American samplers from the 17th to the late 19th centuries were typically long and narrow with several bands of different design motifs and alphabet styles. Silk thread was stitched on a white or natural color linen background. The samplers were used for practice and referred to for pattern sources. Virtually every young girl learned to embroider, most doing their first sampler by the age of six or seven. The regional characteristics of these samplers as well as typical designs, patterns, colors, verses, and stitches are noted.