In their earliest form, samplers were put together as personal reference works for embroiderers: trials of patterns and stitches that had been copied from others, records of particular effects achieved that could be recreated again. In England and elsewhere in Europe in the 17th century, they developed into a method of instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. This example shows their usual format in the 18th century. No longer a long narrow piece kept rolled up for reference, it is more square in shape, suitable for displaying like a painting or print. Some of its motifs, however, are from 17th-century pattern books, and must have earned their place by being copied or handed on from previous generations.