Compare two to four resources
Compare textile resources.
Review access, scope, source evidence, and limitations side by side before choosing what to inspect next.
Selected resources
3 resources selected.
Swipe the table sideways to inspect all 3 routes
| Decision field | Open accessEU VIES VAT Number ValidationEuropean UnionRemove | Open accessThe Cloth LibraryGlobalRemove | Free accountThreadloop Sewing Pattern DatabaseGlobalRemove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decision fit | |||
| Primary job | Check standards | Choose materials | Find patterns & fit |
| Area | Standards | Materials | Patterns & fit |
| Best for | Checking an EU supplier's stated VAT number and saving the dated validation response as one identity and invoicing control | Starting a fabric decision before purchase or cutting | Searching current and out-of-print sewing patterns |
| Know before using | A valid VAT number is not proof of manufacturing capability, facility ownership, authorized bank instructions, product origin, tax advice, quality, capacity, certification, labor conditions, or delivery; names and addresses may not be returned for every country, and temporary database outages occur. | Source-reviewed describes the page and its cited decision boundaries. It does not authenticate a commercial roll, seller claim, fibre percentage, construction, finish, performance result, machine setting, care route, compliance status, supplier, or product fitness. Internal browse bands are navigation labels, not textile standards or product classes; an entry without a usable listed mass range is unclassified. Check the actual article, seller data, care label, equipment instructions, representative assemblies, applicable rules, and project requirements before deciding. | 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. |
| Practical access | |||
| For | Apparel brands | Both | Makers |
| Location or jurisdiction | European Union | Global | Global |
| Access | Open access | Open access | Free account |
| Format | Reference | Stitch Authority | Community |
| Source type | Official registry | Stitch Authority | Community database |
| Source and review | |||
| What the source establishes | VIES is the European Commission's online VAT Information Exchange System interface for querying national VAT databases to determine whether a submitted number is valid for intra-EU cross-border trade at the time of the request. | All 50 current cloth entries meet the source-reviewed content contract. The public index, cards, permanent pages, and site search expose that state, while the repository audit enforces a current review date, substantive scope, decision boundaries, and at least three external sources. The migrated cases cover fibre and family representations, woven and knitted construction, open nets, raised and dimensional surfaces, mass, thickness, drape, elasticity, colour, seams, pressing, care state, supports, and complete-product decisions. | 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. |
| Linked page reviewed | Jul 15, 2026 | Jul 16, 2026 | Jul 21, 2026 |
| Next review due | Oct 13, 2026 | Jul 16, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 |
| Inspect | |||
How to compare
Use the rows to narrow your next check.
- Choose resources that could solve the same job.
- Eliminate access, scope, or jurisdiction mismatches.
- Read each limitation before following the source.
- Verify project-specific claims with the source or provider.