As of 13th December 2024, the new General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) will come into effect across the EU, aiming to ensure that all products entering the EU market are safe for consumers. This includes digital products, such as sewing and knitting patterns.
In light of these changes, I will need to temporarily adjust the availability of certain patterns to comply with the new regulations. Here’s what you need to know:
What This Means for Sewillow Patterns
The GPSR rules do not explicitly address digital products like my sewing and knitting patterns. Until further guidance is issued, I’ve made the decision to take a precautionary approach to ensure compliance:
- Patterns published before 13th December 2024 will remain available for sale on the website and also on my Etsy store.
- However, any patterns translated into French will be temporarily paused on my website to avoid directly targeting the EU market. This includes French translations of patterns that were published before the GPSR deadline.
- I will continue selling on Etsy to EU customers as usual, as Etsy does not currently allow me to restrict sales specifically by country.
Free Patterns:
Because my free patterns are published on the website (rather than available as downloadable PDFs), they are unaffected by the new GPSR rules. You can continue to access and view the free patterns on my site without any interruptions.
What’s Happening Next:
I am in the process of appointing an EU representative, as required by the new regulations. Once this is in place, I will resume offering all patterns, including the French-translated ones, to the EU market.
Safety of Sewillow Patterns
At Sewillow, I prioritize your safety while using my sewing and knitting patterns. These patterns are intended for personal use only and are not designed for children. My safety guidelines are crafted to ensure compliance with EU product safety regulations (GPSR) and to help you enjoy a secure and positive making experience.
Please note that following the patterns may require the use of sharp tools (such as scissors, pins, needles, and knitting needles) and machinery (like sewing machines), which can pose risks if not used safely.
General Safety Guidelines
1. Supervision for Beginners
If you’re new to sewing or knitting, I strongly recommend supervision or guidance by an adult with experience, especially when handling sharp tools or operating machinery. Always work in a well-lit space, follow instructions carefully, and practice on scrap fabric or yarn before starting final projects. Tools with sharp ends, such as knitting needles and scissors, should be used only when seated or standing at a stable table to avoid injury.
2. Protective Equipment
To help prevent injuries, consider using appropriate protective gear such as:
- Thimbles for hand sewing
- Cut-resistant gloves when handling sharp tools or working with heavy fabrics
3. Workspace Safety
Ensure your workspace is:
- Clear of obstructions
- Well-organized and safe
- Free of hazards for children or pets
Store tools like scissors, rotary cutters, and needles securely when not in use, and always cut away from your body.
4. Clear Instructions for Safe Use
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all tools and materials, and take note of best practices for handling and cutting fabrics. If any technique or tool requires specific skill or poses potential risks, this will be clearly noted in the pattern instructions. Practice or seek guidance if needed.
5. Not for Use by Children
My patterns are not intended for use by children under the age of 14 unless under direct adult supervision. If making items for children, ensure the finished product meets relevant safety standards and has been tested for safety. For patterns requiring small components, such as buttons, ensure these are securely attached and kept away from children to prevent choking hazards.
6. Safe Use of Patterns and Equipment
- Handle paper patterns carefully to avoid damage that could hinder their use.
- When printing patterns, ensure your home printer is on a stable surface and follow manufacturer instructions to avoid injuries from moving parts or overheating.
- For projectors, secure them on a stable surface, keep cords organized to prevent tripping, and avoid obstructing airflow to prevent overheating.
7. Digital File Safety
To ensure the security of your digital downloads:
- I take every effort to scan my files for malware and viruses before making them available.
- However, I recommend that customers always scan downloaded files with their own antivirus software as an added precaution.
- Only download pattern files from trusted sources, such as my official shop, to ensure the integrity of the files.
Compliance with EU GPSR Regulations
These safety guidelines are provided to ensure compliance with the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and promote the safe use of Sewillow patterns. By following these instructions, you can reduce the risk of injury and enjoy a secure, enjoyable crafting experience.
Final Thoughts
I understand this change may be inconvenient, and I apologise for any disruption. These steps are necessary to ensure compliance with the new regulations and avoid any legal risks.
I will keep you informed as I work through these changes and look forward to continuing to provide you with high-quality patterns in full compliance with the new regulations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at hellosewillow@gmail.com
