This Vintage Find Is Everywhere Right Now — and It’s Surprisingly Timeless

In our increasingly digital world, many of us have been trying to return to the analog way of life through crafts (myself included). Fiber arts like knitting and crochet, quilting, and needlework have all experienced a recent resurgence in popularity, thanks to social media making them more accessible and easy to learn. 

Whether you’ve taken up one of these so-called “grandma hobbies” yourself or just love a vintage treasure, this newfound appreciation for the fiber arts has many collectors gravitating toward these handmade pieces at the thrift store. Danielle Blundell, Apartment Therapy’s executive home director, specifically noted an abundance of framed vintage needlework “samplers” at the flea markets in Paris just last month — and we predict these gorgeous pieces are about to be everywhere. 

“Samplers” are cross-stitched or embroidered pieces that were traditionally used for practice by amateur needleworkers. They usually showcase several specific techniques, including the alphabet in various font styles, numbers, decorative borders, and different types of stitches. Once completed, these pieces also served as reference guides for stitchers, before cross-stitch patterns were popularized. 

Most include the alphabet, but some samplers also include nature scenes, family trees, and maps — proving they aren’t just practice pieces, but also meaningful, personal creations.

The concept of samplers is, in a way, poetic. Samplers are both works of art and portfolios — they highlight the stitcher’s skill set and include decorative elements that can add a personalized touch to your space. Needlework is also part of women’s social history; thus, vintage samplers are like artifacts. They help tell a story about the women and girls who created them, including their upbringing, education, and interests. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, samplers became more decorative and were eventually framed as functional works of art, as they are today. If you do come across a vintage sampler — or want to make one of your own (patterns are pretty easy to find these days) — there are a few ways to incorporate the style into your space. 

Framing is one of the most popular ways to display samplers. A framed sampler works really well as an accent art piece, and can also provide nice texture to gallery walls. Alphabet samplers in particular are perfect for nurseries and kids’ rooms, and offer something a little more unique than photos or prints. Nature scenes can also work well in these spaces, as well as in kitchens or entryways. 

Today fiber arts like needlework serve as a reminder of what we can do with our hands, and the value of pieces with a story over mass-produced decor. Plus, the craft’s intrinsic connection to women’s history taps into a warm, nurturing presence that can make a space feel more like a home.