# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-08-01T12:34:24.290Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=freesewing%2Cpattern-testers%2Ceu-textile-label%2Cgrading-guide>

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. Pattern Testers

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/pattern-testers>
Source page: <https://patterntesters.com/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Software
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Coordinating an independent sewing-pattern test

### What the source establishes

Pattern Testers currently offers application intake, tester selection, feedback, photos, approvals, issue tracking, revisions, a reusable tester directory, and release deadlines. The public pricing page shows a limited free plan and paid Pro and Business tiers. Its June 2026 privacy policy lists names, email addresses, measurements, photos, feedback, application history, and assignments among the data processed.

### Know before using

The interface and plan description do not prove tester reach, completion, feedback quality, fit validity, export quality, uptime, support, or suitability for an established release process. Measurements and photos can be sensitive personal data. Run a non-critical pilot, review the current privacy and service terms, define consent and photo rights, test exports and deletion, and keep pattern approval and release responsibility with the designer.

## 3. EU Textile Label Requirements

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/eu-textile-label>
Source page: <https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/product-rules-compliance/textiles-and-footwear/textile-label/index_en.htm>

- 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: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2026-10-26

### Best for

Starting an EU textile-label compliance check

### What the source establishes

The current Your Europe page says textile products marketed to EU consumers generally require a firmly attached label showing fibre composition and any non-textile parts of animal origin. It identifies an 80-percent-by-weight textile threshold for covered examples, decreasing-percentage composition order, permitted fibre names, clear separation from care information, and translation into the official languages of each EU country where the product is offered.

### Know before using

This is a business-guidance overview, not the controlling legal text, legal advice, a product classification, an approved label, or a complete market-access checklist. Product composition, exemptions, business-to-business documents, fibre names, language, placement, durability, national enforcement, safety, chemicals, environmental claims, care, customs, and other rules require product- and market-specific review. Confirm Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 and current EU and national requirements before sale.

## 4. Pattern Grading & Size-Run Validation Record

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/grading-guide>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/guides/pattern-grading-explained>

- 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.
