The creation of samplers evolved into an education tool over time. Samplers, or Sam Cloths as they were originally called in England, came into existence as early as the 14th century in Spain as a mode of transferring and preserving embroidery patterns. The American tradition, however, borrows mostly from the English and German customs. Beginnning in the 17th century and continuing through the early 20th century, samplers were an educational device for young girls to learn and practice the intricacies of needlework. After mastering lettering techniques, girls moved on to embroidering biblical passages, poetic verse, family records, maps, and decorative designs, such as landscapes, floral patterns, elaborate borders, houses, human figures and animals.
Many samplers are amazing examples of intricate needlework.