Loading ...So I’ve been notified by some readers about certain Etsy shops that are selling a certain hat that looks eerily similar to one I have a free pattern for.
Now, despite what some people might think, just because a pattern is free doesn’t mean it’s free for you to use however you like. After all, if you click up on the Legal link up there, you’ll find the following:
3. You may not sell any of these patterns, nor are you given permission to sell any items created with these patterns.
So here comes my dilemma…
Now what? I don’t want to become the big dick, here. But I’ve put a lot of time and effort into these patterns. And because I enjoy knitting gifts for others with free patterns, I too have made them free. Could I charge for them? Of course. But I don’t.
But this kind of thing makes me want to. This is my pattern. I’m proud of it. I’m glad people enjoy it and want to buy it from you. But I didn’t make this pattern so that you could make a buck.
At the same time, I want to support my fellow crafters. And I don’t want to be the dick who sends out the cease and desist letters.
But people are profiting from my idea! That’s aggravating! But how do I approach these people and not come across as a massive tool?
So the waffling continues. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
My name is Bex. I live in Cleveland, Ohio, and I like to craft. I would love to do more of it, that's for dang sure. I knit, I sew, I draw, I paint, and I geek out on a fairly regular basis. Thanks for reading my blog. 
Hi,
I make my own string art patterns and sell them at easycreations.com I do not allow people to copy and distribute my PATTERNS to their friends and family the same as you do, (I have them copyrighted and registered with the Library of Congress in Washington, DC), but I do allow them to make ornaments with the patterns and they can sell the ornaments at craft shows, to friends, etc. That’s how most people operate with their patterns. (hence the many pattern books on the market with no restrictions on the made item) - Not everyone is talented enough to MAKE UP a pattern, but they can follow one to make an item. I’ve knitted many items and gave most of them away as gifts and to charity, but the patterns that I’ve used have never said that I couldn’t sell the item I’ve made since I used my own yarn and time to make it. I usually don’t use or keep patterns that have restrictions on them for charity only as it’s hard to remember which ones they are since I have so many. I’ve looked at pictures of knitted items and made up my own patterns from ideas I have in my own head, not even knowing if there was a printed pattern for it somewhere. I would love to make the cupcake hat, but since I stumbled upon your pattern (by accident) and legal infringement notice about selling them, I won’t even bother making them. I can’t keep someone from copying my patterns because they’ll do it no matter what, but I can make it easier on my mind by letting them at least sell what they’ve made. I feel the copyrighted pattern is mine, but the item made from it is not unless I’ve made it with my own hands. If I was you I would NOT give the pattern away for free, but would SELL the copyrighted pattern in a downloadable PDF file like I do on my website and let people sell or give away any item that they make from it however they choose. Like me, I give most of my stuff away, even my string art. Just some thoughts from another pattern maker.
Have a great week,
Marcia
I recently made your cupcake hat for a friend’s baby shower - just loved it! Thanks so much for the pattern. I must admit, I found it so easy, that I too thought of making a bunch and selling on etsy or ebay…(I did not read your “Legal” tab at the time this thought occurred to me). Now that I have, I will cetrainly abide by the rules. I enjoyed making them so much, I would like to make them and donate to my local childtren’s hospital, with your permission of course. I will include your name and website with each one sent, unless there is another way you would like me to acknowlegde you as the designer. Just let me know. Thanks again for sharing.
I would probably drop them a note and be very sweet asking where they got their pattern. Then see what their response is. If they’re a jerk, then you have nothing to feel bad about sending the cease and desist letter, or ask for a percentage or compensation for pattern use. Being a partner with the person might be a win-win for both of you. I’m with you on the gifting, and I would be highly annoyed if someone profited from something I gave freely. Good luck!
I was JUST on etsy, looking at sellers in my area (San Luis Obispo, CA) and ran across this:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19205596
Of course, my first thought was “WOW! I didn’t realize the person that made the cupcake hat is local to me.”
Then I went on ravelry to see who you were (and if I knew you in real life, LOL) and that’s how I found this post.
You should ABSOLUTELY “be a big dick” about this. If one is a knitter, one KNOWS it is a huge no-no to take anyone’s pattern (free or not!) and sell it as their own. Period. You have every right to stick up for your self, and I always say “if you don’t . . . then who will?”
Good luck, and keep us posted,
April (ajdury over at ravelry)
As an amateur photographer I have felt the same sting. People try to take the work I do for them and profit from it however they can. You are not being the jerk - they are, by stealing your hard work. Tell them to stop, and yes, it is copyright infringement. You’re not a jerk. Thank you