Sewing was an important skill for a woman in the 17th century and was taught to girls of all classes from an early age. Plain sewing - hemming and seaming - was of particular value for the production of underclothes and basic household linens. Only a privileged few, however, were able to afford the time and materials for embroidery. There appear to have been a number of accepted markers in the development of a competent needlewoman. This is an example of a band sampler, the first step in the development of skill. A sampler illustrated the range of stitches and techniques that the girl had mastered. This example is finely worked with very neat small stitches and well-balanced and executed flowers and patterns. It does not, however, display a great variety of techniques, using mainly cross and tent stitch to achieve this elegant effect.