# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-29T22:05:51.467Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=freesewing%2Cafc-pattern-makers-directory%2Cthreadloop%2Ccanada-textile-labelling>

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. 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.

## 2. AFC Pattern Makers Directory

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/afc-pattern-makers-directory>
Source page: <https://ausfashioncouncil.com/directory_listing_categories/design-technical-services/pattern-makers/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Australia · Oceania
- Access: Open access
- Format: Directory
- Source type: Industry organization
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-26
- Next review due: 2027-01-22

### Best for

Starting an Australian patternmaker shortlist by service and location before checking scope, files, fit process, and availability directly

### What the source establishes

The Australian Fashion Council directory exposes Pattern Makers as a dedicated Design and Technical category. The live category page publishes named profiles with company-supplied service descriptions, Australian locations, websites or contact routes where supplied, and an AFC-member filter. Checked profiles described combinations of manual or digital patternmaking, grading, fit sessions, technical design, tech packs, sampling, markers, and production support. The parent directory also publishes a route for businesses to request inclusion.

### Know before using

This is a task-specific route inside the existing AFC industry directory, not an independent provider census or a second operator. A category, profile, location, member filter, service description, or AFC membership does not establish identity, qualifications, current availability, product experience, fit quality, grading accuracy, file compatibility, ownership terms, capacity, pricing, subcontracting, or project fit. Confirm the legal and working party, the individual responsible, relevant product examples and references, base-pattern and size-chart inputs, fit and grading method, sample rounds, CAD system and version, required file outputs, intellectual-property and revision terms, schedule, fees, and remedies directly.

## 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. Canada Textile Labelling Guide

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/canada-textile-labelling>
Source page: <https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/guide-textile-labelling-and-advertising-regulations>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Canada · North America
- 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 Canadian textile-label compliance check

### What the source establishes

The Competition Bureau guide outlines Canada's Textile Labelling Act and Regulations for prescribed consumer textile articles. It covers fibre percentages and generic names, dealer name and address or CA number, bilingual fibre information, permanent and non-permanent labels, imports, and advertising. The guide also flags additional French-language requirements in Quebec and directs readers to the full Act and Regulations.

### Know before using

This is federal guidance, not the controlling legislation, an approved label, a product classification, or legal advice. It does not resolve every exemption, fibre test, origin claim, care label, product-safety rule, provincial language duty, or market-specific requirement. Confirm the current Act and Regulations, Quebec and other applicable rules, the actual article and fibre evidence, and the responsible dealer before sale or import.

## 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.
