# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-24T15:22:11.270Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=threadloop%2Cgrading-guide%2Cseamly%2Caustralia-basic-patternmaking-competency>

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. 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 account
- Format: Community
- Source type: Community database
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### 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.

### 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.

## 2. Apparel Grade-Rule & Size-Run Validation Record

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/grading-guide>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/guides/pattern-grading-explained>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Stitch Authority
- Source type: Stitch Authority
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2027-07-16

### Best for

Auditing inherited grade rules or controlling a new multi-size pattern release from approved targets through sample evidence

### What the source establishes

The guide cites current ISO body-table, size-designation, and garment-measurement boundaries plus two peer-reviewed studies that tested the relationship between conventional grade rules, anthropometric evidence, and garment fit; it requires product-specific target deltas and validation instead of publishing universal increments.

### Know before using

The record does not create a production grade, supply universal increments or breakpoints, validate a CAD file or fit population, reproduce licensed standards, or replace qualified anthropometric, pattern, technical-design, fit, quality, accessibility, safety, statistical, and user-research review.

## 3. Seamly2D

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/seamly>
Source page: <https://seamly.io/>

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

### Best for

Digital pattern drafting

### What the source establishes

The maintained Seamly2D repository identifies the application as GPLv3+ open-source patternmaking software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It reads multi-size measurement files for standardized sizes and individual measurement files for custom-fit work, publishes downloadable builds and releases, and links an active website and user forum.

### Know before using

Patternmaking knowledge, controlled measurement files, production conventions, and sewn fit testing are still required. The software does not validate body measurements, ease, balance, grading rules, fabric behavior, construction, or product fit. The project currently labels its user wiki manual as needing updates, so confirm current commands and file behavior against the installed release and active support channels.

## 4. Australia Basic Patternmaking Competency

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/australia-basic-patternmaking-competency>
Source page: <https://training.gov.au/training/details/MSTAT3002>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Australia · 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.

## 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.
