# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T22:24:28.817Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=afc-pattern-makers-directory%2Cfoursource%2Cpattern-testers>

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. 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.

## 2. FOURSOURCE Supplier Network

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/foursource>
Source page: <https://www.foursource.com/explore-network/>

- Primary job: Source production
- Area: Production
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free account
- Format: Marketplace
- Source type: Commercial marketplace
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Searching global apparel and textile production capabilities

### What the source establishes

FOURSOURCE's current public network page presents an operator-reported global company count and country or territory search. It says logged-in users can narrow results by compliance certificates, product groups, fabric types, target groups, minimum order quantities, and other fields, with a free-trial and supplier sign-up route.

### Know before using

The company count is a changing platform claim. Search fields, profiles, certificates, locations, and account access do not independently verify the legal entity, factory ownership, capability, capacity, certificate validity or scope, compliance performance, delivery, or project fit. Confirm the site and subcontracting, credentials with issuers, samples, audits when appropriate, specifications, contracts, and commercial terms.

## 3. Pattern Testers

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/pattern-testers>
Source page: <https://patterntesters.com/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Software
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Coordinating an independent sewing-pattern test

### What the source establishes

Pattern Testers currently offers application intake, tester selection, feedback, photos, approvals, issue tracking, revisions, a reusable tester directory, and release deadlines. The public pricing page shows a limited free plan and paid Pro and Business tiers. Its June 2026 privacy policy lists names, email addresses, measurements, photos, feedback, application history, and assignments among the data processed.

### Know before using

The interface and plan description do not prove tester reach, completion, feedback quality, fit validity, export quality, uptime, support, or suitability for an established release process. Measurements and photos can be sensitive personal data. Run a non-critical pilot, review the current privacy and service terms, define consent and photo rights, test exports and deletion, and keep pattern approval and release responsibility with the designer.

## 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.
