# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T17:40:29.786Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=pattern-test-brief-template%2Cfoursource%2Ccpsc-certificate-efiling%2Cyarnsub>

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. Pattern Test Brief Template

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/pattern-test-brief-template>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/guides/pattern-test-brief-template>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Stitch Authority
- Source type: Stitch Authority
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-15
- Next review due: 2027-07-15

### Best for

Planning a sewing, knitting, or crochet pattern test

### What the source establishes

The linked tool or guide is maintained inside Stitch Authority and was checked against its current public interface.

### Know before using

The workflow is not a contract or quality certification; local legal duties and technical review may still apply.

## 2. 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.

## 3. CPSC Certificate eFiling

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/cpsc-certificate-efiling>
Source page: <https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: United States · North America
- Access: Open access
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Government guidance
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2026-10-14

### Best for

Planning the current CPSC certificate-data handoff for regulated imports with the importer, finished-product certifier, customs broker, and entry records

### What the source establishes

CPSC operates the eFiling portal with role-specific importer, broker, applicability, Product Registry, regulated-product, laboratory, ACE, FAQ, video, and document-library routes. The certificate final rule took effect July 8, 2026 for covered non-FTZ products, with separate timing for covered FTZ entries.

### Know before using

The portal does not decide whether a product requires certification, identify the correct rules or certificate data, classify an entry, replace the current 16 CFR part 1110 text, or reconcile a filing to an actual shipment. Effective dates and workflows differ by entry route; use current CPSC, CBP, customs, product-safety, and legal review.

## 4. 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.

## 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.
