From the Textile Museum Collection

Lace Sampler

Traditionally, in order to both learn and record lace patterns, knitters made samplers. For both the learner and the experienced knitter, this permanent record was the reference they used when designing other lace articles.

For further reference, see Knitting Lace, by Susanna Lewis, in which the author documents the patterns of a mid-19th century lace sampler.

Detail of a Lace Sampler, fine white cotton,
late 19th century, made in Austria

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