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| Decision field | Open accessYarnSubGlobalRemove | Free + paidPattern TestersGlobalRemove | Free + paidCommon ObjectiveGlobalRemove | Open accessCrochet Stitch LibraryGlobalRemove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decision fit | ||||
| Primary job | Choose materials | Find patterns & fit | Source production | Learn techniques |
| Also useful for | No additional job recorded | No additional job recorded | No additional job recorded | No additional job recorded |
| Area | Yarn | Patterns & fit | Production | Techniques & repair |
| Best for | Building a substitution shortlist for a discontinued or unavailable yarn before checking quantity, availability, and a representative swatch | Coordinating an independent sewing-pattern test | Finding sustainability-focused suppliers and guidance | Learning or identifying crochet stitches |
| 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. | 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. | A profile, match, uploaded credential, training credit, award, or platform ranking is not independent certification of a supplier or proof of current capability, performance, impact, capacity, or project fit. The platform's own ranking inputs and paid visibility affect discovery. Verify credentials with the issuer and check the legal entity, production site, claims, samples, references, terms, and compliance directly. | A foundational library, not yet an exhaustive stitch encyclopedia. |
| Practical access | ||||
| For | Makers | Apparel brands | Apparel brands | Makers |
| Location or jurisdiction | Global | Global | Global | Global |
| Access | Open access | Free + paid | Free + paid | Open access |
| Format | Reference | Software | Marketplace | Stitch Authority |
| Source type | First-party platform | First-party platform | Commercial marketplace | Stitch Authority |
| Account, payment, and exit | ||||
| Access scope | Maker comparing a replacement for a named yarn before buying. | Not yet reviewed at this level. | Fashion professional or supplier using content, profiles, connections, or a sourcing workflow. | Not yet reviewed at this level. |
| Before an account | Search a named yarn, inspect suggested substitutes, and filter by fibre and approximate price band without creating an account. | Not yet reviewed at this level. | Public content and explanation pages are visible while signed out; profiles, personalized matches, saved items, and connections require signup. | Not yet reviewed at this level. |
| Free-account boundary | The checked core substitution route does not require an account, and the FAQ does not offer user-entered yarn records. | Not yet reviewed at this level. | A free account provides a personal or business profile, limited monthly connections, free content, and up to three portfolio items. | Not yet reviewed at this level. |
| 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. | Not yet reviewed at this level. | PRO adds unlimited connections, paid content and training, more profile capacity, and business sourcing workflows. Monthly and annual routes use provider-set terms. | Not yet reviewed at this level. |
| Cancellation or exit | There is no account or recurring plan to cancel for the core route. The newsletter has a separate unsubscribe link. | Not yet reviewed at this level. | Cancel in the account by selecting downgrade. A business profile returns to the free version and only its first three portfolio items remain visible. | Not yet reviewed at this level. |
| 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. | Not yet reviewed at this level. | Profiles can contain files, work history, product galleries, and sustainability evidence. The current access and pricing pages do not establish full export or deletion; retain originals. | Not yet reviewed at this level. |
| Source and review | ||||
| 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. | 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. | Common Objective currently offers free individual and business profiles, personalised matches, supplier and content search, and limited monthly connection requests. Paid tiers unlock unlimited connections, additional content, training credits, and the CO Create sourcing workflow. Businesses enter their own profile information and upload certification or membership evidence; profile completeness, sustainability material, training credits, awards, and paid capabilities can influence visibility or ranking. | The linked tool or guide is maintained inside Stitch Authority and was checked against its current public interface. |
| Linked page reviewed | Jul 28, 2026 | Jul 21, 2026 | Jul 28, 2026 | Jul 15, 2026 |
| Next review due | Jan 24, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 | Jan 24, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 |
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