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Fashion · head to head

Backbone PLM vs Stoll

Backbone PLM logo

Backbone PLM

Fashion

Product Lifecycle Management solution for fashion brands

From
$199/month
Rated
-
Stoll logo

Stoll

Fashion

Knit design and knitting machine solutions

From
$300/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Backbone PLM minimum user count requirement of 1-10 for standard tier before enterprise pricing; Stoll no pricing available; the flat knitting machine business has been discontinued
  • They diverge on capability: Backbone PLM covers Product data management, Stoll covers Knit design.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Backbone PLM and Stoll actually diverge.

Attributes where Backbone PLM and Stoll differ
AttributeBackbone PLMStoll
Starting price$199/month$300/month
PlatformsWebWindows
Founded20101880

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Fashion).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Backbone PLM

  • Product data management
  • Workflow management
  • Collaboration
  • Reporting
  • ERP
  • Email
  • Encryption
  • User roles

Only in Stoll

  • Knit design
  • Pattern creation
  • Machine programming
  • Stitch simulation
  • Production planning
  • Stoll machines
  • User authentication
  • Desktop deployment

Both cover

  • CAD systems
  • English language support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Backbone PLM

  • Fashion tech pack creation and managementnot Stoll
  • Apparel design and product developmentnot Stoll
  • Accessory brand product lifecyclenot Stoll
  • Outdoor gear collaboration and trackingnot Stoll
  • Design agency project managementnot Stoll

Stoll

  • Flat knitting machine manufacturing (legacy/discontinued)not Backbone PLM
  • Knitting machine spare parts and servicenot Backbone PLM

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Backbone PLM

  • Minimum user count requirement of 1-10 for standard tier before enterprise pricing
  • Enterprise pricing requires custom quote with no published rates

Stoll

  • No pricing available; the flat knitting machine business has been discontinued
  • Production site in Reutlingen closed as of October 31, 2025
  • Only spare parts and legacy service support remain available

Pricing, plan by plan

Backbone PLM

$199/month
  • Backbone$199/month
    • For teams with 1-10 users
    • Product and component libraries
    • Tech packs
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • Custom pricing for 10+ users
    • Flexible contract options
    • Dedicated support

Stoll

$300/month
  • Basic$300/month
    • Basic design
  • Advanced$600/month
    • Advanced features
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Full solution

Which should you pick?

Choose Backbone PLM if

  • You need product data management.
  • You also want workflow management.

Choose Stoll if

  • You need knit design.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want pattern creation.

Questions people ask

Is Backbone PLM or Stoll better?
Neither clearly leads. Backbone PLM starts at $199/month and Stoll at $300/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Backbone PLM or Stoll?
Backbone PLM starts at $199/month and Stoll at $300/month.
Does Backbone PLM or Stoll run on more platforms?
Backbone PLM runs on Web. Stoll runs on Windows.
What is Backbone PLM best used for?
Backbone PLM is most often used for fashion tech pack creation and management, apparel design and product development, accessory brand product lifecycle, outdoor gear collaboration and tracking. Of those, fashion tech pack creation and management and apparel design and product development are not what Stoll is typically brought in for.
What can Backbone PLM do that Stoll cannot?
Backbone PLM covers Product data management, Workflow management, Collaboration, Reporting. Stoll covers Knit design, Pattern creation, Machine programming, Stitch simulation. Both handle CAD systems, English language support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Backbone PLM: How much does Backbone PLM cost for my team?

Backbone PLM costs $199 per user per month for teams with 1-10 users. For teams with 10+ users, custom pricing is available through their sales team.

Source
Stoll: Is STOLL still selling knitting machines?

No, STOLL's flat knitting machine business has been discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed on October 31, 2025. Only spare parts availability and legacy service support remain.

Source
Backbone PLM: What is included in Backbone PLM pricing?

The base plan includes product and component libraries, tech pack management, Adobe Illustrator plugin, BOM creation, free onboarding and training, and access to customer success.

Source
Stoll: Where can I get spare parts for STOLL machines?

STOLL spare parts remain available through their support channels. The company has consolidated service operations under KARL MAYER ownership. Customers should contact STOLL's helpline or webshop for parts availability.

Source
Backbone PLM: Do I get training with Backbone PLM?

Yes, free onboarding and training is included in the pricing for all plans.

Source
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