# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-29T12:06:20.264Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=aafa-rsl%2Cafc-pattern-makers-directory%2Cthreadloop>

This file preserves the published decision metadata for the selected routes. It is not a recommendation, provider approval, compliance decision, or record of project-specific due diligence.

## 1. AAFA Restricted Substance List

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/aafa-rsl>
Source page: <https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/Solutions_Pages/Restricted_Substance_List.aspx>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free download
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Industry organization
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2026-10-19

### Best for

Surveying finished-product chemical regulations

### What the source establishes

AAFA published RSL Version 26 on January 28, 2026 in searchable spreadsheet and PDF formats. The association describes it as a regularly updated reference to laws and regulations restricting chemicals in finished apparel, footwear, accessories, and home textiles. Its methodology records final-product or component limits, jurisdiction, test method, and comments, and excludes factory-process restrictions and non-chemical product-safety rules.

### Know before using

AAFA provides the list for information only and says it is voluntary, may contain omissions or inaccuracies, and is not legal advice. A global most-restrictive value is not a complete market or product determination. Verify the current controlling law, jurisdiction, product and component scope, exemptions, effective dates, test method, sampling plan, brand requirements, manufacturing-input controls, and other safety rules.

## 2. AFC Pattern Makers Directory

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/afc-pattern-makers-directory>
Source page: <https://ausfashioncouncil.com/directory_listing_categories/design-technical-services/pattern-makers/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Australia · Oceania
- Access: Open access
- Format: Directory
- Source type: Industry organization
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-26
- Next review due: 2027-01-22

### Best for

Starting an Australian patternmaker shortlist by service and location before checking scope, files, fit process, and availability directly

### What the source establishes

The Australian Fashion Council directory exposes Pattern Makers as a dedicated Design and Technical category. The live category page publishes named profiles with company-supplied service descriptions, Australian locations, websites or contact routes where supplied, and an AFC-member filter. Checked profiles described combinations of manual or digital patternmaking, grading, fit sessions, technical design, tech packs, sampling, markers, and production support. The parent directory also publishes a route for businesses to request inclusion.

### Know before using

This is a task-specific route inside the existing AFC industry directory, not an independent provider census or a second operator. A category, profile, location, member filter, service description, or AFC membership does not establish identity, qualifications, current availability, product experience, fit quality, grading accuracy, file compatibility, ownership terms, capacity, pricing, subcontracting, or project fit. Confirm the legal and working party, the individual responsible, relevant product examples and references, base-pattern and size-chart inputs, fit and grading method, sample rounds, CAD system and version, required file outputs, intellectual-property and revision terms, schedule, fees, and remedies directly.

## 3. Threadloop Sewing Pattern Database

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/threadloop>
Source page: <https://threadloop.app/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Community
- Source type: Community database
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-01-24

### Best for

Searching current and out-of-print sewing patterns

### What the source establishes

Threadloop's official guide describes an independent, fully crowdsourced database covering available and out-of-print sewing patterns. Its search supports pattern type, fabric type, age group, body type, cup size, level, format, file features, language, measurements, availability, and other filters; members can also track a stash, wishlist, projects, reviews, and discussions. Current terms state that the free plan requires no card, paid upgrades start billing immediately, cancellation retains paid features through the current cycle, and the account then returns to free features.

### Know before using

Community members add and quality-control the records, so confirm sizing, measurements, fabric suggestions, format, availability, errata, license, and purchase terms with the designer or publisher. Adding an entry to a stash does not provide the pattern files. Saved searches and private PDF storage are paid Plus features, and a listing or review does not establish pattern accuracy or fit.

### Account, payment, and exit

- Access scope: Sewer searching pattern records or organizing patterns, projects, fabric, notions, and private files.
- Before an account: Browse the pattern database, guide, designers, publications, and public community areas without creating an account.
- Free-account boundary: A free account needs no card and supports a stash, wishlist, projects, reviews, and personal organization.
- Payment boundary: Plus adds PDF pattern storage, collections, saved searches, bulk editing, and other workflow features on monthly or annual billing.
- Cancellation or exit: Cancel through an in-account link. Paid features remain through the current billing cycle, then the account returns to free features.
- Saved work and data: The terms say submitted materials remain yours, but the checked public pages do not explain a full export or how stored PDFs behave after downgrade. Keep originals outside the platform.

## Next checks

1. Remove any route whose audience, jurisdiction, access, or scope does not match the job.
2. Open the permanent record and source page for every remaining route.
3. Recheck facts that can change after the listed review date.
4. Verify project-specific capability, terms, test evidence, and legal requirements with the responsible source or provider.
5. Record the reason for the final choice outside Stitch Authority.
