Historic Sampler Charts & Original Cross Stitch Designs

Reproduction Sampler Charts

I hope to be a thread that bridges historic needlework with contemporary needle-art

Browse Sampler Charts Here

About my Charts

All patterns are instant downloadable PDF files, for paper charts click on the PAPER CHARTS section in the menu above.

Elizabeth Hall Sampler 1809

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Sarah Plommer Sampler 1759

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Charts That Are Printed For You

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Jane Parson 1841 Sampler Pattern PDF

The Wishing Thorn

Jane Parson 1841 Sampler Pattern PDF

$11.50
| /
  • About
  • Model Information

  • I found the Jane Parson Sampler in an antique shop in Massachusetts, only about two hours from where Jane was born in
    Hinsdale MA in June of 1823. Her being somewhat older (18) when she stitched this sampler explains the exactness of it: the
    border, the spaces between stitches, and the symmetry and composition. So many sampler stitchers have difficulties aligning
    their border perfectly and symmetrically all the way around, Jane had this mastered.

  • There are several variations for this sampler.
    Floss choices are two DMC versions, the front of the sampler and the none faded back of the sampler. Additionally, I am
    including the colors for Au ver a soie Fine d'Aubusson Wool as the original was stitched in wool.
    The original sampler is wool on roughly 30ct linen with the original size being 9.25 x 10.5 On 28ct the finished piece will be
    10 x 11.5.
    If you are using wool I would not go smaller than 28ct otherwise the wool will be too thick, especially if you are planning on
    stitching over-one. It might be doable in 32ct if you choose to stitch the over-one section as a half cross stitch,
    If using floss you can choose to stitch on a tiny count (measurements below)
    16/32ct - 8.75 x 10 inches + 6 inches all around
    18/36ct - 7.75 x 8.75 inches + 6 inches all around
    20/40ct - 7 x 8 inches + 6 inches all around
    46ct linen - 6 X 7 inches + 6 inches all around
    The stitched Area: is 140 stitches wide by 159 stitches high
    **The floss version model is stitched on 32ct beautiful beige linen, and the wool model is 28ct tea dyed Irish linen.
    At the end of the charts is the alphabet in the colors it was originally stitched before it was "fixed" in some areas with silk
    threads. This is entirely optional.
    Thread Legend is on the last page.
    I strand of wool or 1- 2 strands of floss depending on the fabric count you choose.
    The second chart has the over-one section converted to regular cross stitch omitting the words "Her Work" and slightly
    enlarging the wreath to fit Jane's name in regular cross stitch.

    This pattern PDF consists of 16 pages of color and black/white charts. It is an instant download so you can start stitching today!
    The PDF file of the pattern will be available for INSTANT DOWNLOAD once payment is confirmed.
    If you have any questions about the pattern or the download process, please send me a message.

    Thank you and happy stitching!

    ©The Wishing Thorn. All Rights Reserved

Hi, so glad you are here!

Hi, so glad you are here!

Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I am Birgit, maker at the The Wishing Thorn. Grab a cup of Tea and stay a while. There are many patterns to browse much to read about some of our lovely talented ladies from the past. If you ever need to get a hold of me for pattern help of with new ideas just email me at birgit@thewishingthorn.com

I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.

Have a magnificent day

Read about Harriet's trip from England to America

Reproduction Sampler Patterns

Ann McFarlan 1827 Sampler Pattern PDF

Ann McFarlan 1827 Sampler Pattern PDF

$11.50
| /
  • About
  • Model Information

  • This delightfully unique sampler, with borders illustrating buildings and trees, reveals the visual influences and religious concerns of the part of New York State where McFarlan grew up in the 1820s. Ann did both, she practiced her stitching to perfection for her young age and also voiced her religious convictions in this more than unusual sampler. She also died at a fairly young age. You can read more here in her blog post here: Ann McFarlan's blog post

  • Design Area:  387 W x 316 H stitches

    The model was stitched on 36ct cream or antique white linen

    This is a rather large sampler and the original fabric was not woven as even as our fabrics are today. 36ct gets it close to the original dimensions.

    This pattern is not suitable for Aida cloth due to the over-one area
    Stitched Area: 21-1/2 inches (54.6cm) wide by 17-1/2 inches (44.6cm) high. 387 stitches wide by 316 high.

    Fabric Size: 28 inches (70cm) wide by 24 inches (60cm) high this includes 3 inches (8cm) allowance on all sides for finishing or framing

    This pattern PDF consists of 29 pages of color and black/white charts. It is an instant download so you can start stitching today!
    The PDF file of the pattern will be available for INSTANT DOWNLOAD once payment is confirmed.
    If you have any questions about the pattern or the download process, please send me a message.

    Thank you and happy stitching!

    ©The Wishing Thorn. All Rights Reserved

Original Designs

These are my own original sampler designs. Many will have Art Deco influences and employ a variety of stitches, not only cross-stitch.

Wheel of the year sampler pattern The Wishing Thorn

Wheel Of The Year Sampler

A stunning Wheel of the Year Sampler to take you through the seasons.

I want to stitch this
iolanthe sampler pattern by the wishing thorn, Birgit Tolman

Iolanthe Sampler

Violet Flower coming soon - be the first to know when it release by signing up Wishing Thorn Correspondence

Night Thistle sampler pattern by the wishing thorn

Night Thistle Cross Stitch Sampler

Beautiful classic colors in this art deco-inspired sampler.

I want to stitch this
twilight woods sampler by the wishing thorn

Twilight Woods Sampler Pattern

A modern design, with some beautiful Art Nouveau touches reminiscent of days gone by.

I want to stitch this

Why I do what I do

Jnae Jones 1832 Reproduction Sampler

Jane Jones 1832

These samplers provide contemporary viewers rare insights into the past. They tell a story about their life. Their daily life, matters of importance and beliefs. If you would like to discover their past, you may want to check the blog for some of the completed histories at this time.

Bringing these young girls' needlework and histories to you to stitch is an honor. Seeing a beautiful sampler like Jane's (to the left) most likely embroidered at a very young age, in such poor condition breaks my heart. The love and time to cross-stitch this, and now almost destroyed.

I am so grateful to my ancestors that started me on this path with my great grandmother's sampler (Olga Spindler you’ll find her in the sampler section) All the samplers in my collection are like my “daughters” – they are cherished. Knowing you share the same love for them brings such joy!

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