended for beginning to intermediate level needleworkers.

1840 Miniature Sampler A plain work sampler worked in cross and counted thread satin...

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ABCD 1817 Miniature Sampler This sampler might be of Scottish origin, and appears to be a...

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Content Miniature Sampler circa 1800 A presentation sampler with a short moralistic verse, stitched...

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Dear Aunt Miniature Reproduction... Reproduced from an early 19th century miniature sampler,...

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English Miniature Sampler circa 1800 Miniature antique samplers are a rare find. Their purpose is...

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Gratitude Reproduction Sampler circa... The quintessential presentation sampler, stitched with cross and...

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HR to Map 1820 Sampler A presentation sampler, probably of English origin, worked with...

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Miniature Sampler With Cutwork circa... This is an exact reproduction of an English miniature sampler,...

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My Beloved Reproduction Sampler circa... This is an exact reproduction of a sentimental miniature gift...

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N Hinde 1778 Sampler A plain work sampler, probably English (Lancashire), cross...

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Shepherd and Shepherdess 1790 Sampler Here we have a set of two samplers - Origin and date: England,...

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S Wood Sampler circa 1820 A presentation sampler with a short moralistic verse, stitched...

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The Huswif circa 1825 Origin and date: England, circa 1825 Linen count/finished size:...

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The Twigg Miniatures circa 1800 Genuine miniature samplers - not fragments of larger pieces or...

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