# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T14:47:09.898Z 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. Material Exchange Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Choose materials - Area: Materials - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Quote-based - Format: Software - Source type: First-party platform - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21 - Next review due: 2027-01-17 ### Best for Structured material sourcing across teams ### What the source establishes Material Exchange's current terms describe a business-to-business sourcing hub that connects brands and suppliers for AI-assisted material discovery, sample requests, bulk inquiries, negotiation, and collaboration. Suppliers upload product descriptions, availability, pricing, and certificates. The terms state that the platform cannot verify certificate accuracy and that AI results may be imperfect. ### Know before using Supplier content, uploaded certificates, and AI suggestions are leads, not independent verification. Public brand pricing and full access are not stated on the main page. Verify material identity and performance, certificate issuer and validity, supplier capability, samples, price, availability, commercial terms, data permissions, and any AI output before a sourcing decision. ## 3. 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. ## 4. Australia Basic Patternmaking Competency Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Find patterns & fit - Area: Patterns & fit - For: Both - Location or jurisdiction: Australia ยท Oceania - Access: Open access - Format: Reference - Source type: Official registry - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16 - Next review due: 2026-10-14 ### Best for Scoping training, hiring, assessment, or evidence requirements for basic textile-product pattern development and testing in Australia ### What the source establishes Australia's National Training Register publishes current unit MSTAT3002, Develop patterns using basic patternmaking principles. The release document describes interpreting textile-product design specifications, considering fabric performance, selecting tools and equipment, developing patterns, testing the result, and making alterations. Release 1 was generated December 22, 2022 and merged two earlier units. Current Australian apparel and live-production qualifications list MSTAT3002, while the current diploma also exposes advanced individual-fit, alteration, and fit-model units. ### Know before using This is a competency and assessment reference, not an instructional course, pattern file, qualification by reading, provider recommendation, professional license, or proof that a person can perform the work. The route does not establish enrollment availability, teaching quality, fees, support, recognition outside Australia, or product-specific fit. Confirm the current unit status, packaging rules, prerequisites, registered provider, assessment conditions, local requirements, and actual evidence before relying on it. ## 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.