# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T10:53:36.990Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=hook-needle%2Ctech-pack%2Cyarnsub%2Cyarnpond>

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. Hook & Needle Diameter Reference

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: 2026-07-27
- Next review due: 2027-07-27

### Best for

Checking which U.S. alias the current Craft Yarn Council table gives a known metric package size before confirming project gauge

### What the source establishes

Rechecked July 27, 2026. The lookup reproduces the current public Craft Yarn Council metric and U.S. alias rows and follows the Council's warning that company letter and number labels vary; blank aliases remain blank instead of being inferred.

### Know before using

The reference is not a dimensional measurement, manufacturer inspection, UK or Canadian conversion, steel-hook chart, tool recommendation, yarn assignment, gauge result, or proof that a proposed tool will produce the required fabric.

## 2. Tech Pack Definition, Contents & Limits

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/tech-pack>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/guides/what-is-a-tech-pack>

- Primary job: Source production
- Area: Production
- 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

Understanding what a tech pack must control before using a template or releasing work

### What the source establishes

The guide cites published ISO sources for documented-information, garment-measurement, stitch, and seam boundaries plus current U.S. FTC textile and care-labeling guidance; it discloses that ISO 10013:2021's 2026 systematic review is at close-of-review stage and separates every cited authority from product-specific technical and market decisions.

### Know before using

An orientation rather than a completed product record; it does not supply a universal format, licensed standard content, measurements, tolerances, construction settings, labels, approvals, compliance conclusion, or product-release authority.

## 3. 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: 2026-07-28
- 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.

## 4. Yarnpond

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

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Community
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-01-24

### Best for

Running knit or crochet pattern tests

### What the source establishes

Yarnpond's current pages let knit and crochet designers publish public or private testing calls, select applicants, communicate with test teams, set milestones, collect feedback, post sample-making calls, and advertise tech-editing jobs. Testers can participate without charge, while designers pay per testing or job post, use credits that the pricing page says do not expire, or use a monthly subscription that the page says can be canceled.

### Know before using

The platform is for knit and crochet rather than sewing, and a profile, application, rating, or platform listing does not prove technical competence, availability, identity, or fit for a project. Prices and plan limits can change. Define the test or edit scope, sizes, yarn, deadlines, compensation, confidentiality, intellectual property, file handling, expected feedback, and dispute process in writing before work starts.

### Account, payment, and exit

- Access scope: Knit or crochet tester, designer, sample maker, or tech editor using one role-specific workflow.
- Before an account: Browse public open testing calls and the provider's feature and pricing pages without signing in.
- Free-account boundary: A free signup lets people look around, and testers participate without a platform charge. Designers and tech editors face different role boundaries.
- Payment boundary: Designers can pay per call or job, buy non-expiring credits, or subscribe monthly. Tech editors need a separate monthly subscription to apply for jobs.
- Cancellation or exit: The pricing page says monthly subscriptions can be canceled at any time, but it does not state when paid access ends or what happens to active tests or applications.
- Saved work and data: Designers can download pattern-test feedback as CSV or XLSX. The checked pages do not establish a full account export or deletion route.

## 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.
