# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T15:23:27.124Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=freesewing%2Caustralia-basic-patternmaking-competency%2Chandweaving-net%2Chook-needle>

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. Australia Basic Patternmaking Competency

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/australia-basic-patternmaking-competency>
Source page: <https://training.gov.au/training/details/MSTAT3002>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Australia · Oceania
- Access: Open access
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Official registry
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2026-10-14

### Best for

Scoping training, hiring, assessment, or evidence requirements for basic textile-product pattern development and testing in Australia

### What the source establishes

Australia's National Training Register publishes current unit MSTAT3002, Develop patterns using basic patternmaking principles. The release document describes interpreting textile-product design specifications, considering fabric performance, selecting tools and equipment, developing patterns, testing the result, and making alterations. Release 1 was generated December 22, 2022 and merged two earlier units. Current Australian apparel and live-production qualifications list MSTAT3002, while the current diploma also exposes advanced individual-fit, alteration, and fit-model units.

### Know before using

This is a competency and assessment reference, not an instructional course, pattern file, qualification by reading, provider recommendation, professional license, or proof that a person can perform the work. The route does not establish enrollment availability, teaching quality, fees, support, recognition outside Australia, or product-specific fit. Confirm the current unit status, packaging rules, prerequisites, registered provider, assessment conditions, local requirements, and actual evidence before relying on it.

## 3. Handweaving.net Draft Archive

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/handweaving-net>
Source page: <https://handweaving.net/>

- Primary job: Learn techniques
- Area: Techniques & repair
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Reference
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-01-24

### Best for

Researching loom-ready weaving structures and drafts

### What the source establishes

Handweaving.net currently exposes the Ralph Griswold digital archive, document downloads, draft drawdown views, basic-account clipboards, and video tutorials without a paid subscription. Its subscription page reserves full drafts, WIF downloads, draft creation and editing, color tools, profile and block substitution, arrangement, repeats, and related browser tools for subscribers. The current page states that plans renew until canceled, cancellation takes effect at the next renewal, access remains until then, and refunds are not offered.

### Know before using

A visible drawdown is not automatically a complete, corrected, rights-cleared, or loom-compatible project plan. Full draft data and advanced tools require a renewing subscription, and historical sources can contain errors or unclear provenance. Check shafts, treadles, tie-up, sett, yarn, floats, repeats, copyright status, and WIF compatibility before committing a warp.

### Account, payment, and exit

- Access scope: Weaver deciding whether viewing a draft is enough or a working WIF file and editing tools are required.
- Before an account: Browse the Ralph Griswold archive, download archive documents, and view draft drawdowns without a paid subscription.
- Free-account boundary: A free basic account adds clipboards. Full drafts, working files, and browser drafting tools remain outside the free account.
- Payment boundary: A monthly or annual recurring subscription unlocks full drafts, WIF downloads, and browser drafting and editing tools.
- Cancellation or exit: Cancel from the account page. Renewal stops at the next renewal date, paid access remains until then, and the provider states that refunds are not given.
- Saved work and data: The checked page does not explain bulk export or deletion for clipboards or contributed drafts. Retain local copies of WIF files and source material before exit.

## 4. Knitting Needle to Crochet Hook Size Chart

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/hook-needle>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/tools/hook-needle-converter>

- Primary job: Learn techniques
- Area: Yarn
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Stitch Authority
- Source type: Stitch Authority
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-07-28

### Best for

Finding the current CYC hook and needle aliases that share one known nominal metric diameter before confirming project gauge

### What the source establishes

Rechecked July 28, 2026. The lookup reproduces the current public Craft Yarn Council metric and U.S. alias rows, aligns hooks and needles only when their nominal millimetre value matches, and leaves missing rows or aliases unfilled.

### Know before using

A shared nominal diameter does not make a knitting needle and crochet hook interchangeable or predict equal gauge or fabric. The reference is not a physical measurement, manufacturer inspection, UK or Canadian conversion, steel-hook chart, tool recommendation, yarn assignment, or project approval.

## 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.
