# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T18:41:29.010Z 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. FOURSOURCE Supplier Network Permanent record: Source page: - 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. ## 2. Pattern Testers Permanent record: Source page: - 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. ## 3. 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. ## 4. UK Textile Labelling Guidance Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Check standards - Area: Standards - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: United Kingdom ยท Europe & Mediterranean - Access: Open access - Format: Reference - Source type: Government guidance - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21 - Next review due: 2026-10-19 ### Best for Starting a Great Britain textile-label compliance check ### What the source establishes Business Companion's July 2026 guide covers England, Scotland, and Wales. It explains fibre-content labels under the Textile Products Regulations and assimilated Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, including permitted fibre names, products containing at least 80% textile fibres, components with different compositions, English-language and placement rules, non-textile animal-origin wording, and fibre information in catalogue and online sales. ### Know before using The guide expressly excludes Northern Ireland and says only courts can authoritatively interpret the law. It is not the controlling legislation, an approved label, a product classification, or legal advice. Confirm current legislation and amendments, the exact product and exemptions, substantiated composition, responsible manufacturer or importer, online and physical presentation, and any other safety, chemicals, origin, care, or consumer-law duties. ## 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.