# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T19:38:09.900Z 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. 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. ## 3. NSW Textiles Materials & Production Learning Program Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Learn techniques - Area: Techniques & repair - For: Makers - Location or jurisdiction: Australia ยท Oceania - Access: Free download - Format: Reference - Source type: Government guidance - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16 - Next review due: 2026-10-14 ### Best for Teachers and learners planning a structured school-based progression in practical textile skills, product design, materials, and production processes ### What the source establishes The NSW Department of Education's current Technology 7-8 page describes approximately 20 weeks of adaptable 60-minute lesson sequences for practical textile skills, product design, materials, and production processes. It exposes a program of learning, teacher resource, two sample assessments, and a slide deck. The page records a January 22, 2026 update, and both the page and direct program document returned successfully during review. ### Know before using This is a teacher-led NSW secondary-school resource, not an adult self-guided course, professional qualification, current equipment or safety manual, factory production specification, universal sewing method, or proof of product fitness. Large DOCX and PPTX files require compatible software and may create accessibility barriers. Confirm current machine instructions, supervision, measurements, material behavior, syllabus requirements, and project-specific safety independently. ## 4. Pattern Grading & Size-Run Validation Record Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Find patterns & fit - Area: Patterns & fit - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Open access - Format: Stitch Authority - Source type: Stitch Authority - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-27 - Next review due: 2027-07-27 ### Best for Auditing inherited grade rules or controlling a new multi-size pattern release from approved targets through sample evidence ### What the source establishes The guide cites current ISO body-table, size-designation, and garment-measurement boundaries plus two peer-reviewed studies that tested the relationship between conventional grade rules, anthropometric evidence, and garment fit; it requires product-specific target deltas and validation instead of publishing universal increments. ### Know before using The record does not create a production grade, supply universal increments or breakpoints, validate a CAD file or fit population, reproduce licensed standards, or replace qualified anthropometric, pattern, technical-design, fit, quality, accessibility, safety, statistical, and user-research review. ## 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.