Hands Across the Sea Samplers ~ MARY CARTER 1712 ~ Cross Stitch Pattern

On the 12th day of December in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and twelve Mary Carter placed the last stitch on her sampler. Little did she know that more than 300 years later, her work would be admired and enjoyed by needle workers around the world.

By the time Mary was taught needlework, the need to learn a great variety of stitches and complex traditional patterns had reduced. In the 1700s embroidered costumes and furnishings were replaced by extravagant woven and printed fabrics. In this century the format of English samplers was evolving, reflecting the changing perception of their purpose.

Mary’s sampler was worked in the traditional bands of the 1600s on a long and narrow piece of linen. She used several reversible stitches, all exquisitely executed with skilled hands. However, we do not believe that her aim was to embroider a reversible sampler. The reverse of her sampler is extremely neat; Mary had pride in her work. There are no knotted starts and all her tail ends are neatly buried but her threads are visibly carried.

The design area is 230 stitches (w) x 450 stitches (h). Our calculations have included a 3″ margin for finishing and framing.

28ct: Design: 16.43″ x 32.14″ Fabric: 22.43″ x 38.14″

32ct: Design: 14.38″ x 28.13″ Fabric: 20.38″ x 34.13″

36ct: Design: 12.78″ x 25.00″ Fabric: 18.78″ x 31.00″

40ct: Design: 11.50″ x 22.50″ Fabric: 17.50″ x 28.50″

46ct: Design: 10.00″ x 19.57″ Fabric: 16.00″ x 25.57″

56ct: Design: 8.21″ x 16.07″ Fabric: 14.21″ x 22.07″

60/52ct: Design: 7.67″ x 17.31″ Fabric: 13.67″ x 23.31″

The original sampler was stitched on 58/50 ct. and the color was between DMC 3033 and 3782

Frame/finishing not included.

Thanks for looking!

✄ Happy Stitching!✄

Anabella’s Cross Stitch Store