GPSR

What is it?

The General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) is a new EU product safety legal framework, applicable from 13 December 2024. The GPSR requires that all consumer products on the EU markets are safe and it establishes specific obligations for businesses to ensure this. This includes digital knitting patterns.

No digital pattern sales are done directly through this site. You will be redirected to Ravelry, Payhip, Lovecrafts or Etsy to complete the sale. Since many customers are in the EU and NI, these digital patterns are subject to GPSR. It ensures that these digital patterns are safe when used as intended.

General Terms for Digital Knitting Patterns

These patterns are the intellectual property of Joanne Shaw are protected by copyright laws. They are intended for personal use only and to be used as a guide for creating hand-knitted products. Every effort has been carried out to create an accurate and clear pattern. However, Joanne Shaw takes no responsibility for any issues, damages or injury caused by any use, misuse or modification of these patterns or the final product made from it.

Risk Assessment

A thorough risk assessment has been carried out to identify and mitigate any potential risks.

Safety and performance Objectives

• Ensure all instructions are accurate, clear and free from mistakes.
• Ensure that the pattern is accessible as possible.
• Ensure that the PDF has no technological issues.
• Ensure that there are no physical safety concerns.

Mitigation of risks

• Every pattern has been through a professional technical editing process.
• Comprehensive testing of instructions with diverse group of test knitters.
• Include safety warnings for any product that could be made for children.
• Include safety warnings for misuse of any tools and risks of prolonged knitting.
• Use secure platforms for distribution e.g. Ravelry, Payhip, Lovecrafts etc.
• Check that the PDF opens correctly on various devices (desktops, tablets, smartphones) and across different operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
• Include feedback email address for any technical or pattern issues.

Labelling and Safety Notices

• Unique identification code for each product.
• Date of creation and version number.
• Contact details for author.
• Contact details for Authorised EU representative.
• Always use the yarn, needles, and tools recommended in the pattern with care and as the manufacturer intended. If the item is intended for a child, users should check that materials meet local safety standards and any attachments such as buttons are securely affixed.
• All instructions are created with attention to detail and checked for accuracy, clarity and accessibility by a professional tech editor and is tested by a diverse group of test knitters. Any modifications made to the item are at the user’s own risk.
• Knitting for prolonged periods may cause strain. To prevent discomfort or injury, take regular breaks, stretch your muscles and maintain good posture. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, discontinue knitting and consult a healthcare professional.

Update Policy

Updated versions will be provided free of charge for minor corrections and users will be notified of any significant changes.