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| Decision field | Open accessYarn Database EU Dyers and MakersEuropean UnionRemove | Free + paidPattern TestersGlobalRemove | Open accessHook & Needle Diameter ReferenceGlobalRemove | Free accountFOURSOURCE Supplier NetworkGlobalRemove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decision fit | ||||
| Primary job | Choose materials | Find patterns & fit | Learn techniques | Source production |
| Also useful for | No additional job recorded | No additional job recorded | No additional job recorded | No additional job recorded |
| Area | Yarn | Patterns & fit | Yarn | Production |
| Best for | Finding independent EU yarn or fibre dyers with off-Ravelry purchase routes | Coordinating an independent sewing-pattern test | Checking which U.S. alias the current Craft Yarn Council table gives a known metric package size before confirming project gauge | Searching global apparel and textile production capabilities |
| Know before using | It is one curator's intentionally selective, off-Ravelry-oriented database, inventories change, and paid supporters can receive rotating priority placement; verify availability, fibre claims, shipping, and terms directly. | 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. | The reference is not a dimensional measurement, manufacturer inspection, UK or Canadian conversion, steel-hook chart, tool recommendation, yarn assignment, gauge result, or proof that a proposed tool will produce the required fabric. | The company count is a changing platform claim. Search fields, profiles, certificates, locations, and account access do not independently verify the legal entity, factory ownership, capability, capacity, certificate validity or scope, compliance performance, delivery, or project fit. Confirm the site and subcontracting, credentials with issuers, samples, audits when appropriate, specifications, contracts, and commercial terms. |
| Practical access | ||||
| For | Makers | Apparel brands | Makers | Apparel brands |
| Location or jurisdiction | European Union | Global | Global | Global |
| Access | Open access | Free + paid | Open access | Free account |
| Format | Directory | Software | Stitch Authority | Marketplace |
| Source type | Community database | First-party platform | Stitch Authority | Commercial marketplace |
| Source and review | ||||
| What the source establishes | The individually researched database offers free listings and sortable yarn, fibre, designer, editor, accessory, and location views; the EU page spans multiple countries and direct seller profiles. | 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. | Rechecked July 27, 2026. The lookup reproduces the current public Craft Yarn Council metric and U.S. alias rows and follows the Council's warning that company letter and number labels vary; blank aliases remain blank instead of being inferred. | FOURSOURCE's current public network page presents an operator-reported global company count and country or territory search. It says logged-in users can narrow results by compliance certificates, product groups, fabric types, target groups, minimum order quantities, and other fields, with a free-trial and supplier sign-up route. |
| Linked page reviewed | Jul 15, 2026 | Jul 21, 2026 | Jul 27, 2026 | Jul 21, 2026 |
| Next review due | Jan 11, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 | Jul 27, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 |
| Inspect | ||||
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