This is quite true. It is not allowed to copy something as is or in part.
However, nobody can keep you from using a common language (common design elements) to express the same work (work of art) in your unique way.
You cannot copy a painting by Paul Klee brush stroke by graphic element. People do have a rightful commercial interest in a particular unique painting but NOT in a style of painting.
However, YOU CAN paint in the same style using the same style elements in your way.
A quilt is a work of art. The artists use common generally known elements. These elements are NOT copyrighted like language cannot be copyrighted (copying somebody's assay is a totally different matter. Claiming copyrights on the elements in a work of art and claiming infringement because somebody used commonly known and commonly available (not new or unique) elements is not as easy as some designers would like the public to believe.)