Excellent use of a large diversity of stitches worked in silk and metal threads produced beautiful designs. Geometric patterns worked in as many as twenty different colors were combined with spot motifs of flowers, birds, insects, animals, fish, and frogs. Some of the numerous stitches used were Hungarian, Florentine, Algerian eye, tent, cross, long-armed cross, two-sided Italian cross, running, double running, rice and buttonhole stitches. Color schemes with a large number of shades were created by twisting together strands of two different colors.

Over the centuries the reasons for working samplers have changed, as have the design sources. A deciding factor was the print media who influenced sampler design with the increased circulation of engraved illustrations. In the past, old herbals had been a design source. Knot garden patterns became a strong design influence on samplers with the rise of the middle class, and the consequent spread of formal garden design.

Traces of the rich history of samplers can still be found in commercially produced patterns which evidences the values of the past. Under Victorian ideology, women, when made embroidery for themselves, for their own pleasure, were accused of vanity. The conception of embroidery as a 'vain' and merely decorative occupation undermines the expressive power of embroidery. Today, embroidery is still defined as a leisure-time activity. Magazine articles tell us how to produce something in an evening, day or weekend for the latest addition to the family. The work and skill involved in making these gifts is never recognized as the magazines sell the idea that these items can be whipped up simply, without much thought, skill or effort.

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