# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T21:27:12.225Z 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. FreeSewing Permanent record: Source page: - 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. Threadloop Sewing Pattern Database Permanent record: Source page: - 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. ## 3. Open Supply Hub Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Source production - Area: Production - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Open access - Format: Directory - Source type: Community database - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28 - Next review due: 2027-01-24 ### Best for Researching production locations and affiliations ### What the source establishes Open Supply Hub's current guide supports facility-name or OS ID, contributor, location, sector, parent-company, facility-type, processing-type, product-type, and worker-count searches, with contributor information visible on facility data. Manual search is open, a free account supports bounded data downloads, and paid services cover larger or programmatic access. ### Know before using The platform combines stakeholder-contributed, public-list, facility-claimed, and partner data with different origins and update paths. A facility record, contributor connection, claim, certification field, or shared OS ID is not a quality endorsement, ownership finding, complete supplier relationship, current capacity statement, or due-diligence result. Inspect the source badges, contributors, dates, duplicates, claimed fields, and linked evidence, then verify the facility and intended business relationship directly. ### Account, payment, and exit - Access scope: Researcher or apparel team searching production locations or operationalizing facility data. - Before an account: Search and explore facility records without payment. The provider states that the platform is free to search, contribute to, and explore. - Free-account boundary: A free account supports search, contribution, profile viewing, and download of up to 5,000 production locations. - Payment boundary: Paid products support continuous API access, custom or bulk data work, and embedded maps. Cost and commitment vary by product and scale. - Cancellation or exit: The current solutions page does not state cancellation, renewal, or post-cancel terms for paid products. Resolve those terms in the order or contract before integration. - Saved work and data: The free account includes a bounded download; paid products add custom exports and API access. Contributor, claimed, and partner fields have different provenance and update paths. ## 4. 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. ## 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.