How to sell handmade crochet toys in the UK~UKCA testing process, facts & tips~market prep~

[@jennyfryer600]

Great to see a UK seller doing the UKCA testing

[@CherryHook]

Love this due diligence can be applied to yarn if there is enough certificates however if only one colour is tested you cannot use that

[@alicewright8367]

This is a great video. I've watched it multiple times for reference and encouragement!

[@jackieyoung-xh9mw]

Thank you that is so helpful! I stopped making anything with play value as I the thought of technical files horrified me but maybe it’s time to take the plunge 😊

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Defo worth trying but it's not for everyone that's for sure :) x

[@dorahumphries4650]

Thank you so much for this video, I have been feeling sick trying to make sense of the law and what I need to do as a small business. This was so reassuring and helpful, I'm very grateful.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Aww amazing I'm so glad!! Thank you for the comment xx

[@BisisBoutique]

Thank you so much for sharing this! So good to hear from a fellow crocheter in the UK. Would love to hear a breakdown of your process of starting up your business 😊

[@InnoScent_teddies]

You are so welcome!♥️

[@caro-stitched]

Hi really appreciate this video, just started a crochet business, didn't realise that you needed the UKCA before I watched your video a number of months ago. I

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya I'm glad you found it helpful and best of luck with your crochet business!

[@laurenturner172]

I had no idea this was even a thing 😭😂 this makes getting started even harder

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Honestly same! I had absolutely no idea until someone mentioned it and I had a research... the information is definitely not easy to find if you aren't aware of it!

[@petefisher7479]

Don’t let it scare you, once it’s done it’s done.

[@ericabrown77]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I’m starting out and like you initially, I didn’t realize that this was a requirement if I want to sell my toys. I’d found the UKCA group on facebook which is super helpful but was overwhelmed with everything so hadn’t done anything more. However your video has broken it down into a friendly version so I’m going to get the pack and start. I’ve already been using certified wool, your video has made it less daunting. A big thank you ❤

[@Crochetbykirsten]

Thank you so so so much for this video. I have tried to look into this so much recently but got so overwhelmed I gave up and wasn’t going to sell any plushies! But this video has made it seem not so daunting and I will definitely go ahead and do it all now! Thank you so much! 🩵

[@Crochetbykirsten]

Just to double check is it the £52 version we need to get? Xx

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Ahh this is amazing to hear and exactly what I hope the video would do!! The £52 will cover you for EU, Great Britain and northern island while the £42 does UKCA for England wales and Scotland so it's just whichever fits you personally aka where you intend to sell to x

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Please do let me know how you get on!!xx

[@Raffyshooknook]

Omg, it's the bain of my life!! Buuut... yay to us for testing!! We can sleep easier at night 😊

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Absolutely!!

[@ArtisticKatz]

I keep referring back to your video, it’s been a great help. I have tested everything fully done my technical files I am now up to labelling… utter nightmare.. I have been told there has to be a seen in label. However on a no sew plushie where do you sew a label.. also that would need mitigation testing too.. so does that mean you have to have your labels done before starting. Or does a swing tag suffice! This is so confusing.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya glad the videos been of use! Yes the labels is a tricky one, if you are having the labels attached then yes they need to be attached to the toy before it undergo all the safety testing however swing tags can also be used as long as they state all the required statements such as "keep for future reference"

[@MelonMakes]

This made me understand it so much better thank you for this video 🤍

[@quadpaws10]

I’m quite young and working with my parents on my crochet toys, and I want to know, do crochet decorations or ornaments such as table cloths, pencil pots and rugs require UKCA as I love making animals but my parents would never let my burn it and we have little money because we bought a new car. Sorry if that was a lot to read. Thank you to any answers. 😊

[@tinafletcher1145]

thanks for putting me off of crocheting toys especially for charity. THANKS A BUNCH

[@raecrochetz]

Thanks for this! I’m gonna have to think hard about whether I want to do it. I want to make such a variety of things and to have to set fire to one of each seems maybe too daunting 😅

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Yes! It is definitely a big decision to make but worth it if you do but also it's fine to keep your hobby just a hobby also!

[@suzir2348]

Absolutely brilliant video!

[@InnoScent_teddies]

thank you so much!

[@CrochetWithHolls]

Say you had a small version of a toy and a large version of a toy. Could you just test the small version as it’s the same toy or would you also have to test the large version?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

I am not 100% sure with this so it would need a bit of researching into but I would say especially with the flammability it's possible that the bigger size May burn quicker if that's the case, the bigger size would need to be tested

[@ArtisticKatz]

Thank you so much for this. It’s very informative.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

I'm glad you found it helpful 🥰

[@eviehaddon4056]

Thank you for this! Do you have to test every single toy/design that you make? Like you have made and tested that turtle, then you decide to make a whale plushie, do I have to test the whale plushie again? Or if I make a turtle but in another yarn, do I have to test the turtle again? Thank you so much for this! Appreciate the run down of the testing process. Xx

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya yes it's every design as they will be different for example a turtle toy may be smaller or thinner then a chunky whale plushie if that makes sense? However if you are making a turtle plushie using the same yarn but just different colours that is fine. Similarly with different yarn a chenille yarn will be more stretchy/possibly more flammable then an acrylic (don't quote me on this) so could be technically classed as a different design. Good thing is though you can use the same pack for each design so only have to purchase it once and once you've done the testing process a couple times you will know the process back to front and can keep making the same designs over and over xx

[@petefisher7479]

Love the content! Keep it up

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Samrayner88]

Thank you for this video, it’s really helped to almost simplify the process. I’ve just started to get into crochet again and wanted to make crochet plushies to sell and realised they need all this testing…. I have been told though that if you make a turtle (for example) in one colour, you have to test further colours in the same way incase the dyes of those colours react differently to the flammability? And that you can crochet a ‘sausage’ to test in other colours that’s more than 15cm in height and a similar diameter to the original plushie (rather than doing all the details), is this something you’ve done at all and could maybe give some more information on this experience? Also where do you purchase your safety eyes that are en71-3 compliant, and keychains (if this is something you purchase). I’ve found some compliant safety eyes but they require a minimum purchase before they can supply the en71 cert and seem expensive to me.. thank you ☺️

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya I have literally just released a new UKCA video with some answers to FAQ hopefully that's helpful!

[@woolandrock9602]

Thank you, very informative! I heard about UKCA testing just few days ago and joined a Facebook group to find our more info. To be honest, your video makes it look much less scary. I noticed that some people are selling yarn certificates online. Did I understand it correctly that you've got yours for free from the yarn producer website? Thank you again for all info

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya thank you so much for the comment and support! Yes, I use James C Brett yarn and the certificates can be found on their website: www.jamescbrett.co.uk/toy-safety-certification

[@woolandrock9602]

@@InnoScent_teddies Brilliant, thank you!

[@karib8539]

This is brilliant, I'm starting mu testing journey, I wondered if you.could elaborate on the safety eyes, they also need to be certified and tested and how you attach the clamps to check the eyes don't pop out, I saw your turtle had safety eyes but you didn't test to see if they popped off

[@InnoScent_teddies]

The UKCA testing website shows you exactly how you can test them, sometimes using ribbon to grab them easier x

[@dionnehodge3819]

Great info, would I need to test crochet keyrings? Many have safety eyes.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Yes keyrings also count if they are attractive to kids x

[@rachelwelsby5581]

You know when you complete the EN71-3 part on the package how do you do it? What does it ask for? Do you need to download the certificate onto the file??

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Yes I would download and add to your files

[@mellowest8198]

Ok but what about custom orders? Or large designs that we are only planning on making once and cost a lot of money? Are we supposed to make 3 of them and just burn the others? That’s crazy

[@InnoScent_teddies]

I know :( it's very frustrating

[@ailiecollings6764]

Hi, thank you so much! This is so helpful! I was having such a panic last night when I first found out about this! I have a couple of questions… 1. Do you have to test every single new plushie you make even if it’s with the exact same yarn etc? 2. In regards to the labels. Do these need to be attached to the toy permanently or would a removable tag be sufficient? If it has to be attached how to you make sure it won’t come off? Thank you!

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@InnoScent_teddies]

As for label do they can be attached via a removable tag asking as you state on it for people to keep for future references. You need to test each new design, so once you've tested and passed a turtle design in a specific yarn you can then create multiple of that specific design. Have a look at my other UKCA video where I answer FAQs kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4Pci6GtoLeHgpIsi=yn5iU2aJTTkPXq0B

[@ailiecollings6764]

@@InnoScent_teddies thank you so much!

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey lovely, thanks so much for this video. Can you link me what gclamps you got please? xx

[@alexandraas1523]

Thank you for this video, its really helpful! Please can I ask, when you set them alight, is that just one per design if youre using the same wool? So if it passes im guessing i don't have to do it for every single one if its the same wool? Also, do you test each individual make or just one per design?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

I explain a bit further some FAQ in the following video! I hope it helps!! UKCA safety testing for handmade toys | How to sell crochet plushies in the UK | Q&A + top tips kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4Pci6GtoLeHgpI

[@beckylewis1206]

Hi Nicky, great video. If you use safety eyes, is there a test you specifically need to do?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya I have literally just released a new UKCA video with some answers to FAQ hopefully that's helpful!

[@rachelwelsby5581]

Hi what is the process for the safety eyes?? Do they need to be tested? Once you buy the pack isit downloadable straight away? This video is amazing thank you ❤❤❤

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Yes unless they already have been safety tested by the manufacturing company. The pack is downloadable straight away yes

[@Meaganthepagan]

Thank you so much for this video, just a question do you need to spend the £52 on each toy/design?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Nope this is just the initial cost for the pack once you have the pack /templates you can use them over and over for each toy x

[@serenaadams8907]

I've always been a worrier, its very daunting getting started so was wondering if you could answer a question for me, on the certificate for polyester it says colour blush, does the certificate cover all polyester colours or just the blush? Only seems to be 1 certificate per material

[@InnoScent_teddies]

It does state in the pack that you can use due diligence for different colours of the same yarn however if you want to be extra sure you can make sausage shapes of each colour yarn and test them that way x

[@elliestephenson7704]

So helpful! I’m struggling finding UKCA certified key-rings, where did you get yours? 😊

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya I have literally just released a new UKCA video with some answers to FAQ hopefully that's helpful!

[@Louise-g2c]

If i made a prototype with every variation that i usually use for my plushies all in one would this be ok to test and cover them all? Like if i made a standard body and head shape but added bunny ears and then dino spikes and tail and then wings, this would cover my bunnies, dinos and dragons?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

I believe you can yes but I would research as much as you can to cover yourself :)

[@KrissyJD]

Thank you so much for this!! Do you need to put everything you make through this testing? Like do I need to create a tester for each thing I want to sell and fill in the technical file for all or is it a one size fits all if you use the same process to make everything? I’m sorry if this sounds like a silly question but just to be on the safe side lol

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Have a look at my other video as I explain a bit more about variations/ frequently asked questions hopefully it explains things in a bit more detail :) x UKCA safety testing for handmade toys | How to sell crochet plushies in the UK | Q&A + top tips kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4Pci6GtoLeHgpI

[@MissSyd111]

cant wait to test my first plush , do we have to test every plush that is different colour?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

As long as you have the certificates for each colour you should be able to use due diligence, you can always do sausage tests just to be extra sure x

[@Danceswithfishes]

To be honest, I saw your turtle burning video and got upset, about having to test the toys. However, this video was very reassuring. I wonder, how fo you put a label with all this info on a miniature amigurumi? They are tiny. And thanks for the video!

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Aw I'm pleased you've found it useful! You can add removable tags if easier x

[@Danceswithfishes]

@@InnoScent_teddies See? I didn't know about removable tags. 😀

[@antoniacox68]

Do you also need to keep the video proof or just document you have done this afterwards? Wondering if a usb stick solely for the videos would be needed.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

You don't have to but I would just incase as it's good to have evidence etc x

[@wishywashy1153]

I have that same orchid Lego set.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

🤘🏼♥️

[@snezhkash.5255]

When i finished all the procedure do I need to send all these papers? Also this test is for both markings ce and ukca? Thanks.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

The documents are for personal use only/ to have as evidence etc just incase but there are Facebook groups / internet pages that offer expert advise for a fee that you can send to get clarification or advise etc x

[@snezhkash.5255]

If i got a certificate of yarn, do i neeed to test each color of yarn from same brand? Thank you.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

It says in the pack that you can use dudiligence between same yarn of the same brand for example chenille yarn of the same brand however if you were you use a yarn of different thickness or material you'd need to test again, however for peace of mind if you want to test all the colours then by all means :)

[@dianaeldred9879]

The setting toys on fire.. is this for each design or will any one design using the same yarn suffice?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

It depends on the design, my other video explains a bit better how you can use due diligence if the designs are quite similar xx UKCA safety testing for handmade toys | How to sell crochet plushies in the UK | Q&A + top tips kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4Pci6GtoLeHgpI

[@TeenyDragon]

Just reading up on UKCA and I feel like keyrings will be basically impossible to certify!! Did you manage to certify crochet keyrings? Thank you for the informative video! 🧶❤️

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya yes crochet keyrings have to go through the same process :)

[@randomplushieanimations7892]

I make ones from fabric, I always say they are not toys for children because they have wire inside will it work if I clearly state they are not toys??? Im disabled and unable to have a ‘normal’ job so if i cant sell crafts anymore i will have no money 😭

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya I literally can't give a 100% answer as I'm no expert but I would just advise you do lots of research about the subject to ensure you are covered and understand it all x

[@harpiehunter9428]

im in the same boat, i don't think it's right to limit artists to only making child safe designs when children aren't their desired target!

[@InnoScent_teddies]

it is very frustrating @@harpiehunter9428

[@EmmaMcAlonen]

Do you have to buy a new technical file or certificate for each new design?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Nope you can just buy one file and can copy it/replicate it for each new toy/ design x

[@cosyshannon]

I haven’t done it yet. Didn’t know it was a thing

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya thank you for commenting! Don't feel alone as that's quite common and I was the exact same when I first started out 🙌🏼

[@cosyshannon]

@@InnoScent_teddies that’s good. I don’t want to get arrested because I made a sea turtle. I’ve made one off plushies which I don’t wanna make again as it was like a trying to see if I could do it. But if I keep all my plushies I’ll be buried in them.

[@martakociolek]

This is just for businesses, right? If i crochet for my friends or donate them it doesn't need to be done?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Hiya I have literally just released a new UKCA video with some answers to FAQ hopefully that's helpful!

[@dylandrew6071]

Cheaper than a fine/prison sentence for injury or death of a child, some tests may seem OTT, but after 3 kids never underestimate what a kid is capable of.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Couldn't agree more 🙌🏼

[@8halo8ful]

Great video... not great that we have to test every single different design or same design with a different brand of yarn. And this information isnt readily available so there are probably 1000s of people selling handmade toys without the marking 😞

[@nicoletruscott7366]

My only worry is testing flammability

[@InnoScent_teddies]

Yes that is the worst part!!

[@RebeccaMuniz]

Where can I buy your toys?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

On my Etsy store innoscentteddies.etsy.com

[@AfroMinaj]

Do you have to record yourself doing the test ?

[@InnoScent_teddies]

You don't have to but it good to have as evidence x

[@AfroMinaj]

@@InnoScent_teddies thank Yian’s one more question 🙋‍♀️ please. I have bought the testing kit document but I have not looked through it all yet. So I have to buy the EN71s aswell.

[@InnoScent_teddies]

@AfroMinaj don't always have to buy them, some manufactures supply them for free on their websites other you may have to purchase x

[@LaurensCorner]

£52 for the guide!!!! :O what?!

[@InnoScent_teddies]

It was £39 when I got it? Inflation!

[@LaurensCorner]

@@InnoScent_teddies sigh illegal untested plushies for a while till i make enough to be legit. *Dies inside* £52 for paper .... I spent less on some of my largest uni books. Whats it compromised of? The secret to turning lead into gold? My wailing aside. Perhaps make a mini update on these changes.