# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-23T16:38:29.434Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=grading-guide%2Coptitex-pds%2Cthreadloop%2Ccommon-objective>

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. Apparel Grade-Rule & 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: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2027-07-16

### 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.

## 2. Optitex 2D/3D Pattern Design

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/optitex-pds>
Source page: <https://optitex.com/products/2d-and-3d-cad-software/>

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

### Best for

Integrated pattern, marker, and 3D production workflows

### What the source establishes

Optitex's current page describes 2D pattern creation, grading, verification, Tech Pack Essentials, marker creation and nesting, cut and plot output, 3D virtual samples, fabric simulation, colour and print placement, tension maps, and avatar editing. Its support page lists native and standard CAD interchange routes and states that Optitex does not support macOS.

### Know before using

Pricing is not public, modules and system requirements must be confirmed, and macOS is not supported. Vendor accuracy and fit language does not prove results for an actual product. Pilot native and exchanged files with the receiving supplier, calibrated materials, approved blocks and grade rules, marker and output devices, tech-pack fields, training, version control, and risk-appropriate physical fit and production checks.

## 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 account
- Format: Community
- Source type: Community database
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### 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.

### 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.

## 4. Common Objective

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/common-objective>
Source page: <https://www.commonobjective.co/>

- Primary job: Source production
- Area: Production
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Marketplace
- Source type: Commercial marketplace
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Finding sustainability-focused suppliers and guidance

### What the source establishes

Common Objective currently offers free individual and business profiles, personalised matches, supplier and content search, and limited monthly connection requests. Paid tiers unlock unlimited connections, additional content, training credits, and the CO Create sourcing workflow. Businesses enter their own profile information and upload certification or membership evidence; profile completeness, sustainability material, training credits, awards, and paid capabilities can influence visibility or ranking.

### Know before using

A profile, match, uploaded credential, training credit, award, or platform ranking is not independent certification of a supplier or proof of current capability, performance, impact, capacity, or project fit. The platform's own ranking inputs and paid visibility affect discovery. Verify credentials with the issuer and check the legal entity, production site, claims, samples, references, terms, and compliance directly.

## 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.
