In their earliest form, samplers were put together by embroiderers as personal reference works. They showed trials of patterns and stitches that had been copied from other embroideries. They were records of particular effects achieved that could be re-created again. In England and elsewhere in Europe in the 17th century samplers developed into a method of instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. Moroccan samplers of the 19th century like this one recall the early function of European samplers as collections of designs and stitch effects. Their randomly placed patterns were suitable for the decoration of household linen and clothing.