# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T21:17:35.542Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=knitty%2Cpatternreview%2Cgrading-guide%2Cfreesewing>

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. Knitty

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

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- 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

Free editorial knitting patterns and techniques

### What the source establishes

Knitty currently publishes web-only editorial issues containing original knitting and crochet patterns and articles. Its legal page states that patterns are free for one person's personal use, identifies each designer or author as the copyright holder, and explains that verified pattern corrections are posted in bright pink on the pattern page.

### Know before using

Free access does not grant commercial reproduction or sale rights; uses beyond one personal copy must be resolved with the designer or author. Knitty says it tries to avoid errors but disclaims responsibility for pattern and technique inaccuracies. Check the live page for corrections, verify gauge and measurements, and confirm permission before any commercial use.

## 2. PatternReview

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

- 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

Finding member reports about a named sewing pattern

### What the source establishes

PatternReview's current site exposes recent pattern, sewing-machine, and store reviews, forums, contests, classes, classifieds, a pattern shop, and a searchable review gallery. Its account FAQ says most participation requires a free activated account. Friends of PR adds advanced search, a personal pattern catalogue and wishlist, bookmarks, classifieds, a photo album, discounts, and other features through a recurring paid membership with a published email cancellation route.

### Know before using

PatternReview combines community reports, membership, education, advertising, and retail, so it is not a neutral or complete pattern index. Reviews are individual experiences rather than standardized fit tests. Confirm the exact pattern version, size range, measurements, fabric, format, errata, licence, seller terms, and current availability with the designer or publisher. Paid catalogue and search features do not establish an export route or continued access after membership ends.

### Account, payment, and exit

- Access scope: Sewer reading community pattern reports, participating in discussions, or keeping a personal pattern catalogue and wishlist.
- Before an account: Browse recent pattern reviews, the review gallery, shop, classes, blog, and public help pages without creating an account.
- Free-account boundary: Free membership requires email activation. The account FAQ says most participation and member-only areas require sign-in.
- Payment boundary: Friends of PR costs $34.95 per year and adds advanced search, a personal pattern catalogue and wishlist, bookmarks, classifieds, discounts, and other features.
- Cancellation or exit: Friends of PR recurs on its plan cycle. The account FAQ says an advance email includes cancellation instructions and also publishes an email cancellation route.
- Saved work and data: Paid tools can hold a pattern catalogue, wishlist, bookmarks, and photos, but the checked pages do not establish a complete export or post-membership retention route. Keep critical records elsewhere.

## 3. Pattern Grading & 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: 2026-07-27
- Next review due: 2027-07-27

### 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.

## 4. FreeSewing

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

- 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.

## 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.
