# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-08-02T22:16:39.183Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=foursource%2Cquiltmap%2Ceu-ppe-regulation%2Cthreadloop>

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: <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.

## 2. QuiltMap

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

- Primary job: Choose materials
- Area: Materials
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Directory
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-15
- Next review due: 2027-01-11

### Best for

Finding quilt-material sellers and adjacent quilting services by country or map

### What the source establishes

QuiltMap describes free public search and free basic listings, community submissions and claims, and country routes covering North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

### Know before using

Coverage is quilting-specific and uneven by country; businesses can pay for enhanced features, and community or owner updates do not verify inventory, service quality, hours, or availability.

## 3. EU Personal Protective Equipment Regulation

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/eu-ppe-regulation>
Source page: <https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/mechanical-engineering/personal-protective-equipment-ppe_en>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: European Union
- Access: Open access
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Government guidance
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2026-10-14

### Best for

Starting an EU/EEA PPE scope and conformity review with the current law, Commission guidance, harmonised-standard publications, and official notified-body route

### What the source establishes

The Commission page says Regulation (EU) 2016/425 covers the design, manufacture, and marketing of PPE and connects manufacturers to the essential health and safety requirements, current PPE guidelines, harmonised-standard publications, and NANDO notified-body list. The linked consolidated legal text was current to May 29, 2026 at the checked date.

### Know before using

This is a legal and guidance starting point, not a product classification, risk assessment, standard selection, technical file, test plan, notified-body appointment, EU type-examination certificate, declaration, CE-mark approval, or legal opinion. Confirm the actual intended and foreseeable use, risk category, current law, applicable essential requirements, conformity route, economic-operator duties, destination rules, and evidence before placing PPE on the market.

## 4. 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.

## 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.
