Crochet Manufacturer FAQ: MOQ, Lead Time & Compliance

What is the minimum order quantity for crochet toys?

MOQ depends on the amount of hand work in a unit, not on unit price. Amigurumi and crochet dolls start at 100 sets, crochet flowers and bouquets at 200 pieces, and small keychains or bag charms from 200 pieces. A design with many colour changes or fine detail can carry a higher threshold because sampling and set-up cost more hand time.

How long does sampling take for a new crochet design?

A new hand-crocheted design is sampled in 5-7 business days. A colour or yarn change on an existing pattern takes about one working day, because the pattern is already drafted and only the material changes. Sampling is charged separately and credited against the bulk order.

How do I get a quotation?

Send a specification, a reference image, a sketch or a marketplace link. The pattern team converts it into a technical blueprint and the quotation is returned within 24 hours, including unit price at your target volume, sampling cost and an indicative landed cost.

Is the factory EN71 and ASTM F963 certified?

Yes. Textile crochet toys are tested to EN71-1/2/3 for the EU and ASTM F963 for the United States, with CE and UKCA marking where applicable, and CY/TSCA where required for the US. Report numbers and the issuing laboratory are provided rather than a certificate image alone.

What is the 90N pull-force test and why does it matter?

It is a load test applied to attached parts - eyes, buttons, limbs and trims - to confirm they do not detach under a child's pull. Our standard is 90N, which exceeds the EN71 requirement. It matters because most recalls of handmade toys involve detached small parts, not the textile itself.

Which yarns do you use, and are they certified?

Cotton and cotton-blend yarns are the default for toys and baby items, with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified yarn available on request. Because colour is a dyed-batch variable rather than a printed variable, we lock a yarn batch at sampling and keep a retained sample for reference on subsequent orders.

How many artisans actually produce the goods?

A network of 30,000+ certified artisans across four Chinese provinces, with output per base tracked monthly rather than a single headcount figure. Work is distributed across bases so a single site disruption does not stop an order.

What is the production lead time after sample approval?

Bulk production normally runs 15-30 days after sample approval, with a fixed weekly handover day for goods going out. Peak season, especially the run-up to Christmas, should be booked in advance against a stated production cut-off date.

Can you handle a small first order to test the market?

Yes. Mixed orders within one category let a smaller buyer test several designs in a single shipment, and low-MOQ programmes are designed for first orders. The commercial logic is straightforward: we would rather build a repeat buyer than insist on a first order that cannot be sold through.

What shipping terms do you offer?

DDP door-to-door to 50+ countries, quoted with duties and last-mile delivery included so the landed cost is visible before commitment. FOB, CIF and EXW are also available if you prefer to use your own freight forwarder.

How do you protect a design I send you?

A bilateral NDA is signed before any file exchange, and the pattern drafted for you is not added to any catalogue or shown to another buyer. Designs supplied by a client remain the client's property.

Do you work with private label and marketplace sellers?

Yes. Both OEM - you supply the specification and we manufacture to it - and ODM - you supply a concept and we draft and manufacture - are supported, with private label tags, packaging and barcodes prepared for Amazon, Etsy and retail handover.