Last updated: 24 April 2025
GPSR Product Safety
Effective as of December 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 applies to all products sold to consumers within the European Union. This includes digital sewing patterns that are intended for consumer use.
While sewing patterns themselves are digital products and not inherently dangerous, their use often involves various tools and powerful machinery. As such, it is essential for me to communicate safety considerations to you, the end user, as part of my GPSR compliance.
What This Means for You
My sewing patterns are carefully designed to help you create beautiful handmade pieces. But like any creative process, they may require the use of sharp, hot, or other electrical tools. Here’s what that means in practical terms:
Tools and Equipment
You may use some or all of the following tools with my patterns:
- Sewing machines (domestic or industrial)
- Scissors, rotary cutters, thread snips
- Irons and other pressing tools
- Pins, safety pins, needles, seam rippers
- Miscellaneous tools sporadically mentioned in specific patterns
All tools, machines, and other supplies should always be used in accordance with the safety instructions provided by the brand or manufacturer. I only recommend tools that are commonly used in home sewing, and it’s up to you to make sure they’re in good working order and safe to use. Full safety can be ensured by only using CE marked (or equivalent) tools, which comply with applicable EU safety standards.
I do not supply or manufacture any tools or machines, and I am not responsible for the safety, maintenance, or condition of third-party equipment used in conjunction with my patterns.
Sewing instructions acknowledge safety precautions whenever applicable, think of the use of safety pins over regular pins for some specific steps. Try to avoid substituting them with regular pins unless you’re confident it’s safe to do so – the recommendation is there for a reason.
Digital Safety
My patterns are delivered as digital PDF files and are free from viruses or malware to the best of my knowledge. I take digital safety seriously and use trusted systems to create and deliver files. That being said, I cannot guarantee that any files downloaded from my website are completely free of viruses or malicious malware, so please make sure your device has up-to-date antivirus protection, just to be safe.
Final Thoughts
By purchasing and using our sewing patterns, you agree to:
- Use tools and materials safely, following the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Supervise children and less-experienced makers if they’re sewing with you
- Make sure your sewing space is tidy and hazard-free
- Take breaks, stretch your body, and enjoy the process
I do my best to include helpful safety notes where needed, but the final responsibility for safe use of tools lies with you as the maker. I am not liable for injuries or accidents resulting from misuse of equipment or materials.
For more information about the GPSR regulation, please refer to the official EU legislation here.
Got Questions?
If you have any questions, or ever feel unsure about using a tool or technique recommended in any of my patterns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via info [at] marliesreukers.com. I’m always happy to help.
Happy Sewing!
Marlies