A darning sampler contains a series of darned areas for practice in mending household linens. These samplers first appeared in the 18th century and were probably of German origin. The English soon made the darning sampler part of the school curriculum for working class children. The sampler was stitched on linen, damask, or cambric. German samplers were utilitarian, but samplers from other countries, such as Scotland and Scandinavia, incorporated decorative motifs.