# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-23T23:22:38.953Z 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. CAFTA-DR Textiles and Apparel Directory Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Source production - Area: Production - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: Latin America & Caribbean - Access: Open access - Format: Directory - Source type: First-party platform - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-15 - Next review due: 2027-01-11 ### Best for Nearshore supplier discovery in the CAFTA-DR region ### What the source establishes The ConnectAmericas-powered platform exposes a company directory for manufacturers, importers, and input suppliers plus purchasing notices and a knowledge center. ### Know before using Regional inclusion and a company profile do not prove origin eligibility, available capacity, minimums, compliance, workmanship, or commercial fit. ## 2. Controlled Tech Pack Orientation 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: 2026-07-16 - Next review due: 2027-07-16 ### Best for Understanding what a tech pack must control before using a template or releasing work ### What the source establishes The guide cites current ISO sources for documented-information, garment-measurement, stitch, and seam boundaries plus current U.S. FTC textile and care-labeling guidance; it explicitly separates those authorities from product-specific technical and market decisions. ### Know before using An orientation rather than a completed product record; it does not supply a universal format, licensed standard content, measurements, tolerances, construction settings, labels, approvals, compliance conclusion, or product-release authority. ## 3. 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. ## 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 account - Format: Community - Source type: Community database - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21 - Next review due: 2027-01-17 ### 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. ### 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. ## 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.