# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-08-01T16:50:30.848Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=clo-3d%2Caustralia-basic-patternmaking-competency%2Cfreesewing%2Cseam-allowance>

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. CLO

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/clo-3d>
Source page: <https://www.clo3d.com/en/clo/features>

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

### Best for

Individual and team 3D garment prototyping

### What the source establishes

CLO's current product and support documentation covers linked 2D pattern work and 3D garment simulation on avatars, grading review by size, fabric and garment visualization, fit maps for stress, strain, pressure, and tightness, and rendering and presentation output. Current system requirements publish separate Windows and Apple Silicon baselines and higher recommendations for complex simulation and rendering.

### Know before using

A virtual sample or coloured fit map is not proof of physical fit, comfort, construction quality, manufacturability, or graded-size approval. Results depend on pattern geometry, sewing, avatar measurements and pose, fabric physical-property data, trims, mesh, and simulation settings. Current releases have substantial hardware and learning requirements; validate representative fabrics, bodies, movements, and sewn samples physically.

## 2. Australia Basic Patternmaking Competency

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/australia-basic-patternmaking-competency>
Source page: <https://training.gov.au/training/details/MSTAT3002>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Australia · 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.

## 3. FreeSewing

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/freesewing>
Source page: <https://freesewing.eu/>

- 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. Sewing Length Converter

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/seam-allowance>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/tools/seam-allowance-converter>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Stitch Authority
- Source type: Stitch Authority
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-30
- Next review due: 2027-07-30

### Best for

Translating a length already stated by a pattern, controlled specification, sewing tool, or seam allowance

### What the source establishes

NIST states that 10 millimetres equal 1 centimetre and that one inch is exactly 25.4 millimetres. The tool uses those relationships, displays rounded equivalents, exposes the size difference to the nearest 1/16 inch when converting to inches, and preserves valid value, source-unit, and target-unit state in the URL.

### Know before using

This is a length-unit translation reference. It does not identify the measured feature; select, approve, or change a seam allowance; establish a universal fraction; interpret an unstated cutting or stitching line; or replace the exact pattern version, controlled specification, material and seam evidence, sample, production method, equipment, tolerance, or release authority.

## 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.
