# Stitch Authority resource comparison Generated: 2026-07-28T14:54:07.334Z 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. YarnSub Permanent record: Source page: - 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. ## 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. Material Sourcing Request Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Choose materials - Area: Materials - 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 Requesting comparable fabric, trim, or component offers ### What the source establishes The request uses official textile test-method scopes, labeling guidance, and trade capability questions to keep specifications, methods, samples, substitutions, and supplier evidence comparable. ### Know before using The request does not set product-specific pass values, prove fitness or safety, validate claims, replace laboratory testing, or determine legal compliance. ## 4. Common Objective Permanent record: Source page: - Primary job: Source production - Area: Production - For: Apparel brands - Location or jurisdiction: Global - Access: Free + paid - Format: Marketplace - Source type: Commercial marketplace - Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28 - Next review due: 2027-01-24 ### Best for Finding sustainability-focused suppliers and guidance ### What the source establishes Common Objective currently offers free individual and business profiles, personalised matches, supplier and content search, and limited monthly connection requests. Paid tiers unlock unlimited connections, additional content, training credits, and the CO Create sourcing workflow. Businesses enter their own profile information and upload certification or membership evidence; profile completeness, sustainability material, training credits, awards, and paid capabilities can influence visibility or ranking. ### Know before using A profile, match, uploaded credential, training credit, award, or platform ranking is not independent certification of a supplier or proof of current capability, performance, impact, capacity, or project fit. The platform's own ranking inputs and paid visibility affect discovery. Verify credentials with the issuer and check the legal entity, production site, claims, samples, references, terms, and compliance directly. ### Account, payment, and exit - Access scope: Fashion professional or supplier using content, profiles, connections, or a sourcing workflow. - Before an account: Public content and explanation pages are visible while signed out; profiles, personalized matches, saved items, and connections require signup. - Free-account boundary: A free account provides a personal or business profile, limited monthly connections, free content, and up to three portfolio items. - Payment boundary: PRO adds unlimited connections, paid content and training, more profile capacity, and business sourcing workflows. Monthly and annual routes use provider-set terms. - Cancellation or exit: Cancel in the account by selecting downgrade. A business profile returns to the free version and only its first three portfolio items remain visible. - Saved work and data: Profiles can contain files, work history, product galleries, and sustainability evidence. The current access and pricing pages do not establish full export or deletion; retain originals. ## 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.