Sampler Patterns

Embroider this simple sampler using just two basic stitches - cross stitch and back stitch. The finished design resembles a blackboard and features the alphabet surrounded by a simple border, reminiscent of blackwork.

Just one color of embroidery floss is needed. Choose black thread to work the design on white 14-count Aida fabric, or black thread to work the pattern on black Aida fabric. The finished size of the stitched area measures approximately 5 x 3.5 inches when worked on 14-count fabric.

Finish as shown, or use the handy alphabet to create personalized designs or fabric labels.

Stitch a little red sampler in basic cross stitch and back stitch.

This pattern for a Red Mini Sampler can be framed or finished as ornaments or fobs. The simple framed alphabet design works up quickly, and would make a terrific pattern for a set of Christmas ornaments for yourself, or to share with friends.

The simple alphabet used in the sampler can also be used in other projects. Use the letters to personalize an item with a name, work a design with your favorite saying or phrase, or use the letters as small, simple monograms.

Stitch this easy Schoolhouse Sampler using simple, basic hand embroidery stitches including back stitch, French knots and lazy daisy surface embroidery stitches.

After the stitching has been completed, enhance the Schoolhouse Sampler project with PrimsaColor artists' pencils. These wax-based pencils are perfect for adding a touch of color to embroidery projects that will not be laundered. This step is optional, but really makes the finished project stand out.

The project is sized to fit a standard 8.5 x 11 inch document frame, and would be wonderful to display during the back to school season. The framed project would also make a welcome gift for a teacher.

Work the entire alphabet in Redwork using this FREE Pattern Series!

Each design measure 5x5 inches when worked full-size, and is worked in basic surface embroidery stitches including stem stitch, back stitch, running stitch, French knots and detached chain stitch.

Part 1 features the letters A through G.
Part 2 features the letters H through N.
Part 3 features the letters O through U.
Part 4 features the letters V through Z along with two filler blocks and a suggested layout.

Please note that if you have trouble seeing the patterns given for the Redwork Alphabet, or they print fuzzy, it's due to the software used to create the pages, as it resizes the image. Click the hyperlink in this sentence to access a pdf version of the pattern, if needed.

This vintage-style pattern for a hand embroidered alphabet with optional flowers is worked using easy surface embroidery stitches and no-count cross stitch. Use all the letters together as a sampler, or use them individually create monograms or personalized projects. My samples shows a single letter that has been hoop framed.

The cross stitch portion of the design is no-count because the design is marked by transferring the stitching lines to a plainweave fabric, with the marked lines covered by the embroidery. This is different from traditional types of cross stitch because there are no threads in the fabric or squares in the Aida cloth to be counted while working the stitching.