They have books at the library and I don't consider that stealing. I check out the patterns at our local libraries all the time. I'm sure that even though I"m not xeroxing them they have an influence over my quilts. I can't really follow a pattern to save my life anyway-----I think I'm a quilting dyslexic. If I need specific measurements or detailed instructions to follow, then I buy the book. Amazon has some good choices discounted.
I would say for home quilting and just general pattern ideas, you're good to go. There are tons of freebies online. If you're stressing about it, be sure to google the block or ask in here. Somone is bound to know a link. :-)