They Burned Women not Witches in Poland— A5/4 Sewing Sampler

This hand-stitching sampler confronts a dark and often sanitised part of history: the witch trials. In particular, it focuses on Poland, where witch hunts began later than in most of Europe but lasted significantly longer.

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, an estimated 3,000–4,000 people - the vast majority of them women - were executed for so-called sorcery. Even after the practice was outlawed in 1776, enforcement remained inconsistent for decades. The persecution did not simply vanish with legislation—it lingered in rural courts, whispered accusations, and state-sanctioned brutality.

At the centre of this design is space for your own stitching, a way to reclaim the narrative stitch by stitch. You can choose how you “fill in the blanks,” whether literally or symbolically, to reflect the emotional weight of this work.

What’s Included:
* A4/5 printed fabric sampler (calico)
* Embroidery needle

Optional Extras (Select Below):
* Wooden Embroidery Hoop – Ideal for keeping your fabric firm while sewing
* Thread Selection – Curated tones to bring contrast, softness, or sharpness
* Sheet of Felt Backing – Adds thickness and structure for easier stitching and a polished finish

Why This Piece Matters:
This sampler is a tribute and a reckoning. It doesn’t just ask you to sew—it asks you to witness, to reflect, and to honour those who were never witches but were still punished for daring to exist on their own terms.