# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T15:46:54.860Z 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. AFIRM Restricted Substances 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 Building a product chemical-restriction baseline ### What the source establishes AFIRM publishes a 2026 multilingual Restricted Substances List for chemicals in finished apparel, footwear, accessories, and related materials, with a material-specific testing matrix. Its FAQ says the list does not cover product-performance testing, distinguishes the finished-product RSL from manufacturing-input lists, and tells suppliers to check each customer's brand-specific requirements and testing acceptance. ### Know before using AFIRM states that its list is guidance, not legal advice, an industry standard of care, or a guarantee of completeness or brand acceptance. It does not replace current law, a customer's stricter RSL, manufacturing-input controls, a product-specific risk and sampling plan, accepted laboratory methods, supplier controls, or performance and safety testing. ## 2. Knitty Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Find patterns & fit - Area: Yarn - For: Makers - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Open access - Format: Reference - Source type: First-party platform - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21 - Next review due: 2027-01-17 ### Best for Free editorial knitting patterns and techniques ### What the source establishes Knitty currently publishes web-only editorial issues containing original knitting and crochet patterns and articles. Its legal page states that patterns are free for one person's personal use, identifies each designer or author as the copyright holder, and explains that verified pattern corrections are posted in bright pink on the pattern page. ### Know before using Free access does not grant commercial reproduction or sale rights; uses beyond one personal copy must be resolved with the designer or author. Knitty says it tries to avoid errors but disclaims responsibility for pattern and technique inaccuracies. Check the live page for corrections, verify gauge and measurements, and confirm permission before any commercial use. ## 3. 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. ## 4. YarnSub Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Choose materials - Area: Yarn - For: Makers - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Open access - Format: Reference - Source type: First-party platform - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28 - Next review due: 2027-01-24 ### Best for Building a substitution shortlist for a discontinued or unavailable yarn before checking quantity, availability, and a representative swatch ### What the source establishes YarnSub's official FAQ says its matching software compares gauge, texture, yarn weight and density, fibre content, and fibre qualities such as drape and softness. Discontinued yarns remain searchable as starting points but are excluded from suggestions. Result filters can exclude animal, animal-derived, synthetic, or plant fibre groups and use a subjective $ to $$$$$ price indicator. The site does not accept user-entered yarn details, individual shade cards, or expose an API. Each yarn page provides a data-issue route. ### Know before using A suggested match is a data-based shortlist, not proof that the yarn suits the pattern or maker. Records can be incomplete or wrong, price bands are approximate, availability varies by country and seller, and shade-level matching is unavailable. YarnSub says affiliate status does not change suggestions, but equally rated matches are ordered by brand popularity. Confirm required gauge, total length, fibre behavior, construction, care, colour, dye lot, accessibility, price, availability, and seller terms, then make and assess a representative swatch before committing. ### Account, payment, and exit - Access scope: Maker comparing a replacement for a named yarn before buying. - Before an account: Search a named yarn, inspect suggested substitutes, and filter by fibre and approximate price band without creating an account. - Free-account boundary: The checked core substitution route does not require an account, and the FAQ does not offer user-entered yarn records. - Payment boundary: No subscription is presented for the core route. Affiliate retailer links and optional donations help fund the site; equal-rated matches are ordered by brand popularity. - Cancellation or exit: There is no account or recurring plan to cancel for the core route. The newsletter has a separate unsubscribe link. - Saved work and data: YarnSub does not expose an API and does not accept user-entered yarn details. Use the data-issue link on a yarn page for corrections. ## 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.