Description:

While map samplers were done all throughout Europe and America, the only known globes were stitched by students at the Westtown Quaker School in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Embroidered globes began out of necessity and continued as an economy measure. Westtown globes all measure between 4 to 6 inches in diameter.

American made globes were not available until after 1810, when James Wilson began to make them by hand. His factory in Vermont did not open until 1815. Westtown's records show that in 1824 the school was obliged to order three new table globes at considerable expense "as the old ones are much defaced".

The background was originally of white silk. That silk is laid over linen, which in turn covers a wool core. Outlines of the continents were stitched directly through the linen lining. The wool filling was added in a later step. The general outlines of continents are preserved as are most of the smaller details, which were added with ink.

Size (W x H): 5 1/4 inches in diameter

Stitches: Running, couched, double running, French knot

Media: Silk on silk