Patterns and Pieces: Whitework Samplers of the 17th Century
Lecturer: Tricia Wilson Nguyen
Live Lecture Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026 1PM Eastern
Live Lecture Registration: May 22 – June 12, 2026 1PM Eastern
Format: Live Lecture and Recording
By the close of the 17th century, patterns for various types of needlework had been published and circulated for over a century. These early pattern books were passed down through generations, reproduced in multiple editions, and—perhaps unsurprisingly—frequently plagiarized. A detailed examination of the patterns and samplers from the latter half of the century can yield valuable insights into the workings of popular cut whitework techniques.
Through careful analysis of front-pieces, pattern names, and subtle hints in the woodcuts, we can distinguish between patterns that were practical and instructive, and those that were opportunistic prints by less-experienced artists—often too flawed to be actually worked. Join Tricia Wilson Nguyen as she discusses how she groups samplers according to their techniques and patterns, and uncovers a wealth of information, unravelling the many secrets these pieces hold.
