# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T16:46:03.955Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=tolerance-setting-record%2Cyarnsub%2Cfoursource%2Cyarnpond>

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. Apparel Measurement Tolerance Setting Record

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/tolerance-setting-record>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/guides/tolerances-in-apparel-manufacturing>

- 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

Turning an inherited or proposed garment tolerance into a controlled POM method, capability study, decision boundary, inspection rule, and change record

### What the source establishes

The guide cites current ISO, AATCC, and NIST sources for body and garment measurement boundaries, textile conditioning, dimensional-change testing, repeatability and reproducibility, and AQL-indexed sampling, while requiring the live product owner to set rather than inherit numerical tolerances.

### Know before using

The record does not supply universal POM values, validate fit across a population, prove process capability, choose a statistical study or sampling plan, reproduce licensed standards, or replace qualified technical, fit, quality, statistical, safety, compliance, and legal review.

## 2. YarnSub

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

- 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. FOURSOURCE Supplier Network

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/foursource>
Source page: <https://www.foursource.com/explore-network/>

- Primary job: Source production
- Area: Production
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free account
- Format: Marketplace
- Source type: Commercial marketplace
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### Best for

Searching global apparel and textile production capabilities

### What the source establishes

FOURSOURCE's current public network page presents an operator-reported global company count and country or territory search. It says logged-in users can narrow results by compliance certificates, product groups, fabric types, target groups, minimum order quantities, and other fields, with a free-trial and supplier sign-up route.

### Know before using

The company count is a changing platform claim. Search fields, profiles, certificates, locations, and account access do not independently verify the legal entity, factory ownership, capability, capacity, certificate validity or scope, compliance performance, delivery, or project fit. Confirm the site and subcontracting, credentials with issuers, samples, audits when appropriate, specifications, contracts, and commercial terms.

## 4. Yarnpond

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/yarnpond>
Source page: <https://www.yarnpond.com/>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free + paid
- Format: Community
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-01-24

### Best for

Running knit or crochet pattern tests

### What the source establishes

Yarnpond's current pages let knit and crochet designers publish public or private testing calls, select applicants, communicate with test teams, set milestones, collect feedback, post sample-making calls, and advertise tech-editing jobs. Testers can participate without charge, while designers pay per testing or job post, use credits that the pricing page says do not expire, or use a monthly subscription that the page says can be canceled.

### Know before using

The platform is for knit and crochet rather than sewing, and a profile, application, rating, or platform listing does not prove technical competence, availability, identity, or fit for a project. Prices and plan limits can change. Define the test or edit scope, sizes, yarn, deadlines, compensation, confidentiality, intellectual property, file handling, expected feedback, and dispute process in writing before work starts.

### Account, payment, and exit

- Access scope: Knit or crochet tester, designer, sample maker, or tech editor using one role-specific workflow.
- Before an account: Browse public open testing calls and the provider's feature and pricing pages without signing in.
- Free-account boundary: A free signup lets people look around, and testers participate without a platform charge. Designers and tech editors face different role boundaries.
- Payment boundary: Designers can pay per call or job, buy non-expiring credits, or subscribe monthly. Tech editors need a separate monthly subscription to apply for jobs.
- Cancellation or exit: The pricing page says monthly subscriptions can be canceled at any time, but it does not state when paid access ends or what happens to active tests or applications.
- Saved work and data: Designers can download pattern-test feedback as CSV or XLSX. The checked pages do not establish a full account export or deletion route.

## 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.
