# Stitch Authority resource comparison

Generated: 2026-07-23T18:11:47.761Z
Comparison: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/compare?ids=zdhc-mrsl%2Cthreadloop%2Cgrading-guide%2Ctech-pack>

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: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2026-10-19

### 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's help centre identifies version 3.1 as the current official MRSL and distinguishes it from restrictions measured in finished products.

### Know before using

The MRSL controls manufacturing inputs within its stated scope. It does not by itself prove a facility's chemical inventory, implementation, worker protection, emissions, wastewater performance, formulation conformance, or finished-product compliance. Verify the current version, law, brand program, safety rules, chemical-product certificates and status, facility records, and finished-product RSL and testing requirements.

## 2. 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 account
- Format: Community
- Source type: Community database
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-21
- Next review due: 2027-01-17

### 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.

### 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.

## 3. Apparel Grade-Rule & Size-Run Validation Record

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/grading-guide>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/guides/pattern-grading-explained>

- Primary job: Find patterns & fit
- Area: Patterns & fit
- For: Apparel brands
- Location or jurisdiction: Global
- Access: Open access
- Format: Stitch Authority
- Source type: Stitch Authority
- Linked page reviewed: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2027-07-16

### Best for

Auditing inherited grade rules or controlling a new multi-size pattern release from approved targets through sample evidence

### What the source establishes

The guide cites current ISO body-table, size-designation, and garment-measurement boundaries plus two peer-reviewed studies that tested the relationship between conventional grade rules, anthropometric evidence, and garment fit; it requires product-specific target deltas and validation instead of publishing universal increments.

### Know before using

The record does not create a production grade, supply universal increments or breakpoints, validate a CAD file or fit population, reproduce licensed standards, or replace qualified anthropometric, pattern, technical-design, fit, quality, accessibility, safety, statistical, and user-research review.

## 4. Controlled Tech Pack Orientation

Permanent record: <https://stitchauthority.com/directory/tech-pack>
Source page: <https://stitchauthority.com/guides/what-is-a-tech-pack>

- 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: 2026-07-16
- Next review due: 2027-07-16

### Best for

Understanding what a tech pack must control before using a template or releasing work

### What the source establishes

The guide cites current ISO sources for documented-information, garment-measurement, stitch, and seam boundaries plus current U.S. FTC textile and care-labeling guidance; it explicitly separates those authorities from product-specific technical and market decisions.

### Know before using

An orientation rather than a completed product record; it does not supply a universal format, licensed standard content, measurements, tolerances, construction settings, labels, approvals, compliance conclusion, or product-release authority.

## 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.
