Does anyone know if there are any regs for making adult clothing? I have looked on line and can’t find anything.
I know kids costumes need them but unclear about adults things, like scarves and cowls. Which will be what im interested in. Got a feeling there aren’t any? thanks.
There was some chat yesterday about providing information about fibre content, here’s a link to the thread
thanks @plumporridge at least i know now.
There are lots of regulations, but pretty much all of them are aimed at manufacturers and retailers, all shifting tens of thousands of units a week. As long as you’re truthful on your listing and you use basic common sense, I think we’re covered. Scarves and cowls should be fine, unless you list an acrylic cowl as cashmere. Then you’re asking for a visit from trading standards!
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It’s so easy to get labels made with the laundry care symbols and fibre composition, why wouldn’t you do it? It can even be on the back of the label with your shop logo, name and email, so you have promotion and legal compliance all in one.
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Actually knowing the fibre content to put on the label - this bit is not so easy, not if you’re using vintage or alternatively sourced fabrics. Or twenty to thirty different fabrics per product, like me.
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I would have to be more savvy with the content. Fleece is 100% polyester, so I guess that’s ok. Trouble is when you buy and the content isn’t clear. Having to make notes of the fibres. I may just give it a miss, don’t want to get into any bother.
Will this also apply if you knit a scarf abd gloves. Loads do this and I don’t think they include labels.
What makes you come to that conclusion? 
Do you mean me @Knittingtopia
Yes, sorry I thought I had clicked on reply on your post so it would tag you 
Oh yes, so you did! Anyway, I had purchased from many craft fairs and bought knitted things, no labels. I haven’t seen much in the way of labels, come to think if it. Also, maybe people don’t know, just like me. I didn’t think anything of not seeing a label, it doesn’t bother me if there’s one or not.
Ah, I’ve never attended a craft fair, as a seller or buyer (shock I know!) I supply the label from the yarn I use which has its fibre content and wash instructions. If I don’t have the label for whatever reason (torn/lost) I just make my own label. I can see how it would be more difficult for those who use fabrics.
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The government guidelines to go with the textile regs allow for the term “mixed fibres” to be used in cases where more than one type of textile is present, the composition is not known or can’t be obtained from the supplier, and testing by the manufacturer would not be cost effective. It’s a bit vague but I think a designer making one-off items, or small quantities of items, and using more than one textile would fit all these criteria. I use lots of different fabrics in my designs. Many are offcuts and remnants from local curtain and upholstery shops and are themselves not labelled. There is no way I could stand the cost of having them tested when my items are one-offs. I therefore use the “mixed fibres” term as per the guidelines. @Amberlilly, you could consider doing that.
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Thanks Helen, maybe I can get some labels done. Don’t want to break the law…
@Beesandblossoms if you don’t know the fibre content or the item is made using different textiles you can mark the label ‘unspecified textile composition’ or ‘mixed fibres’ .
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I use the term mixed in my listings, yes. I couldn’t begin to specify percentages. Some of my textiles and threads are over half a century old!
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Can you print things yourself and tie the cut outs on, like luggage labels? I’m thinking of the cost of having fabric labels printed or embroidered. Covering all the possible options would be a terrific cost…
I used “mixed” as that’s true of my items, but if you know something is 100% wool, you’ll probably want to say that.
I’m wondering about those labels you can write on. That would be cheaper. Wouldn’t look fantastic but it may work? @Beesandblossoms
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I’d do that, happily. I’ve got brown luggage labels that I use. Its more in keeping with the handmade element too, perhaps?
Not sure tho, if it has to be a permanent label, fabric one? Someone may know? But I was thinking of those school labels you write on your kids jumper? Lol! @Beesandblossoms