# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T15:40:02.484Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=makers-row%2Cgrading-guide%2Cyarnsub%2Cyarn-database-eu>

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. Maker’s Row

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/makers-row>
Source page: <https://app.makersrow.com/>

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

### Best for

Finding US production partners

### What the source establishes

Maker's Row currently lets a brand submit a project before advance sign-up, then provides access to an account. Its project workflow records product details and files and connects projects with factories by location and specialty. Search guidance lists apparel capabilities such as pattern making, sourcing, sample making, and production. Factory access to bids is plan-dependent.

### Know before using

A factory profile, platform label, bid, estimate, or message does not establish current identity, factory ownership, capability, capacity, workmanship, pricing, compliance, delivery, or project fit. Paid-plan visibility can affect who responds. Verify the production site, subcontracting, references, samples, quality and compliance records, specifications, commercial terms, and remedies directly.

## 2. 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.

## 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. Yarn Database EU Dyers and Makers

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/yarn-database-eu>
Source page: <https://www.yarndatabase.com/location/eu/>

- Primary job: Choose materials
- Area: Yarn
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: European Union
- Access: Open access
- Format: Directory
- Source type: Community database
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-15
- Next review due: 2027-01-11

### Best for

Finding independent EU yarn or fibre dyers with off-Ravelry purchase routes

### What the source establishes

The individually researched database offers free listings and sortable yarn, fibre, designer, editor, accessory, and location views; the EU page spans multiple countries and direct seller profiles.

### Know before using

It is one curator's intentionally selective, off-Ravelry-oriented database, inventories change, and paid supporters can receive rotating priority placement; verify availability, fibre claims, shipping, and terms 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.
