Here are some very simple things I have come up with, feel free to choose whatever you like from them, and also change them if you want.

The first three are just very narrow ones that can be used as dividing lines between wider elements of the pattern.

The fourth is based on some Hungarian folk motifs, the structure is similar, but I made it up myself. Since our folk art is mostly in two colours, black and red, I chose those but of course, you can choose whatever colour you want. For example you can make every little flower a different colour, the winding stem green, and the little blackwork lines another colour again.




This is a simple geometric motif, and here I did play a little with the colours just to show what variations are possible. I myself prefer the first version, but if you want a more colourful band you can change the colours, and, as in the third line, you can also fill in the background.



And here is the same with symbols:

I'm liking all these bands, and have been thinking about my contribution, too (but I have rotten cold, and am heading off to St Cross Stitchers in a moment).

But how do I post my design? I know how to do pictures, is it the same? (There are large black holes in my technical ability, and I don't want to fall into this one!)

Also, there is free downloadable gridded paper here and here.

I don't know how the other did theirs, I used my PC Stitch, and it has an export version that creates jpg. But I am sure just drawn on simple gridded paper and then photographed would do fine.

Hope you get better soon, Serinde!

Agi love your bands, definitely using the first 4.

Serinde, hope your cold is better sooon.
I used Jane Greenoff's Designer,
but had to print it out and then scan it in and post as a photo

I downloaded a free shareware programme called K G Stitch. I've never used one before, so that's an indication of how simple and easy it is to use, because I'm rubbish at that kind of thing.

I've put together a few extra bands if anyone is interested. The top one is the one I plan to use at the top of my sampler.



Each band can be repeated width-ways if your sampler is wider, or can be repeated height-ways if you wanted a deeper band.

They look great, Kell!

Kell, they are lovely

Thanks, guys. I'm having fun playing around with the programme.

Oooh these are looking great! Well done!

I drew mine on graph paper first, then opened up a cross stitch design software, then print screened and saved it as a JPG in PSP then uploaded and pasted as a normal picture

I have made up something else again. I don't want to overpower this thing with my "ideas", please don't think that. I only did this, first, because I enjoy fooling around with my program, and mostly to show those who are hesitant to join (saying "I cannot design") that there are some very simple methods. Look what I did here: I chose a very simple star motif and made four different things: a simple repetitive band, another one with different sizes, another with the colours turned to the reverse - assisssi style (imagine this in variegated thread!), and another in blocks reversing colours. You can play further with adding more colours, charms, beads, etc.

So just think of a nice, simple little motif (a flower, a heart, a leaf, a bunny - whatever) and play a bit, it is so easy.
I really would like a lot of people to pick up their courage and join us in this.

So consider this just an example of possibilities...

These are great Agi. When I get a few minutes to just set at the computer I will give it a go. But hubby has been on a lot for work. And I have been stitching.

I love this idea, and I'm very tempted - it would be a lovely thing to do when you need a short break from big, complicated projects.
I'd like to see them copyright Greek key designs, and the similar Roman and Celtic knotwork

This is such an awesome idea Agi! I love the idea of creating a sampler with little design contributions from lots of different people on the forum. I can't wait to see what else people come up with, and I can't wait to get home and come up with a little something of my own.

I am just writing to call your attention to it - we are still waiting for more people to join.

I think I am going to start soon after UFO week.