# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-08-01T22:43:16.280Z Comparison: 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: Source page: - 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. YarnSub Permanent record: Source page: - 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. ## 3. Ravelry Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Choose materials - Area: Yarn - For: Makers - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Free account - Format: Community - Source type: Community database - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-30 - Next review due: 2027-01-26 ### Best for Broad pattern, yarn, and project research ### What the source establishes Ravelry's official description identifies a user-driven database of knitting and crochet patterns and yarns, searchable directories, and a personal notebook. Community members and volunteer editors maintain database records. The current official Goodies page exposes an account-gated developer API route, a limited Project Progress API JSON export, and a stash spreadsheet; the official apps directory lists third-party apps that connect to Ravelry. ### Know before using An account is required and community, publisher, designer, shop, yarn, project, and connected-app records can vary in currency and accuracy. The checked public pages do not establish API credential eligibility, current endpoints, scopes, rate limits, support, app quality, or a complete account export. Search results, ratings, favorites, and project examples do not establish pattern accuracy, yarn availability, seller reliability, fit, gauge, or project suitability. Confirm current developer terms, files, errata, license, purchase and refund terms, measurements, yarn details, and shop information with the responsible source. ### Account, payment, and exit - Access scope: Knitter or crocheter researching patterns and yarns while keeping notebook records. - Before an account: Official about, apps, Goodies, login, and signup pages are public. The useful database, notebook, community, and API root require sign-in. - Free-account boundary: A free account requires a valid email signup link and enables the database, notebook, directories, groups, and forums. The public Goodies page sends developers to an account-gated API group; it does not establish current credential eligibility, scopes, endpoints, rate limits, or support. - Payment boundary: The core platform account is free. Individual patterns and other marketplace items may have separate provider-set prices; those purchases are not a user subscription. - Cancellation or exit: The checked public about, login, and signup pages do not establish cancellation, deletion, or post-exit access. Verify the current in-account help before contributing records. - Saved work and data: The Goodies page documents a stash spreadsheet and a Project Progress API JSON route, but it says exports are limited and does not establish one complete account export. Keep source files and critical records locally. ## 4. Tech Pack Definition, Contents & Limits Permanent record: Source page: - 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. ## 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.