From Early American Life, Christmas 2004

A Christmas Sampler

by Margaret Geaslen Kohl

This counted-thread sampler project is reminiscent of needlework stitched in the late 1890s, although I chose the pattern and thread colors to reflect those found in earlier needlework from New England, where my family originally settled.

Because some of the stitching (the date and initials) is over one thread using one strand of floss, this sampler must be stitched on linen material, cut 13' by 13'. I used 27-count ivory linen. The remaining stitches are worked with two strands of floss over two threads. The completed piece measures 81/2' long by 71/4' wide.

As was the custom from the 1700s to the mid-1800s, I omitted the letter “J” from the alphabet, instead using an “I” for both letters. The letter “V” is also used twice, for both itself and “U.” (The full alphabet, as we know it today, came into use during the 1800s.) As you stitch the project, you can use any of the four letters in the design. 

Click here to show the full-size pattern which you can save and print out. Note: The file is two megabytes, so be prepared for a long download if you have only a dial-up connection.

A lifelong resident of Kentucky, Margaret Kohl has enjoyed needlework since childhood. This is her 10th design for EAL.