Replies

1. 
   sueb | Aug 03, 2006 01:24pm | #1

   You cannot create something from a commercial pattern and then sell it, nor can you use a pattern from a magazine, book or other publication without the authors permission.

   There have been several articles in magazines written about this very subject although I don't remember seeing one in Threads. Visit the copyright.gov website for more information. I believe sewing patterns are covered under the visual arts category.

   Sue b
   Blog: http://suebthreads.blogspot.com/
   New online classes !: http://tinyurl.com/mf7b5

   
   

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   Edited 8/3/2006 6:34 am ET by sueb

1. 
   user-185993 | Aug 04, 2006 02:02am | #2

   Thanks for your reply.  I assumed that was the case but I wasn't sure because I know of people who have done that. 

   This doesn't apply to someone hiring you for your sewing skills to make something specific for them, does it?  For example, a bride finding a pattern for a flower girl dress that she adores and pays you for your time and sewing skills.  This only applies to retail sales, doesn't it?  Meaning, if I were to use a commercial pattern to make a bunch of jumpers in our school colors and put them in a local store, I would be violating copyright laws.  But if the mom down the street wanted me to sew her a jumper in school colors and brought me the pattern and fabric, that is OK because she is only paying me for my sewing skills, not the actual garment itself.  

   Please reply if I am wrong about this.

   Thanks, again.

1. 
   sueb | Aug 04, 2006 02:29am | #3

   Right, they can hire you to sew it for them but you can't sew it and then sell it in a retail store or on ebay or any other consignment based type enterprises. Most of the pattern companies even the smaller ones won't even let you sew their patterns and give the stuff away to charity.