Sewing Tip - Stitch Sampler for a Sewing Machine

Most modern sewing machines have decorative stitches built into them. The sewing machine often has a reference card showing these different stitches, but it is often difficult to see or visualize exactly how the stitch will look.

The stitch line is drawn and often too short to see the complete decorative stitch.

A quick tip for today is to create a little sampler of decorative stitches for your specific sewing machine. This is a great way to easily see the beautiful decorative stitches and locate your favorite stitches on the machine. This is even more important for a new machine with unfamiliar stitches.

Learn more about making a sewing machine stitch sampler by watching our YouTube video through the link below or reading this post.

Supply list to make a sewing machine sampler

• Muslin or another plain piece of fabric
• Stitch guide for sewing machine
• Interfacing (optional)
• Sewing machine
• Marking tool
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS to create a sewing machine stitch sampler

Step 1: Create a fabric sandwich

To make the sewing machine stitch sampler, cut two pieces of muslin. I cut the pieces approximately 22" x 8".  Depending on how many stitches your machine has, you may need a larger or smaller sampler.  The muslin can be cut smaller after sewing the stitches.

Place the two pieces together, aligning the raw edges.  To provide more support for the stitches, a piece of interfacing can be put between the two layers.

STEP 2: Thread Machine

It is essential to make the stitch sampler easy to see and read. To contrast with the muslin, it is a great idea to use a dark-colored thread in the sewing machine. For this example, green and red threads were used for the stitch samples.

Step 3: Locate and view the stitch chart

Most machines come with a stitch chart that is difficult to see and read. Find the one that corresponds with your sewing machine and have it ready for reference.

step 4: write or sew the numbers or code for the stitch

With some sewing machines, it is possible to sew numbers. If true, the stitch sampler will look neat if the numbers are sewn before the stitches as in my sample below.

If it is not possible to stitch numbers, use a marking pen to write the numbers on the muslin in front of the stitch.

Step 5: sew the stitches 

After sewing or writing the first decorative stitch number or code, set the machine to the stitch. Sew a line of stitching next to the number, ensuring it is long enough to see the stitch.

It does not have to run the entire length of the muslin. For my example, I stitched halfway across the muslin.  This way, I could make the stitches in two rows.

Be sure to clip any threads to keep the stitch sampler neat.

Continue sewing each stitch along with its number across the muslin. 

Step 6: Finish the edge

After you complete stitching all the sample stitches, trim the muslin around the stitches. You can finish the edge simply by using pinking shears, or you could stitch a zig-zag or overcast stitch around the edge. This will help keep the edge from fraying.

Other Quick Tips

• How to Keep Bobbin Thread From Unraveling
• Cone Thread Holder
• Traveling Bobbin Box