# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T20:24:06.898Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=hook-needle%2Cafirm-rsl%2Cfoursource%2Cthreadloop>

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. 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.

## 2. AFIRM Restricted Substances List

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/afirm-rsl>
Source page: <https://afirm-group.com/afirm-rsl/>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free download
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Industry organization
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2026-10-19

### Best for

Building a product chemical-restriction baseline

### What the source establishes

AFIRM publishes a 2026 multilingual Restricted Substances List for chemicals in finished apparel, footwear, accessories, and related materials, with a material-specific testing matrix. Its FAQ says the list does not cover product-performance testing, distinguishes the finished-product RSL from manufacturing-input lists, and tells suppliers to check each customer's brand-specific requirements and testing acceptance.

### Know before using

AFIRM states that its list is guidance, not legal advice, an industry standard of care, or a guarantee of completeness or brand acceptance. It does not replace current law, a customer's stricter RSL, manufacturing-input controls, a product-specific risk and sampling plan, accepted laboratory methods, supplier controls, or performance and safety testing.

## 3. FOURSOURCE Supplier Network

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/foursource>
Source page: <https://www.foursource.com/explore-network/>

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

### Best for

Searching global apparel and textile production capabilities

### What the source establishes

FOURSOURCE's current public network page presents an operator-reported global company count and country or territory search. It says logged-in users can narrow results by compliance certificates, product groups, fabric types, target groups, minimum order quantities, and other fields, with a free-trial and supplier sign-up route.

### Know before using

The company count is a changing platform claim. Search fields, profiles, certificates, locations, and account access do not independently verify the legal entity, factory ownership, capability, capacity, certificate validity or scope, compliance performance, delivery, or project fit. Confirm the site and subcontracting, credentials with issuers, samples, audits when appropriate, specifications, contracts, and commercial terms.

## 4. 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 + 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.

## 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.
