# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-28T10:01:26.213Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=yarnsub%2Cseam-allowance%2Cthreadloop%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. 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. Seam Allowance Converter

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/seam-allowance>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/tools/seam-allowance-converter>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Both
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Stitch Authority
- Source type: Stitch Authority
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Next review due: 2027-07-28

### Best for

Translating a seam allowance already stated by a pattern or controlled specification

### What the source establishes

NIST states that one inch is exactly 25.4 millimetres, and the SI decimal relationship makes one centimetre equal to 10 millimetres. The tool uses those factors, displays rounded equivalents, exposes the size difference to the nearest 1/16 inch when converting to inches, and preserves valid value, source-unit, and target-unit state in the URL.

### Know before using

This is a unit-translation reference. It does not select, approve, or change a seam allowance; establish a universal fraction; interpret an unstated cutting or stitching line; or replace the exact pattern version, controlled specification, material and seam evidence, sample, production method, equipment, tolerance, or release authority.

## 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. 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.
