 Printed pattern books were not easily obtainable , and a sampler or embroidered record of stitches and patterns was the most common form of reference . 16th @-@ century English samplers were stitched on a narrow band of fabric and totally covered with stitches . These band samplers were highly valued , often being mentioned in wills and passed down through the generations . These samplers were stitched using a variety of needlework styles , threads , and ornament . 
