Art Institute of Chicago

Darning Sampler

Germany or Netherlands

Date

1801

Medium

Linen, plain weave; embroidered with silk in darning and cross stitches

Culture

Germany

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

In the early 19th century, schoolgirls in Northern Europe made darning samplers to learn the crucial skill of mending, practicing a range of embroidery and darning techniques that could extend the life of garments and household textiles. Although these repairs have a beauty all their own when made in contrasting thread, they were ultimately intended to be invisible. The use of two-colored threads allowed students to discern the underlying weave structure; students would gradually transition to using one color of thread as they gained skill.

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