Monday, May 25, 2009

What Does "Free Patterns" Mean to You?

If people post free patterns on their websites/blogs does this not mean that we are FREE to print these out and stitch as we wish? Aren't we allowed to then post the finished piece giving credit to the "designer" who posted the free pattern?

I am getting some negative feedback from someone because I am using their "creations". Am I doing something wrong? The last thing I want to do is to get into some kind of trouble but I feel I am doing nothing wrong.

What do you think?

Jill

16 comments:

Suburban Stitcher said...

What were you using their "creations" for? Just stitching, right?

Here's how I see it...in the quilting world for example, it's very rare that you will do the quilt in the EXACT same fabrics as the pattern. You use from your stash, get different backing, make it a different size, etc. Same with XS...we change a thread color here and there, just different fabric, maybe stitch it over 1, or leave out a tree that we don't care for or something like that. I say...if this is what you're doing...it's PERFECTLY legal. The patterns are like "suggested guidelines" to follow, not mandatory instructions.

JillMN said...

That is exactly what I am doing. In fact, these freebie patterns don't even have color charts. I picked my own colors, fabric, etc.

Thank you Dianne for your comment.

Cole said...

I agree with how you interpret it as well. I would think they'd be honored that someone believes their design is stitch-worthy and as long as proper credit is given they should be thrilled. If someone doesn't want their pattern used, then they shouldn't be posting the pattern in the first place!!!

Peg said...

If the chart is "free" that means it is yours/ours for the taking. There would be no copyright infringement to print this and then stitch it showing your work on your blog and geeesh you did give credit to the designer on your blog. I don't see what she/he has to be upset about.

Kathy A. said...

I'm telling ya Jill. Some people just live to make others uncomfortable. Why post a pattern and list it as free if you will not allow anyone to use it or post it. If they do not like the way their pattern is used stop posting them!!!
BTW, you are an awesome stitcher. You do such beautiful work and no-one and I mean NO-ONE should ever criticize your work.

Sabine R said...

How strange is that? Is that not what they offer their free patterns for? I've never asked a designer for permission to stitch a freebie yet...
As long as you link back to their website or blog and give credit to the designer, where is the problem? After all, nobody forces anyone to offer anything for free...

Sabine R said...

btw - you're not referring to a French freebie by any chance?

lynda said...

What are you doing wrong? The design is offered as a freebie...you are stitching it and finishing it in whatever way you choose...and you are crediting the designer or blog that the design came from...and by showing it on your blog or wherever you are also introducing the rest of us to someone's design which we may not have found otherwise. I don't get it!

Missy Ann said...

My comment... what Kathy A said. Hopefully she won't send the cross stitching police after me for copying her! rofl

Daffycat said...

You are doing nothing wrong. Free is free as long as you are not copyright infringing.

If a designer had the gall to reprimand me about using a free design you can bet I would never stitch another of their designs, free or otherwise!

So far I've only created freebie designs...Me? I'm just thrilled to pieces to find one of my designs posted on someones blog!

Carol R said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen said...

It sounds to me that you're using freebies exactly how they should be used!

I don't think I've read a blog yet where there wasn't a freebie stitched up and posted, we all better keep an eye out for the freebie police now... LOL...

Sharing a finished freebie, properly credited, only spreads the word about a particular design/er, they're getting free advertising, I think they should be pleased.

Becky K in OK said...

AS far as I can tell you are doing everything right. There are people who just love to cause conflict.

I for one, would, in some way let other stitchers know who this designer is so we could steer clear of her ranting.

I am just sorry you had to be at the other end of her chastisement.

If it "ain't" free, don't post it as such!

Jeanie said...

Is there any small print on the freebie that says you are only allowed to admire it, not to copy, print or do anything whatsoever ? LOL

If it's free, it's free !

Do let us know who this designer is !

Michele said...

so sorry you have to deal with crap like this! free is free in my book .. what designer wouldn't love to see their freebies stitched up all over blogland!

dany said...

You are really of bad faith!
I do not forbid you to embroider(exaggerate) my creations but simply not to publish my drawings on your blog!
I moreover deleted(eliminated) all my creations on my blog continuation(suite) in abuses I explained it to you nevertheless!