# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-31T13:19:15.965Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=zdhc-mrsl%2Caustralia-basic-patternmaking-competency%2Cyarnsub%2Caafa-rsl>

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. ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/zdhc-mrsl>
Source page: <https://mrsl.roadmaptozero.com/mrsl/mrsl_index/index.html>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Industry organization
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-30
- Next review due: 2026-10-28

### Best for

Chemical-input controls during manufacturing

### What the source establishes

ZDHC's current scope defines the MRSL as restrictions on intentional use of listed substances in commercial chemical formulations for textile, leather, rubber, foam, adhesive, and trim processing. Covered inputs include cleaners, dyes, auxiliaries, coatings, finishing agents, maintenance, wastewater-treatment, sanitation, and pest-control chemicals. ZDHC identifies version 3.1 as the current official MRSL, distinguishes formulation conformance from finished-product restrictions, and states that an ordinary Performance InCheck facility inventory is self-generated rather than externally verified.

### Know before using

The MRSL controls manufacturing inputs within its stated scope. One formulation status or self-generated facility inventory report does not by itself prove a complete or externally verified chemical inventory, actual order recipe, implementation, worker protection, emissions, wastewater performance, or finished-product compliance. Verify the current version, law, brand program, safety rules, formulation identity and status, complete facility and order records, inventory-verification state, and finished-product RSL and testing requirements.

## 2. 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.

## 3. 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.

## 4. AAFA Restricted Substance List

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/aafa-rsl>
Source page: <https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/Solutions_Pages/Restricted_Substance_List.aspx>

- Primary job: Check standards
- Area: Standards
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Free download
- Format: Reference
- Source type: Industry organization
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2026-10-19

### Best for

Surveying finished-product chemical regulations

### What the source establishes

AAFA published RSL Version 26 on January 28, 2026 in searchable spreadsheet and PDF formats. The association describes it as a regularly updated reference to laws and regulations restricting chemicals in finished apparel, footwear, accessories, and home textiles. Its methodology records final-product or component limits, jurisdiction, test method, and comments, and excludes factory-process restrictions and non-chemical product-safety rules.

### Know before using

AAFA provides the list for information only and says it is voluntary, may contain omissions or inaccuracies, and is not legal advice. A global most-restrictive value is not a complete market or product determination. Verify the current controlling law, jurisdiction, product and component scope, exemptions, effective dates, test method, sampling plan, brand requirements, manufacturing-input controls, and other safety rules.

## 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.
