Sometimes, just the feel of the right texture can be grounding and comforting. Soft fleece, smooth satin, bumpy corduroy, even rough sandpaper—different textures can either calm, stimulate, or help us refocus when our senses feel a little overloaded. That’s where a sensory swatch book comes in.
Think of it like a mini library of touchable fabrics and materials you can flip through whenever you need a sensory break. It’s lightweight, portable, and completely customizable to your own preferences. Kids especially love it, but adults can benefit too—whether you need something soothing at your desk, in the car, or on the go.
Why Is a Sensory Swatch Helpful?
A sensory swatch book offers quick grounding through tactile input. It helps kids and adults explore textures safely in a controlled way, and it can be personalized with favorite comfort materials. Plus, it’s a fun and creative project you can keep adding to over time.
How to Make Your Own DIY Sensory Swatch Book
When the world feels overwhelming, sometimes the simplest comfort is right at your fingertips—literally. A sensory swatch book is a compact, hands-on tool filled with different textures you can touch, flip through, and explore whenever you need grounding or a calming distraction.
The beauty of this DIY project is that it’s easy to make, highly customizable, and fun for all ages. Whether it’s silky smooth fabric to relax, rougher textures to re-energize, or soft fleece for comfort, your swatch book can hold whatever materials feel best to you. And because it’s small and portable, it’s perfect for kids at school, adults at work, or anyone who wants a sensory tool on the go.
What You’ll Need
Small binder rings, ribbon, or a keyring
Sturdy cardstock, cardboard squares, or fabric rectangles
A hole punch or scissors
A mix of textures: fleece, felt, silk, denim, corduroy, velvet, burlap, sandpaper, bubble wrap, etc.
Glue, tape, or a stapler to attach textures to the base squares
An example: Making a sensory fabric book with mindful slow stitching by Sarah Homfray Creates. YouTube.
Steps to Create Your Book
Cut your base squares (about the size of an index card).
Attach one texture to each square using glue or tape.
Punch a hole in the corner of each square.
Thread them onto a binder ring, keyring, or tie together with ribbon.
Flip through your book and enjoy the variety of textures whenever you need a sensory break.
Tip: You can create themed swatch books too—like all soft fabrics for calming, or all bumpy and scratchy textures for alerting. Over time, you’ll learn which textures work best for different moods or needs.
Toolbox & Resources
Not sure where to start? Here are some videos for inspiration!