# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T10:05:08.359Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=repair-cafe-map%2Cfreesewing%2Cthreadloop%2Ccpsc-certificate-efiling>

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. Repair Café Worldwide Map

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/repair-cafe-map>
Source page: <https://www.repaircafe.org/en/visit/>

- Primary job: Repair & conserve
- Area: Techniques & repair
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Community
- Source type: Community database
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-15
- Next review due: 2027-01-11

### Best for

Finding a nearby community repair event and checking whether volunteers can help diagnose or mend a garment or textile item

### What the source establishes

The foundation's current public search reports thousands of registered Repair Cafés across dozens of countries, and its organizer manual includes clothing stations with sewing machines, hand tools, zips, buttons, patches, elastic, darning supplies, and wool-repair equipment.

### Know before using

Repair Cafés are volunteer events rather than guaranteed commercial services, and each location sets its schedule, item scope, expertise, accessibility, parts policy, and capacity; confirm that clothing or textile help is available before traveling and expect to participate in the repair.

## 2. FreeSewing

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/freesewing>
Source page: <https://freesewing.eu/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Software
- Source type: Open-source project
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Custom-fit home sewing patterns

### What the source establishes

FreeSewing's official documentation says the browser editor drafts a selected design in real time from a measurement set rather than scaling or grading a standard-size pattern. Users can adjust design options and export the generated result, including as PDF; saving the pattern to an account is optional and is used to revisit it later.

### Know before using

A generated pattern is not independent fit evidence or a production-ready graded block. The result still depends on accurate measurements, the selected design and options, ease assumptions, fabric behavior, construction, and representative test garments. An account stores saved patterns and measurement sets, so review the platform's privacy terms before retaining personal measurements.

## 3. Threadloop Sewing Pattern Database

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/threadloop>
Source page: <https://threadloop.app/>

- 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. CPSC Certificate eFiling

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/cpsc-certificate-efiling>
Source page: <https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: United States · North America
- Access: Open access
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Government guidance
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2026-10-14

### Best for

Planning the current CPSC certificate-data handoff for regulated imports with the importer, finished-product certifier, customs broker, and entry records

### What the source establishes

CPSC operates the eFiling portal with role-specific importer, broker, applicability, Product Registry, regulated-product, laboratory, ACE, FAQ, video, and document-library routes. The certificate final rule took effect July 8, 2026 for covered non-FTZ products, with separate timing for covered FTZ entries.

### Know before using

The portal does not decide whether a product requires certification, identify the correct rules or certificate data, classify an entry, replace the current 16 CFR part 1110 text, or reconcile a filing to an actual shipment. Effective dates and workflows differ by entry route; use current CPSC, CBP, customs, product-safety, and legal review.

## 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.
