Copyright and Ethics in Knitting
Learn about copyright basics and using patterns ethically
9/22/20253 min read
With the rise of digital knitting patterns, many knitters have a lot of questions about what is protected under copyright, and what practices are considered ethical. (Disclaimer: while I am familiar with this topic, I am not a lawyer, and I write this from an American perspective. I do not know the laws in other countries.)
Copyright Basics
At least in the US, copyright protects the written pattern itself, as well as any photos or charts included. It does NOT protect the finished item made from the pattern. Copyright also doesn’t protect general ideas, only the way it is written and presented. For example, you can’t copyright the concept of a cabled hat, only the specific way the designer creates it and the pattern they write for it are protected under copyright.
Using and Sharing Patterns
Generally, when you buy a pattern, or even when you use a free one, you are buying it for personal use. Sharing the pattern violates copyright and is generally considered unethical, and for good reason. Designers put a lot of time and effort into their patterns, and will often pay to have them tech edited as well. They also often undercharge for their patterns given the work that goes into them, and they deserve to compensated for that work! Even if you get a pattern for free, do not share the pattern with your friends, send them to the source where you got it. There are online spaces, such as Facebook groups, where people share paid knitting patterns with each other, and I cannot stress enough how unethical that is! Not only does it violate copyright laws, but you’re taking sales away from designers who rely on that income.
What You Can Sell
Some designers ask people not to sell the finished products they make from their patterns, but here in the US there is no law backing that up. The ethics behind this are a major gray area, and it is often heatedly debated online. The way I see it, it’s similar to baking cookies for a bake sale. If you use a recipe from a cookbook you paid for, you bought the ingredients, you used your time and skill to bake them, you should be able to sell the cookies, at least on small scales. You’re just not allowed to share the recipe, and, while it’s not illegal, it would be a bit gross to claim that you made the cookies with your own recipe. Give credit where credit is due!
Modifications
If you modify a pattern, does it become your own? This is another gray area that depends on the circumstances. According to copyright laws, you must modify a pattern to the extent that it becomes a new design. Where to draw this line is tricky though. If you used someone else’s pattern and modified it, and would like to sell it, it’s best practice to contact them and ask. At least with this approach, the worst that happens is they say it’s too close to their pattern, you can’t sell it, but you avoid getting in legal trouble. Like I mentioned in my blog post about reverse engineering knitwear, it’s generally frowned upon to copy other people’s designs, especially indie designers; however, copying store-bought designs for personal use can be fine. If you create a derivative design, you can always give credit by saying who and what inspired it. Be mindful whenever using cultural designs, particularly if you aren’t part of the culture that created it. If it’s not your culture, it’s best to avoid using them in your own designs; stick with supporting those in that culture by purchasing their patterns and using them only for personal use.
Ultimately, there are many gray areas in this topic, but it’s best practice to ask permission whenever you’re in doubt. Most designers have contact information on their websites, or you can send them a message directly on Ravelry. Remember to give credit wherever credit is due, and do not copy other people’s designs. If you have any questions about this topic, use the form below to send me an email. Happy stitching!
