About

The Essamplaire is a mail order business specializing in authentic reproduction sampler kits and charts. We research and study samplers from some of the world's finest textile collections, such as The Burrell Collection in Glasgow, Scotland, The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England, The Textile Museum in St. Gallen, Switzerland and numerous others as well as from private collections.

Many of our customers have asked us about the process involved in reproducing a sampler from a museum. First of all, a great deal of time, effort and expense goes into this. We go to the museum in person to see the actual sampler and in some cases we go several times. The piece is studied very closely, both the front and the back are examined. Many notes, diagrams and measurements are taken. Some charting is done, colors are matched and numerous photos are taken with many closeups, again of both the front and the back. The curator is consulted and if there are any questions we ask an expert. A licensing agreement is signed with the museum detailing terms and royalties to be paid to them. Once home again the sampler is charted and a model is stitched. We try to ensure that everything is as accurate as possible and that you get the actual historical experience of stitching the sampler and that you actually have purchased a reproduction and not an adaptation.

Our aim is to have samplers from as many countries as possible from which they originated. We strive to find and use materials which are as close to those used in the original sampler. Our 100% linen fabric is either exclusively dyed for us, hand dyed, or in it's natural color. The colors of the DMC floss or the AU VER A SOIE silk floss are matched to the original sampler. All of our kits include a colored picture, photograph (or both) of the completed sampler, a chart of the design, embroidery floss, linen, needle, instructions for working sampler, a stitch diagram and any historic information we have on the sampler. Some of the samplers use unusual and sometimes complicated stitches and complete instructions are given for these. We DO NOT substitute easier stitches for the difficult ones. About half of our samplers are available as charts. This includes a chart of the design and instructions.

We strive to keep the reproductions as accurate as possible and, therefore, leave in the mistakes made by the makers. Update information is sent out approximately once a year. Once you have ordered from us, you will be kept on our mailing list.

Will I receive a physical chart or kit in the mail?

No. The Essamplaire is now entirely digital. All charts purchased through our website are provided as PDF downloads, and no physical materials will be shipped.

Your purchase includes the chart and accompanying instructions contained in the PDF. Threads, fabric, needles, beads, and any other materials required to complete the design are not included and will need to be purchased separately.

How do I receive my chart after I purchase it?

After completing your purchase, you should receive an email containing a link to download your PDF chart.

Please download and save the PDF to your own computer or device so that you have a copy available for future use.

I purchased a chart but didn't receive the download email. What should I do?

Occasionally, automated emails may not reach their destination. This can happen for a number of reasons, including spam or junk-mail filters, security settings, a full mailbox, or an incorrectly entered email address.

First, please check your spam or junk-mail folder. If you still can't find the email, contact us and include your name, the email address used to place your order, and, if possible, your order number.

We will be happy to provide you with a replacement download link or send the PDF directly by email where the file size permits.

There seems to be a problem with the PDF I downloaded. What should I do?

The Essamplaire has a large archive of charts originally produced in print. As we transition this catalogue to digital downloads, some older charts have been carefully scanned and converted to PDF.

While we do our best to review these files, occasionally an issue may escape our notice – for example, a missing or duplicated page, a scanning problem, or a file that does not open correctly.

If you encounter anything that doesn't look right, please contact us and let us know which chart you purchased and what you've noticed. We appreciate customers bringing these issues to our attention and will work to correct the file and provide you with a replacement as quickly as possible.

Can I print my downloaded chart?

Yes. Your PDF can be viewed digitally or printed for your own personal use. For best results, we recommend downloading the file to your computer before printing rather than printing directly from your web browser.

Some charts contain detailed symbols or larger chart pages, so please check your printer settings and the PDF's page size before printing.

Can I share or reproduce a PDF chart I purchased?

Your purchase is for your personal use. Please do not copy, distribute, upload, email, resell, or otherwise share the PDF with others.

The designs and charts remain protected by copyright. If someone else would like a copy of a chart, we appreciate your support in directing them to The Essamplaire to purchase their own.

How quickly will you respond to my email?

The Essamplaire is a small family-run business, and we are currently in a period of transition as Tarah takes over its operation from Margriet.

We will do our best to respond to customer questions and resolve problems promptly. Please allow at least 5 business days for a response. Download problems and issues affecting an existing order will be prioritized whenever possible.

Thank you for your patience, and especially for your continued support of The Essamplaire and Margriet's designs.