Make Your Own Stitch Swatch Card – A Handy Reference for Your Sewing Machine

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably looked at your sewing machine’s stitch list and wondered, “Am I ever going to use all of these?” Most of us stick to the same few basics and never explore the full range of what our machine can do.

That’s exactly why I decided to make a stitch swatch card. It’s a hands-on way to get to know your machine better—stitch by stitch. Seeing them all laid out on fabric not only makes it easier to choose the right one for a project, but also sparks ideas for ways to add more personality and detail to your sewing.

What Is a Stitch Swatch Card?

Think of it as a stitched “cheat sheet.” You sew out a sample of each stitch from your machine on a piece of fabric, label them, and keep it nearby for easy reference. It helps you see how the stitches actually look and behave—especially useful when you're planning a project and want to make sure you're choosing the right stitch or buttonhole.

For my swatch card, I used my sewing machine Brother JK4000, which has 40 stitch options. I skipped the first three, which are basic straight stitches. I also left out stitch options 15, 16, and 17, which are free-motion options for darning or embroidery. Instead, I began with stitch #18, which is a very pretty scallop stitch—and continued all the way through the decorative stitches.

I stitched all the buttonhole styles last, placing them neatly in one corner of the swatch. Grouping them together makes it so much easier to compare and decide which one to use on future garments.

Materials I Used

Fabric: A piece of calico, cut to 18 cm x 23 cm
Thread: Green thread—for a pop of colour and visibility
Trims: A decorative leaf trim sewn all the way around the swatch to frame it and give it a beautiful, finished look

How I Use It

I’ve pinned the finished swatch card to my mood board, which sits just behind my sewing machine. It’s right in my line of sight, so I can easily glance at it while I’m working on a project. It’s become one of the most useful things in my sewing space—quick, visual, and inspiring.

It’s also been a great reminder to make more use of the decorative stitches on my machine. Now that I’ve actually seen them stitched out, I’m more likely to add decorative touches to my garments and accessories. That little leaf trim around the swatch? It may just be the start of something!

Why You Should Make One

See what your machine can really do—especially stitches you’ve never used
Compare buttonholes side by side (so helpful!)
Experiment with stitch settings and tension
Get inspired to add more decorative or functional stitching to your projects
Create a visual guide that’s so much easier than flipping through your manual

A Few Tips

Use contrasting thread so your stitches stand out clearly.
Don’t worry about making it perfect—it’s meant to be practical.
Add a decorative trim or border—you might love the result so much more.
If you work with different fabric types, consider making a separate swatch for knits or stretch fabrics.
Hang it somewhere you can see it—on your wall, in a binder, or right next to your machine like I did.

Making this swatch card turned out to be one of the most helpful (and oddly satisfying) things I’ve done in a while. It’s not just a reference—it’s a visual reminder of what tools I have and what’s possible. I’d honestly recommend it to any sewist, no matter your level.

Give it a try! You might be surprised by which stitches catch your eye—or how often you end up using your swatch to guide your next project.

If you make one, I’d love to see it—tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below. Let’s celebrate all those forgotten stitches finally getting their moment.