Crochet Business: Do You Have Permission to Sell That?

When you sell online or at craft fairs you might not think too much about the patterns you use to make your crocheted projects. Do you have permission to sell that? There has been much debate both online and offline about the copyright issues regarding crochet patterns and how to use them.

The Basics:
The designer has the copyright over the written pattern. It is intellectual property and you are not allowed to sell it.
What about the Crocheted Version of the Pattern?

Again, different people will say different things. I’m not positive if it is just artist’s ethics that prevails or if the law actually backs up what many believe about this issue. For the most part, if the designer gives you permission to sell the completed item it is fine. However, if the designer specifically states that selling of the finished item is not allowed you can’t sell it. (*Note below)

*For more information visit The Crochet Liberation Front blog and read her article on Trademark and Copyright. http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/2012/06/lets-chat-about-trademark-and-copyright/

If you don’t design your own patterns, where do you find patterns to make in order to sell? There are five places I look when searching for patterns to use.

1. Google
Search Google for “permission to sell finished items” to find designers that allow you to sell items made from their pattern.

2. Cottage License
A cottage license is where a designer will allow you to sell a specific number of items using their pattern. For instance, you can buy limited licenses where you can sell up to 25 items from the pattern or you can buy an unlimited license which gives you permission to sell any amount for one year.

3. Handmade Shops
Visit handmade sites like Etsy, Zibbet or Artfire and search “permission to sell finished items” to see which designers allow this. Buy these patterns and you are covered legally.

4. Crochet Blogs
Many crochet bloggers will post patterns and give permission to sell. You’ll have to do some research but you will probably find a number of no cost patterns to use at craft fairs or online.

5. Yarn Suppliers
Finally, check out your yarn suppliers. Sites like Lion Brand Yarns, Red Heart Yarn and Caron Yarns as these sites will often let you sell the completed items made from their patterns. An important thing to note is that you must read the terms because sometimes they feature sample patterns from copyrighted material like books and magazines.

Conclusion:
Remember, designers work hard on their patterns. It is a lot of work to test the pattern, write it up, work out the kinks and submit the proposal to the publisher. If you don’t respect the law regarding copyright of intellectual property, respect the artist.

There are plenty of patterns that give legitimate permission to those who sell crochet – believe it or not they are honored that you’ve selected their design – Just give the credit for the design.

Do comment below to let me know your thoughts on this issue. Do be kind and respectful as I know people are quite passionate about this topic.

Written by Momwithahook

Tags: crochet, crochet patterns, Handmade, handmade art

Posted in Handmade