# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T10:30:04.944Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=yarnsub%2Cpattern-testers%2Cquiltmap%2Cwoolmark-learning-centre>

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: <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.

## 2. Pattern Testers

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/pattern-testers>
Source page: <https://patterntesters.com/>

- 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. QuiltMap

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

- Primary job: Choose materials
- Area: Materials
- For: Makers
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Directory
- Source type: First-party platform
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-15
- Next review due: 2027-01-11

### Best for

Finding quilt-material sellers and adjacent quilting services by country or map

### What the source establishes

QuiltMap describes free public search and free basic listings, community submissions and claims, and country routes covering North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

### Know before using

Coverage is quilting-specific and uneven by country; businesses can pay for enhanced features, and community or owner updates do not verify inventory, service quality, hours, or availability.

## 4. Woolmark Learning Centre

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/woolmark-learning-centre>
Source page: <https://www.woolmarklearningcentre.com/>

- Primary job: Learn techniques
- Area: Techniques & repair
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free account
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Industry organization
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-01-24

### Best for

Structured wool education

### What the source establishes

The current Woolmark Learning Centre library publishes free account-based coursework with module counts, completion times, progress tracking, knowledge checks, and supporting resources. Its wool programs cover fibre science, raw-wool and yarn processing, dyeing and finishing, woven textiles, knitwear, product quality, and wastewater management for learners and facilitators.

### Know before using

This is Woolmark-operated education focused on wool, not a neutral comparison of all fibres or processing systems. A completion badge records coursework, not independent proof of production competence, product performance, environmental impact, or compliance. Confirm technical values and local requirements against current standards before production use.

## 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.
