# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T21:05:10.413Z Comparison: 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: Source page: - 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. FreeSewing Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Find patterns & fit - Area: Patterns & fit - For: Makers - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Open access - Format: Software - Source type: Open-source project - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21 - Next review due: 2027-01-17 ### Best for Custom-fit home sewing patterns ### What the source establishes FreeSewing's official documentation says the browser editor drafts a selected design in real time from a measurement set rather than scaling or grading a standard-size pattern. Users can adjust design options and export the generated result, including as PDF; saving the pattern to an account is optional and is used to revisit it later. ### Know before using A generated pattern is not independent fit evidence or a production-ready graded block. The result still depends on accurate measurements, the selected design and options, ease assumptions, fabric behavior, construction, and representative test garments. An account stores saved patterns and measurement sets, so review the platform's privacy terms before retaining personal measurements. ## 3. Apparel Measurement Tolerance Setting Record Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Source production - Area: Production - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Open access - Format: Stitch Authority - Source type: Stitch Authority - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-15 - Next review due: 2027-07-15 ### Best for Turning an inherited or proposed garment tolerance into a controlled POM method, capability study, decision boundary, inspection rule, and change record ### What the source establishes The guide cites current ISO, AATCC, and NIST sources for body and garment measurement boundaries, textile conditioning, dimensional-change testing, repeatability and reproducibility, and AQL-indexed sampling, while requiring the live product owner to set rather than inherit numerical tolerances. ### Know before using The record does not supply universal POM values, validate fit across a population, prove process capability, choose a statistical study or sampling plan, reproduce licensed standards, or replace qualified technical, fit, quality, statistical, safety, compliance, and legal review. ## 4. Threadloop Sewing Pattern Database Permanent record: Source page: - 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.