Rules Of Engagement

Before I ask for help, here’s a little brief history of my knitting… I’ve been knitting in a bubble for the last say 10 years. I would buy magazines and knit at home for my own pleasure. I’ve been immersed in the whole online world for a LONG time but never thought to seek out any knitting communities as it didnt really pertain to my job. All I ever did was immerse myself in communities and tools that would benefit the music industry :) BUT, now that i have found awesome sites like, oh, RAVELRY… i’ve just about gone bananas :)

For a while now, i’ve wanted to start selling knitted, beaded, sewn goodies. I’ve sold a few things, but those were custom one off jobs. When it comes to the beaded and sewn, I make it all up as I go along. Knitting however, I mix it up. I love to make up my own patterns, but at the same time, love to be able to not think and just make things from patterns.

I need some help in terms of what the “rules” are. If I see a pattern in a magazine, or ravelry, be it bought or free… am I allowed to turn around and sell the knitted goods? I’ve read some patterns where they explicitly tell you that you are not allowed to use the pattern for mass production.

I fully intend on having the bulk of the things I want to sell be original designs, but i’m wondering if you’re allowed to take a pattern, modify it, then sell it?

I’m sure i’m not asking the right kind of questions, but coming from the music industry, I take copyright issues very seriously and don’t want to “steal” anything or break any rules.

I also have a few vintage patterns that I would like to sell… is it wrong to sell those if i restore them?

Sorry for all the questions. I know I’m asking for a lot… but if there are any pointers or help you can give me, I would FOREVER be grateful.

Thank you!!!!!!!

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2 Responses

Julie says:

February 24, 2010 at 6:34 pm

All good questions! Legally, you cannot sell items made from patterns that you did not create. This is because the person who designed and wrote the pattern hold the copyright, much like the author of your favourite book. The only exception to this is if the copyright has expired, such as very vintage knits (think 100 years old and more).

I’ve definitely seen people selling things on Etsy that they shouldn’t be, which I assume is because they don’t realize about the infringement. the internet has created a lot of murky waters regarding copyright that are difficult to enforce outside of the US.

Modifying the pattern doesn’t get away from the copyright- it would have to be enough of a modification that would give your item a completely different look and feel.

Alternatively, you can always send an email to the designer and ask if they are all right if you sell knitted items based on the pattern- once you have their permission, you’re free and clear.

It might be worthwhile for you to create a couple of patterns that hit the right notes of what you like to knit, that are maybe inspired by another pattern, and then sell items from your patterns.

I hope that helps- I know how disheartening it can be, I’ve been toying with the idea of having an etsy shop for a while, but creating the original patterns to knit from is what keeps me from doing it!

Telma says:

February 24, 2010 at 6:59 pm

Thanks so much Julie! I ended up doing some googling and found out exactly what you typed here. I’m a little intimidated by the fact that i will need to create everything from scratch. for little things that dont really require a size it should be ok. I know how to knit sweaters and such for myself, but i’m not skilled enough yet to figure out how to convert the pattern for other sizes.

Thanks so much for you help! the funny thing is that as i got the email about your comment, i was looking at your blog and admiring your socks! those are sooooo pretty!!!!

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