# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T18:36:44.988Z 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: 2026-07-28 - Next review due: 2027-01-24 ### 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 for designers, pattern sources, local yarn stores and yarn brands, and a personal notebook for projects, stash, tools, library items, queues, and favorites. Community members and volunteer editors add and maintain the database records. ### Know before using An account is required and community, publisher, designer, shop, yarn, and project records can vary in currency and accuracy. Search results, ratings, favorites, and project examples do not establish pattern accuracy, yarn availability, seller reliability, fit, gauge, or project suitability. Confirm current 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, login, and signup pages are public, but the useful database, notebook, and community route requires sign-in. - Free-account boundary: A free account requires a valid email signup link and enables the database, notebook, directories, groups, and forums. - 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 personal notebook can hold projects, stash, tools, and a pattern library, but the checked public pages do not establish a complete export route. Keep source files and critical records locally. ## 2. Sample Review & Approval Record 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: 2026-07-15 - Next review due: 2027-07-15 ### Best for Approving a named sample without accidentally approving bulk ### What the source establishes The record applies version and lot controls from textile testing plus current ISO and ASQ acceptance-sampling boundaries to separate sample approval from bulk release. ### Know before using The record does not validate every size or user, prove bulk conformity, prescribe universal defect classes or AQL, replace testing or inspection, or establish compliance. ## 3. 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. ## 4. 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. ## 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.