Damage by damp or insects makes your sampler less valuable, as does having missing words or numbers replaced. If the colours have run or faded, the asking price is reduced. Some of the worst damage to samplers is found in the corners and is made by insects and woodworm. If it is mounted on a wooden panel, this should be removed and replaced with acid-free stretchers. Finally, never be tempted to wash a sampler yourself as the colours are often unstable, and once they have run, nothing can reverse the process.
Tapestry differs from embroidery in that there is no 'support' fabric.
A large quantity of crewelwork curtains made around the first decade of the 18th century have survived. The majority of these have been faded by light, though where the fabric itself is not rotted it is often still in robust condition. Needlepoint is more hard-wearing than embroidery, and therefore more suitable for seat covers. It consists of fine, dense stitches covering the whole surface of the support, which is usually woven linen or canvas. Conventional upholstery uses metal fasteners to attach the upholstery under tension to its frame.