Composed Darning Samplers

Certainly, recently discovered darning samplers consisting of six or nine separate one darn only mini-samplers and joined together by bobbin lace now forms a group. It's a somewhat unusual group. With an unexpected source.

Techniques other than darning work itself were sometimes practiced on Dutch darning samplers. Occasionally, they are decorated with a border or floral pattern, sometimes with needle lace or whitework. The result can look beautiful and showcase all the skills of the maker. Still, most Dutch darning samplers would stick to the practical work without too many frivolous additions.

The group became a group with the following examples: The sampler of Anneten van Steenler anno  1768 is the oldest (See fig. 1). It looks like the sampler has had a rough life, which is a shame. The lay out was clear: small squares of cotton with one darn and lettering on each and than, in the right order, sewn together with a bobbin lace band. Sampler researcher for the Dutch Sampler Guild Merkwaardig  Ms Nelleke Ganzevoort found Anneten in the village of Nijkerk. Until now, an unknown place for samplers. As in many smaller villages, Nijkerk had in the 18th-19th century a day- and boarding school. The school was privately held and would draw girls from all over for a broad education. Apparently, the needlework was of a high level!

(Fig.1) Anneten van Steenler 1768, Nijkerk (collection Kunstmuseum Den Haag)

The second in line was made by Nellitjen Nooy 1774 and born in Nijkerk (Fig.2) The last two letters of her name were unpicked but her full name anyway.. Of all samplers that were assembled sizes are about the same. This one is 36 x 25 cm with each square between 11-12 cm. The girls worked with colorful silk on thin white cotton.

Fig 2 Nijkerk darning sampler by Nelliten Nooy 1774. Silk on cotton. Size : 38 x 29 cm. (Coll. Ex Antiques)

Next come two samplers, again requiring some unpicking. The first is from 1788 worked by I v d M. Is the father A C v d M ? (See fig. 3.) The girls were apparently free in stitching the letters; the could choose doing it with their with whole name, just initials and whole name of girl and parents. That's what we like the best. This sampler was photographed on a dark background. You can see how thin the cotton is. The work was done in various bindings and sometimes multiple bindings within a single darn. It is very refined on all the samplers. Two are a bit faded, but the others appear to be fresh from the needle. (see fig. 5)

Fig 3. Nijkerk darning sampler by I v d M 178- Silk on cotton. Size: 37 x 24 cm (Charlotte Bing-Hübner Collection, Textile Museum St. Gallen Switserland TMSG 20190)

The next girl, Eeltje Toonen (we may call her just Neeltje, the N had been removed!) worked her masterpiece in 1785 (See fig. 4), She did something special: not six darns, but nine. And to think that each darn was completely hemmed. Important to mention is that Ms Ganzevoort found the Neeltje's father (TH = Toon Hendriks) and mother (IB = Jannetje, coming again from the the village of Nijkerk.

 Fig 4. Dutch (Nijkerk) sampler by (N)eeltjen Toonen van Rees/Reis 1785. Silk on cotton. Size: 40 x 40 cm. (Coll. Ex Antiques)

The last sampler, the actual reason for this overview, was made by Hermijntje Schouten in 1799 (see figs. 5 & 6). So far, there are more Hermijntjes to look at. In researching samplers backgrounds, without knowing the parents (no initials, nothing) it is just assuming that you found the right girl. One Hermijntje Schouten born in 1785 lived in the Amsterdam Jordaan neighbourhood and came from humble origins. Nevertheless, did she still receive education in Nijkerk?. Possibly not, unless that was some family connection. Travelling between Nijkerk and Amsterdam was not uncommon. Below two pictures of Hermijntjes sampler dated 1799, what a colors!

Fig 5. Darning sampler by Hermijntje Schouten, possibly Nijkerk 1799. Silk on cotton. Size: 38 x 26 cm. (coll. Ex Antiques)

Fig 5 Detail of darning sampler by H. Schouten 1799. Silk on cotton, joined by bobbin lace Size: 38 x 25 cm

In the meanwhile, another sampler (not pictured) showed up, worked by Hendrikje van Hennekelaar, dated 1787. Hendrikje wrought the full name of her parents on it; a well-to-do Nijkerk family. There is indeed a Nijkerk style with emphasis on the period of the last quarter of the 18th century. Whether this was under the auspices of one teacher is questionable, but why not? The Nijkerk French school advertised in the Amsterdam Courant in the 18th century for pupils to attend their day school and boarding school. Dutch girls from all over the country attended the (boarding) school.

One do not see this type so much refined composed darning samplers anywhere else in the Netherlands. Six examples so far. Perhaps more samplers like these will surface someday. Then the group will become even more distinguished. In any case, Nijkerk samplers are on the map!

Nelleke, many thanks for the research and discoveries.

Amsterdam, February 2026.