# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T21:07:30.860Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=foursource%2Cribblr%2Cthreadloop%2Cclo-3d>

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. Ribblr

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

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Makers
- 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

Following interactive patterns with progress tools

### What the source establishes

Ribblr's current ePattern manual documents line-by-line progress tracking, size-specific instructions, interactive charts, counters, attached media, stitch tutorials, unit handling, and left-hand display options. Its Ribbuild guidance says designers can create and test interactive crochet, knitting, and sewing patterns inside the platform.

### Know before using

Ribblr supplies the reading and publishing format, but each designer remains responsible for the pattern's math, sizing, instructions, testing, corrections, licence, and support. Interactive conveniences do not prove fit or technical accuracy. Pattern prices and available features vary, and following an ePattern depends on an account and continued platform access.

## 3. 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 + paid
- Format: Community
- Source type: Community database
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-01-24

### 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. Current terms state that the free plan requires no card, paid upgrades start billing immediately, cancellation retains paid features through the current cycle, and the account then returns to free features.

### 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.

### Account, payment, and exit

- Access scope: Sewer searching pattern records or organizing patterns, projects, fabric, notions, and private files.
- Before an account: Browse the pattern database, guide, designers, publications, and public community areas without creating an account.
- Free-account boundary: A free account needs no card and supports a stash, wishlist, projects, reviews, and personal organization.
- Payment boundary: Plus adds PDF pattern storage, collections, saved searches, bulk editing, and other workflow features on monthly or annual billing.
- Cancellation or exit: Cancel through an in-account link. Paid features remain through the current billing cycle, then the account returns to free features.
- Saved work and data: The terms say submitted materials remain yours, but the checked public pages do not explain a full export or how stored PDFs behave after downgrade. Keep originals outside the platform.

## 4. 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.

## 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.
