A Medium Vierlande Style Samplera Cross Stitch Pattern by Modern Folk Embroidery

Vierlande is a rural area just outside of Hamburg on the river Elbe. The name “Vierlande” literally translates as “four lands” and refers to the four parishes in it (Kirchwerder, Neuengamme, Altengamme and Curslack). The area has a rich cultural tradition of dress and folk art. Girls in this area would create stunning samplers, which in the 19th century were often fully worked with black thread on linen. Some time ago, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to purchase a large Vierlande sampler (AKGIT 1833 – which is also available here). This sampler inspired me to design something in this beautiful pattern’s style. I took several liberties in my design but wanted the overall feel of the sampler to be in the spirit of traditional Vierlande samplers. At the top, we see two small repeat borders, under which two large trees of life are filled with flowers. Below that is a selection of circular medallions. Right at the bottom is an alphabet in the style of samplers from Northern Germany. You can personalise your sampler by adding your initials or full name and the year of completion right at the bottom. The design is fully monochrome and features only full crosses, so can be worked on any counted cross stitch material. Make sure to also check out “When this you see, Remember me” pattern, and the two other Vierlande style samplers in “Mini” and “Small” formats, as well as the Vierlande reproduction sampler AKGIT 1833