What is your purpose in designing a sampler quilt? I believe that is the first thing you must decide. Is it to learn all the techniques related to the various quilt block patterns. Will it be only patchwork or appliqué or a mixture of techniques. Reproduction or more contemporary , etc., there were many books printed in the 1970' and 80 about sampler quilts. They were basic, while the newer one' s are more detailed.