General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988

At Michelle Design Company, we are committed to ensuring that all our products meet high safety standards. Please read the following safety guidelines before using our products.

For any safety concerns or product-related questions, please contact us via post or email at:

Michelle Kristoffersson
Borensvägen 12
12052 Årsta
Sweden
michelledesigncompany@gmail.com

 

General Safety Precautions

  • Always use appropriate tools and materials when working with sewing patterns.
  • Keep sewing needles, scissors, pins, and other sharp objects away from children.
  • Follow the recommended fabric and material guidelines provided in the pattern instructions.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when using adhesives, dyes, or any chemicals.

 

Fire Safety Warning

  • Some fabrics, particularly synthetic materials, may be highly flammable. Keep finished garments and fabric away from open flames, heat sources, and lit candles.
  • Paper sewing patterns are also highly flammable - store and use them away from any fire hazards.
  • If a fabric includes embellishments or coatings, check fabric composition for flammability risks.

 

Strangulation risk warning

  • Cords, Ties, and Drawstrings: Patterns that include cords, drawstrings, or ribbons should not be used on children's sleepwear or clothing for infants under 3 years old due to strangulation risks.
  • Long Fabrics and Draping Designs: Avoid excessive loose fabric, scarves, or draped elements for children's wear to prevent entanglement.
  • Hooded Garments: If creating a hooded garment, avoid drawstrings or replace them with alternative safe closures, such as elastic or buttons.

 

Choking Hazard Warning

  • Small parts such as buttons, beads, and snap fasteners can pose choking hazards for children under 3 years old.
  • Ensure all fasteners are securely attached and avoid loose decorative elements.

 

Safe Use of Sewing Machines

  • Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe operation.
  • Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing away from moving parts.
  • Unplug the machine when changing needles or performing maintenance.

 

Fabric and Material Safety

  • Use non-toxic, child-safe dyes and materials when making garments for infants and children.
  • Wash fabrics before use to remove any manufacturing residues.

 

Printing Safety Warning

  • When printing patterns at home, use only the recommended paper size and settings to ensure the pattern prints at the correct scale.
  • Check for accurate scaling: Set your printer to print at "100%" or "actual size" to avoid distortion.
  • Be careful when handling scissors or rotary cutters while cutting out paper patterns.
  • Keep printed patterns away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, and candles, as paper is highly flammable.
  • Store printed patterns in a dry area to prevent smudging or damage.
  • Dispose of excess paper responsibly—consider recycling unused or misprinted pages.

 

Ironing Safety Warning

  • Always follow the fabric care instructions when ironing garments or fabric pieces.
  • Do not leave the iron unattended while it is plugged in or hot.
  • Keep the iron out of reach of children to prevent burns.
  • Use an ironing board with a stable surface to prevent accidents.
  • Be cautious when using steam functions—hot steam can cause burns if directed at skin.
  • Avoid ironing over plastic trims, synthetic fabrics, or printed sewing patterns, as they may melt or release fumes.
  • Unplug the iron after use and allow it to cool before storing.

 

Sharp Tool Safety Warning

  • Use sharp cutting tools with caution to avoid injury.
  • Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade.
  • Keep scissors and rotary cutters out of reach of children.
  • When not in use, store rotary cutters with the blade locked in the closed position.
  • Use a self-healing cutting mat when using rotary cutters to prevent slipping.
  • Replace dull blades promptly, as blunt tools can slip and cause injury.
  • Never leave scissors or rotary cutters unattended on work surfaces where they could fall or be accidentally grabbed.

 

Safe Storage of Materials

  • Store scissors, rotary cutters, and other sharp tools in a secure location.
  • Keep small parts and choking hazards out of reach of children.
  • Keep all fabrics and paper sewing patterns away from fire, stoves, and other heat sources.