Filati OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Macrè Bag: certificati senza sostanze nocive per borse all'uncinetto

OEKO-TEX certified yarns: what it means and why it matters for crochet bags

📖 6 minute read

When you buy yarn, you usually look at the color, thickness, and price. But there's another piece of information you should check: is the yarn OEKO-TEX certified? ✨

What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent certification created in Europe in the 1990s. It guarantees that a textile product does not contain harmful substances to human health beyond the permitted limits. It is not a manufacturer's declaration: it is a control by independent third parties, with identical public criteria for everyone.

What substances are tested

The tests check hundreds of potentially harmful chemical substances: pesticides (residues from natural yarns), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic), azo dyes (which can release carcinogenic amines), formaldehyde, phthalates, volatile organic compounds, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), allergens such as nickel and chromium.

The 4 classes of certification

  • Class I — Babies up to 3 years old: strictest limits overall
  • Class II — Direct skin contact: sweaters, underwear, accessories
  • Class III — No direct contact: outerwear, linings
  • Class IV — Decorative materials: curtains, tablecloths

For crochet bags, the relevant class is generally II (skin contact).

Why it matters for crochet bags

  1. Prolonged skin contact: a shoulder bag is in contact with the skin for hours
  2. Handicraft = intense contact: the yarn passes between fingers for hours — much more intense exposure
  3. Washing and environment: with each wash, chemicals are released into the water
  4. Allergies: some uncertified yarns can cause irritation to those with sensitive skin

All Macrè Bag yarns are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: from Magic Cotton to Classic Cord, from Pizza Lycra Fabric Yarn to Marshmallow Cotton.

All Macrè yarns are OEKO-TEX certified

Choose with peace of mind: from Magic Cotton to Classic Cord, including Pizza Lycra Fabric Yarn. See the complete collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OEKO-TEX mean organic?
No. OEKO-TEX certifies the absence of harmful substances in the finished product, not the production method. For organic products, other certifications exist, such as GOTS.
Is an OEKO-TEX certified yarn also eco-friendly?
Partially. OEKO-TEX focuses on safety for the wearer, not on the environmental impact of production. For environmental certifications, other standards exist (GOTS, Bluesign, EU Ecolabel).
How long does an OEKO-TEX certification for a yarn last?
The certification is issued for 1 year, after which it must be renewed with new tests. It is a continuous control.
Can lurex/metallic yarns be certified?
Yes. Even yarns with metallic components (like our Lurex Cord and Pandorino Lurex) can be certified, provided that the metallic component does not release heavy metals above the thresholds.
Can I wash a certified yarn normally?
Yes. Certification does not change how you wash the yarn: follow the instructions for the fiber type. For practical details, see our guide How to wash crochet bags.

In summary

For those who crochet bags — and therefore handle yarn for hours — OEKO-TEX certification is a concrete value. For us at Macrè Bag, it's a non-negotiable choice: we want our customers to buy with the same peace of mind we do. 💕

— Martina Del Pivo
Tagged: certificazioni filati guide qualità sostenibilità
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Scritto da Martina Del Pivo — co-founder di Macrè Bag. Chi è Martina →