Hi Regina! I'm sure someone will be able to give you the legal specifics, but generally speaking, if a pattern is copyrighted, there may be limitations. It's usually expected that you'll make the item for yourself or for gifts, but I think making them for resale can be complicated. In some cases, if the volume warrants, you can get a license agreement from the pattern author. Many times, a purchased pattern will specify copyright terms and making-for-retail terms. Patterns offered for free may be another story. There is plenty of information out there on the web, but I would definitely research it a little first.

Hope someone out there can give you some more specific guidance. Good luck!

Usually a pattern will specify whether it's available for personal use only or if you can sell the finished product. An example of commercial patterns you're allowed to use to make things to sell are Lion Brand patterns. If you're unsure, it's okay to email/call/write and ask the pattern creator if you can sell any finished items made with their pattern, too.

Agreed: better be safe than sorry and ask the creator because if you do happen to violate copyright that would be a messy situation

All of the above ;) Plus: If it does say you can sell, check to see if you need to indicate where you got the pattern on your item's page.

It's probably nice to do that anyway--both out of courtesy and out of the idea of 'better safe than sorry.'

Great answers! I, too, was wondering about that since I'm constantly told I should sell items I make online. I'm really uncomfortable with that, since I'll take ideas from several patterns and make it my own (or for someone else).
I had a bad experience with the manager of a major craft store. She was constantly asking me to teach a class at the store, but wanted to see some of my work. I took a project that I had made quite a few of to show her, made in different colors, that I had made for my daughter's friends, an original design. Two weeks later, when I went back to the store, there were MY items (re-created) on display with the thread I used on sale. I was told by another employee that the manager told everyone she designed them, and she had been promoted to another store because of her inventiveness! I'm a lot more careful now and don't share original items except as gifts. That's why I wouldn't want to do that to someone else, especially after they've submitted a pattern online, by book or magazine.

This is very interesting. I would have thought that once a pattern has been published in a magazine it is now in the public domain and available for any use. Could a published patterner please help us out with a reply??

I am not a published designer, but have read extensively about this issue on another site. Once the designer has sold the pattern to a magazine or publishing company, they hold the copyright. The consensus was that they would not allow their patterns to be made for resale. In some circumstances, when the item was to be auctioned off for charity, they might make exceptions. But generally, it's frowned upon. Whether or not they ever take any action against someone selling goods made from their pattern is another matter. I've never heard of it happening. But who knows?? I wouldn't want to be the first!

So Korikat, I'd continue trying to develop my own designs. You'll avoid any legal hassles. And there's a sense of accomplishment when you've come up with something that is all your own. That I have done and sold them too. Good luck with your crafting and selling!

Apologies for the much delayed response. I moved recently, and my internet access has been sporadic, at best...

But I wanted to stop by and thank you all for your very helpful answers. Pretty much what I was thinking, but it's nice to have a more solid idea of how things work.

SharonLM: I actually did just recently complete my very own design. Just a scarf, nothing terribly fancy, but you're right, I do feel quite accomplished. :)

My husband and I used to have a screen print business...What we found out from a professional screen printer was that any pattern can be made for sale if you change the pattern at least 20%. That can be the color, or if there is a design on the item, change it some.
However, it is my understanding in the case of patterns printed with instructions, it is public domain and you can do whatever you want...good example is sewing patterns. There is no way this can be regulated and I create a pattern and give you the instructions, it is none of my business what you do with it.