# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-23T20:50:47.907Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=grading-guide%2Cyarnsub%2Cthreadloop%2Ctukacad>

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. YarnSub

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/yarnsub>
Source page: <https://yarnsub.com/>

- 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: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Replacing a discontinued or unavailable yarn

### 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 suggested replacements, and each yarn page provides a route to report source-data problems.

### Know before using

A suggested match is a data-based shortlist, not proof that the yarn suits the pattern or maker. Yarn records can be incomplete or wrong, prices and availability vary by market, and the site uses affiliate links. Confirm the required gauge, total length, fibre behavior, construction, care, color, dye lot, accessibility, and seller terms, then make and assess a representative swatch before committing.

## 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. TUKAcad

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/tukacad>
Source page: <https://tukatech.com/tukacad/>

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

### Best for

2D patternmaking and grading with public plan tiers

### What the source establishes

Tukatech's current TUKAcad page publishes monthly Learning and Professional editions for digital patternmaking and grading, with a higher tier adding marker making, data import and export, digitizing, cut-data optimization, and yield reports. It discloses plan limits on pattern pieces, graded sizes, and marker dimensions, plus built-in help, block templates, a trial, Windows requirements, and the Windows-on-Mac route.

### Know before using

TUKAcad is Windows software; the official Mac route requires a separate virtual Windows environment. Pattern-piece, graded-size, marker, import and export, digitizing, and production-output capabilities vary materially by paid tier. A CAD file or marker report does not prove fit or factory readiness, so verify formats, grade rules, seam and production data, hardware, training, and downstream compatibility before subscribing.

## 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.
