# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T16:23:06.858Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=pattern-testers%2Chook-needle%2Cyarnsub%2Caustralia-basic-patternmaking-competency>

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 Testers

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/pattern-testers>
Source page: <https://patterntesters.com/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Software
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Coordinating an independent sewing-pattern test

### What the source establishes

Pattern Testers currently offers application intake, tester selection, feedback, photos, approvals, issue tracking, revisions, a reusable tester directory, and release deadlines. The public pricing page shows a limited free plan and paid Pro and Business tiers. Its June 2026 privacy policy lists names, email addresses, measurements, photos, feedback, application history, and assignments among the data processed.

### Know before using

The interface and plan description do not prove tester reach, completion, feedback quality, fit validity, export quality, uptime, support, or suitability for an established release process. Measurements and photos can be sensitive personal data. Run a non-critical pilot, review the current privacy and service terms, define consent and photo rights, test exports and deletion, and keep pattern approval and release responsibility with the designer.

## 2. 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.

## 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. Australia Basic Patternmaking Competency

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/australia-basic-patternmaking-competency>
Source page: <https://training.gov.au/training/details/MSTAT3002>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Australia · Oceania
- Access: Open access
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Official registry
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2026-10-14

### Best for

Scoping training, hiring, assessment, or evidence requirements for basic textile-product pattern development and testing in Australia

### What the source establishes

Australia's National Training Register publishes current unit MSTAT3002, Develop patterns using basic patternmaking principles. The release document describes interpreting textile-product design specifications, considering fabric performance, selecting tools and equipment, developing patterns, testing the result, and making alterations. Release 1 was generated December 22, 2022 and merged two earlier units. Current Australian apparel and live-production qualifications list MSTAT3002, while the current diploma also exposes advanced individual-fit, alteration, and fit-model units.

### Know before using

This is a competency and assessment reference, not an instructional course, pattern file, qualification by reading, provider recommendation, professional license, or proof that a person can perform the work. The route does not establish enrollment availability, teaching quality, fees, support, recognition outside Australia, or product-specific fit. Confirm the current unit status, packaging rules, prerequisites, registered provider, assessment conditions, local requirements, and actual evidence before relying on it.

## 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.
