Toy-safe wool from Gründl

OEKO-TEX? European standard for toy safety DIN EN 71-3? All about the certification of Gründl wool for the production of toys for babies and children.
Toy-safe wool from Gründl

Every year we design the green women's power sock, and this year Claudia from the knitting design team came up with an exciting pattern that is also a lot of fun to knit.

Instructions for the Women's Power Sock 2025

What are standards?

A standard is a generally recognised recommendation or rule whose use is voluntary. In addition, legislators or authorities can refer to binding standards through laws, regulations or directives, for example in matters of safety, health or environmental protection. In principle, standards define standard requirements for products, processes or services. This standardises quality requirements for products, for example, and provides information about certain properties. In general:
- DIN (German Institute for Standardization) represents German interests in European and worldwide standardisation organisations. A DIN standard is mainly of national importance.
- DIN EN = German version of a European standard.

What does DIN EN 71 mean? More precisely, DIN EN 71-3 Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements?

The European standard EN 71 defines safety requirements for toys. All toys and other products placed on the market in the European Union that come into direct contact with children must meet this standard. As part of the test for migration of certain elements, the release of eight toxic substances (arsenic, antimony, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium) is measured and compared with the legally defined values. Materials with an official toy-suitability mark have been tested according to the aforementioned DIN EN 71-3. They are therefore officially suitable for making toys.
A total of six Gründl qualities have undergone this strict testing procedure under the European toy safety standard. A valuable and extremely important test, especially indispensable for wool for babies and children.

Why is certified wool important for children’s toys?

Babies and children want to discover their environment with all their senses. To make sure that DIY toys, which are sometimes put in the mouth, are safe and free from harmful substances, we recommend using wool certified according to the European toy standard. Tested wool and yarns have been examined for harmful substances in toy materials and parts, and at the same time tested for the release of such substances.
With crochet animals, toys and nursery decorations made from tested Gründl yarns, nothing stands in the way of babies and children discovering our diverse world with all their senses. We at Gründl promise you: with our saliva-resistant wool tested for harmful substances, little ones can begin their adventure safely.

Is Gründl wool certified according to DIN EN 71-3 also OEKO-TEX® certified?

Yes, all Gründl yarns that have been tested according to the European toy safety standard are certified according to the limit values of product class 1 of the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This product class covers skin-close products for babies and toddlers up to three years old, which are tested according to the strictest requirements.

What does OEKO-TEX® certified mean?

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is a globally uniform, independent testing and certification system for textile raw, intermediate and finished products. Yarns marked with it stand for consumer protection and product responsibility. At Gründl, it is very important to us to offer safe, pollutant-free wool, especially for toddlers and babies.
To have wool and yarns certified according to OEKO-TEX®, strict compliance with guidelines and continuous quality control are required. To ensure the product safety of our yarns and wool for babies and toddlers, they are subjected to an extensive catalogue of measures for harmful-substance testing and strict guidelines. These are tested in cooperation with the Hohenstein Institute according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
From prohibited dyes such as azo dyes, formaldehyde, nickel and more to chemicals of health concern, our OEKO-TEX® certified wool is thoroughly tested.
Not only wool and yarns for babies and toddlers are OEKO-TEX® certified. Most of our effect yarns, winter yarns, felting wool, gradient yarns and sock yarns also carry this standard. The OEKO-TEX® seal has also been awarded to our Gründl jersey fabrics made from pure cotton.
To look up the exact OEKO-TEX® certificate for your Gründl wool, yarn or fabric ball, enter the number shown on the respective label in the OEKO-TEX® Label Check.
The following Gründl OEKO-TEX® certificate numbers apply to yarns certified according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® product class 1: 11.0.88397, 16.0.77241 and 21.068271.

Which Gründl wool is officially suitable for toys and OEKO-TEX® certified?

Cotton Fun: Our cotton yarn that is, quite literally, fun. Cotton Fun is a wonderful crochet yarn made from pure cotton that has been neither mercerised nor gassed. This preserves the yarn's naturally matte character.
We love our cotton for colourful amigurumi of all kinds. From crocheted frog animals and our amigurumi cat to a crocheted panda cuddly toy for babies and children. This certified wool for knitting and crocheting can safely be used as children's toys, because Cotton Fun is free from harmful substances.
Our certified cotton yarn is also suitable for children's clothing and baby clothes. Thanks to thorough testing, both according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard and the European Toy Safety Standard, children and babies are wonderfully cared for in hand-knitted clothing made from Gründl Cotton Fun. Skin-friendly, saliva-resistant and tested for harmful substances.
The Gründl natural yarn is also ideal for airy summer clothing such as crocheted dresses, light knitted sweaters and knitted tops. A cotton yarn for the whole family.

Cotton Quick uni

Cotton Quick uni: This shiny crochet yarn is wonderful to crochet and knit, and creates an even stitch pattern. It gets its shimmering shine from a sophisticated finishing process. It is gassed and mercerised, which also means the yarn impresses with high durability, shape retention and no pilling.
When it comes to amigurumi, our Gründl Cotton Quick uni cotton is the champion among yarns. Sweet crocheted animals and handmade cuddly toys are wonderful gifts for children and very popular with little ones. We can recommend the pure cotton yarn Cotton Quick uni for this with a clear conscience, because it has been tested according to the European Toy Safety Standard and is therefore officially suitable for toys. You can give crocheted animals made from this yarn without worry, so they can be played with extensively while children discover the world.
Our cotton yarn for crochet and knitting also looks wonderful as a fashion yarn alongside sweet amigurumi. Thanks to its cooling effect on the skin, this shiny cotton yarn is ideal for summer clothing and fashion for babies and toddlers. Knitted tops, light cardigans, crocheted sweaters: you will love the comfortable feel.
Feel free to browse our patterns, where you will find all the knitting patterns and crochet ideas you can create from this yarn. Best of all, in addition to DIN EN 71-3 testing, our cotton for crochet and knitting is certified according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100. A skin-friendly yarn for big and small.

Cotton Quick print

Cotton Quick print: The patterned counterpart to the shiny cotton yarn Cotton Quick uni is our Cotton Quick print. This wool for knitting and crocheting is also tested according to DIN EN 71-3. Ideal for crafting with children, for sweet crocheted animals and for handmade baby toys. Your creative project for children is sure to become an eye-catcher in the playroom with this printed yarn.
This saliva-resistant and colourfast cotton is also certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Skin-friendly, tested for harmful substances and with fantastic wearing comfort.
With its cooling feel, this shiny yarn, which has been mercerised and gassed just like the plain Cotton Quick uni version, is also ideal for summer clothing and fashion for babies and toddlers. Patterned cardigans, colourful crochet tops and crocheted sweaters for summer are absolute must-haves in your summer wardrobe.
Take a look here: in our patterns, versatile crochet ideas and knitting projects are waiting for you to create from this colourful crochet yarn.

Funny uni

Funny uni for fluffy, pollutant-free toys for children and babies. Our chenille yarn tested according to DIN EN 71-3 is wonderfully suitable for handmade cuddly toys. We cannot get enough of crocheted amigurumi made from the soft effect yarn Funny uni. You are sure to take our crocheted elephant and amigurumi lion to your heart, just as we have. And our DIY teddy with its button eyes is impossible not to love. We think all crocheted animals made from this chenille yarn are the perfect gift for children and all cuddle fans.
Cosy-soft children's clothing also looks magical in this effect yarn and keeps wonderfully warm. Knitted sweaters, crocheted hats or ponchos for children become wardrobe favourites in no time. Because we promise you one thing: clothing is rarely this supple and soft. Perfect for snuggling up.
For everyone who wants to make cosy-soft decorations for the children's room themselves: cuddly blankets, stool covers and cushions made from chenille yarn bring lots of joy and, above all, warmth to every child's room.
By the way, our cosy effect yarn has not only been tested according to DIN EN 71-3, it has also undergone OEKO-TEX® certification. This skin-friendly yarn with its unmistakable velvety surface is a true wonder. Without shedding, the voluminous yarn becomes soft knitted pieces and crocheted unique creations to fall in love with.

Funny color

Funny color: Fantastic, fluffy, colourful. The chenille yarn Funny color feels just as wonderful as its plain-coloured version Funny uni. A velvety surface gives it an unmistakably cuddly touch. This voluminous effect yarn is easy to knit and crochet, without shedding. Look forward to an even stitch pattern from this hard-wearing, cuddly wool.
What do we especially like using this yarn for? The yarn Funny color, tested according to the European Toy Safety Standard and awarded OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, is saliva-resistant, tested for harmful substances and officially suitable for toys. Perfect for soft cuddly toys and fluffy blankets. We think this colourful printed yarn is ideal for accessories, clothing and gift ideas for children.

Eco Cotton

Eco Cotton: Our organic Gründl cotton Eco Cotton is also part of the family of wools tested according to DIN EN 71-3. But that is not all: the special feature of this cotton yarn is that the pure natural fibre comes from organic cultivation. It is easy to work with and offers pleasant wearing comfort, especially in summer.
We love this certified yarn for soft baby clothing, children's accessories and fashionable highlights for adults too. A nature-loving yarn for big and small.
PS: the yarn comes with a wonderful colour palette. Soft, elegant and muted shades that can be combined beautifully.
For more detailed information and to view the relevant certificates for toy suitability conformity and technical documents for our products, you can contact our customer service at any time.
We hope you have lots of fun knitting and crocheting with wool that complies with all legal requirements for toy safety. You are very welcome to send us your experience with certified baby wool. We are always happy to receive pictures and stories created together with Gründl wool, because wool connects and brings lots of joy.
It is the responsibility of the toy manufacturer to find out about the currently applicable requirements of the Toy Directive.

We would like to further support this campaign and will therefore donate for every green* sock yarn ordered from the Gründl online shop between February 4th and March 4th, 2025. 100% of the proceeds will go to the German Association for Gynecological Cancers (Verein für Gynäkologische Krebserkrankungen Deutschland e.V.).

0.50 euros per ball → Green sock yarn 50 grams
1.00 Euro per ball → Green sock yarn 100 / 150 grams

Instructions for the Women's Power Sock 2025

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