# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T15:17:32.039Z 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. PatternLab London Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Find patterns & fit - Area: Patterns & fit - For: Both - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Paid - Format: Software - Source type: First-party platform - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21 - Next review due: 2027-01-17 ### Best for Generating an editable custom-measurement block ### What the source establishes PatternLab London's current drafting page says a user creates a measurement profile, selects a basic block or sloper, adjusts fit, dart placement, length, seam allowance, and sleeve options, then downloads the generated result as tiled PDF, AI, or SVG. The live catalogue names bodice, dress, trouser, and stretch blocks and displays a price before purchase. ### Know before using A measurement-generated draft is a starting block, not independent evidence of body capture, comfort, mobility, balance, garment ease, or production fit. The result depends on measurement accuracy, supported ranges, formula assumptions, selected options, and output handling. Review the service's privacy terms before storing body data and sew a representative toile before design, grading, or production use. ## 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. Threadloop Sewing Pattern Database Permanent record: Source page: - 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 Searching current and out-of-print sewing patterns ### What the source establishes Threadloop's official guide describes an independent, fully crowdsourced database covering available and out-of-print sewing patterns. Its search supports pattern type, fabric type, age group, body type, cup size, level, format, file features, language, measurements, availability, and other filters; members can also track a stash, wishlist, projects, reviews, and discussions. Current terms state that the free plan requires no card, paid upgrades start billing immediately, cancellation retains paid features through the current cycle, and the account then returns to free features. ### Know before using Community members add and quality-control the records, so confirm sizing, measurements, fabric suggestions, format, availability, errata, license, and purchase terms with the designer or publisher. Adding an entry to a stash does not provide the pattern files. Saved searches and private PDF storage are paid Plus features, and a listing or review does not establish pattern accuracy or fit. ### Account, payment, and exit - Access scope: Sewer searching pattern records or organizing patterns, projects, fabric, notions, and private files. - Before an account: Browse the pattern database, guide, designers, publications, and public community areas without creating an account. - Free-account boundary: A free account needs no card and supports a stash, wishlist, projects, reviews, and personal organization. - Payment boundary: Plus adds PDF pattern storage, collections, saved searches, bulk editing, and other workflow features on monthly or annual billing. - Cancellation or exit: Cancel through an in-account link. Paid features remain through the current billing cycle, then the account returns to free features. - Saved work and data: The terms say submitted materials remain yours, but the checked public pages do not explain a full export or how stored PDFs behave after downgrade. Keep originals outside the platform. ## 4. EU ESCO Apparel Patternmaker Profile Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Find patterns & fit - Area: Patterns & fit - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: European Union - Access: Open access - Format: Reference - Source type: Official registry - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16 - Next review due: 2026-10-14 ### Best for Mapping multilingual patternmaker role names and competency terms when writing job briefs, comparing training language, or searching European labor information ### What the source establishes The European Commission's ESCO service publishes released occupation 7532.7, wearing apparel patternmaker, with preferred labels in 28 languages. Its profile describes interpreting design sketches, cutting patterns, meeting customer requirements, and producing samples, prototypes, and size series. The API links 21 essential skills or knowledge areas, including creating and grading garment patterns, standard sizing systems, apparel manufacturing technology, CAD, pattern-cutting software, alterations, technical drawings, fabric distinction, and apparel inspection, plus five optional areas including 3D body scanners and scan analysis. ### Know before using ESCO is a multilingual classification and terminology source, not a practitioner directory, professional license, regulated-status determination, qualification, competence assessment, provider approval, hiring recommendation, or evidence of individual experience. A linked skill does not establish proficiency, scope, availability, price, or project fit. Confirm the current ESCO version, local occupation and regulation context, role responsibilities, portfolio, references, systems, deliverables, rights, and acceptance evidence independently. ## 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.