noun

swatch

SWAHCH/swɑːtʃ/

A small sample showing a material or color.

Each fabric swatch shows a different sample material.

A small fan of pinked-edge fabric sample squares, fastened together at one corner, with a matching folded length of fabric behind it.

Etymology

Swatch first meant a tally countercheck, then a tally attached to cloth sent for dyeing, before meaning a fabric sample. This cloth-related history is known even though the word’s origin is not.

In context

Seamwork0:25

If you want to be extra careful, you can test your iron on a swatch of fabric first to make sure.

5 Tips for Sewing with Rayon Challis

More examples

The tailor showed us a swatch of the fabric.
A small swatch revealed the rug’s texture.
He selected a blue swatch for the new upholstery.

Forms

swatch · swatches

Similar words

sample: Sample is general; swatch commonly names a small piece of fabric or a color reference.
chip: A paint chip is one type of color sample; swatch also includes fabric and other materials.