# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-23T17:29:40.520Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=cloth-library%2Cthreadloop%2Cfreesewing%2Cfoursource>

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. The Cloth Library

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/cloth-library>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/fabric>

- Primary job: Choose materials
- Area: Materials
- For: Both
- 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

Starting a fabric decision before purchase or cutting

### What the source establishes

All 50 current cloth entries meet the source-reviewed content contract. The public index, cards, permanent pages, and site search expose that state, while the repository audit enforces a current review date, substantive scope, decision boundaries, and at least three external sources. The migrated cases cover fibre and family representations, woven and knitted construction, open nets, raised and dimensional surfaces, mass, thickness, drape, elasticity, colour, seams, pressing, care state, supports, and complete-product decisions.

### Know before using

Source-reviewed describes the page and its cited decision boundaries. It does not authenticate a commercial roll, seller claim, fibre percentage, construction, finish, performance result, machine setting, care route, compliance status, supplier, or product fitness. Internal browse bands are navigation labels, not textile standards or product classes; an entry without a usable listed mass range is unclassified. Check the actual article, seller data, care label, equipment instructions, representative assemblies, applicable rules, and project requirements before deciding.

## 2. Threadloop Sewing Pattern Database

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/threadloop>
Source page: <https://threadloop.app/>

- 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.

## 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. 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.

## 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.
