Stitching paper (also called perforated paper) can be stitched, folded, glued and cut to make cross stitch projects and used to fill scrapbooks and treasure albums. I have collected items stitched on early perforated paper for many years and these include samplers, bookmarks and needle cases.
Stitching paper is based on early Victorian punched paper, also referred to as Bristol Board and was made in England as early as 1840. The Victorians used it to work bookmarks, needle cases, pincushions, glove and handkerchief boxes, notebook covers and greetings cards.
Modern stitching paper is generally the equivalent of a 14-count fabric, so you can transfer cross stitch charts on to this medium if the design does not include three-quarter cross stitches. If you look at the examples in the pictures you will see that the early perforations were very much finer and often included a decorative punched or embossed border.