# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-31T22:58:26.815Z 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. 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. ## 2. 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. ## 3. Australia Basic Patternmaking Competency Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Find patterns & fit - Area: Patterns & fit - For: Both - Location or jurisdiction: Australia ยท 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. ## 4. Knitting Stitch Library Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Learn techniques - Area: Techniques & repair - For: Makers - 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 Learning or comparing knit structures ### 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 A foundational library, not yet an exhaustive stitch encyclopedia. ## 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.