As a new quilter, I'm wondering about the sharing of ideas, so to speak. Besides a few quilting magazines, I have never actually bought a pattern. Basically, I've browsed a lot on the internet. If I see something I like and think it's in my skill level, I just create it myself on graph paper, sometimes the same, sometimes changing it.

My question for those experienced in the industry is at what point does it change from being inspired by someone's work to stealing someone's pattern, to even plagiarism (I don't have a better word right now.)? Right now, I'm just making simple quilts for myself and family. I imagine things are different for people who sell quilts or enter them in competitions and shows. I'm interested to see what others' thoughts on this are.

If its in a quilting magazine, its fair game as long as you give the maker credit. I mostly make traditional quilt patterns, no worries about copywrite infringement.

That's a Hot Topic around here at times, search "copyright", up at the top and will see the discussion from many points of view. Can seem to go on for days :)

You can not violate copyright by making your own quilts. You can violate copyright if you take "inspiration" from a magazine, quilt, picture, etc and then print and sell the patterns. It is the patterns that are copyrighted.

Thanks, C. Cal Quilt Girl. I wasn't sure what term to search.

Scissor Queen, that makes a lot of sense. The quilt is not copyrighted, just the pattern.

unless you're selling the pattern, it doesn't matter where the inspiration comes from. Does it?

Depends on who you ask...

I never can get a pattern just exactly right so it ends up being my own design.

Ditto!

I personally feel more comfortable identifying my work as "inspired by" or "based on a design by/in" and the designer or book. Some patterns you buy even say on them how many you are allowed to make for sale.

And there is a a big controvery as to whether the disigner can indeed do this...

I have read lots of ideas on this subject and just get more confused. They seem to contradict each other. I read one article that seemed to contradict itself. It is all so confusing.

I hate to make a confusing issue more confusing, but yes, it does matter where the inspiration comes from. If you copy the artwork of another artist - be it a photograph, painting, needlecraft in another medium, etc. - it does matter where the inspiration comes from. You will need to ask permission to use the image. It does matter when the original image was created (I believe it's within the last 75 years, but I could be wrong).

By "copy" I mean copying an image for which a pattern hasn't been sold. For example, I design my own quilts, and I don't sell patterns of the design. You can't copy my quilt and claim it as your own.

I ran into an issue when I started selling Christmas stockings and after checking with a lawyer on it, as long as there is at least 5% difference between the item I created and the item the other person created it is considered unique. I had a problem with someone copying my work exactly for resell not personal use. All it took was a letter from my lawyer and they changed their work slightly and there was nothing else I could do. This all took place in 2008 so things might have changed since then but we haven't had any more problems.

As quilters I think we borrow a lot of ideas and inspiration from one another...but I tend to go traditional or design my own quilts. Copyright violation is a serious issue, but I think it can be taken way too far.

I guess what I am getting at is more of the social/ethical issue. I'm trying to get a sense of the atmosphere in the quilting arena.

I know for me, if I designed or made a quilt and someone copied it partially or totally, I wouldn't be offended, even if they made money from it. However, I just make quilts, it's not how I make my living. I might feel differently if that were the case.

It is a social/ethical issue. A pattern or technique can NOT be copyrighted. What is copyrighted is the wording, illustrations, etc. of the pattern, but not the pattern itself.

I wouldn't feel right copying someone's ORIGINAL work...and by "original" I mean something that is not comprised of blocks that are ages old...or a twist on those older patterns achieved with color or fabrics...

~shrug~ My two cents worth, for what two cents is worth these days! ;)

Lots of traditional pieced blocks are in public domain which means they are free to use for anything. You can make any design for your own use. If you sell that can get tricky.

I still say,If you dont want someone to make it dont show it or make a pattern of it.

I completely agree jolo.

it becomes 'stealing' when you use someone's copyrighted design, display it or try to sell it as your own...if you are going to use someone else's design you need to obtain permission to display or sell the quilt, and give credit where credit is due.

When you see a design in a magazine or book you bought,it is fair game and there for you to use. The only thing wrong to do would be to use the pattern and copy it and sell it. If a designer wants you to pay for the pattern, she won't print it out for the public to see and use.
If you pay for a quilt design, copy it and share it with others, that is wrong and against copyright laws. You have to ask permission from the designer to use her design and if she gives permission for you to share without paying more, that is legal, but she has the right to ask you to pay for more patterns. Even if you do use a pattern from a book or magazine, it is proper to give the designer the credit so others can go to her for the pattern. If it is your own creation, you will want others to honor your work and not say it was theirs when you know you made it up in the first place.

Carol J.

What about on this site...does anyone here displaying their quilts in pictures mind if anyone else uses their design ideas? I certainly don't. Even if I were selling my designs - the patterns are on graph paper in my 3 ring binder and in my head - I would have no problem with someone else copying my quilt. However, I do know as an artist that I can not copy the work of another artist and sell it. I can however copy the work of another artist and hang it on my wall, stating that the orginaly work was by so and so on the back of the canvas without a problem.

If anyone out there likes my quilts and wants to copy them, go ahead; I consider it a compliment. There, now it is in writing. lol.

I personally think there are bigger things to worry about in the world........

you are right

Plus, it's unethical to teach a class unless everyone PURCHASES the pattern.You can't buy one and photocopy it. It's also not acceptable to make a photocopy of a quilt pattern for a friend so she doesn't have to buy a pattern.

Since I don't sell my quilts (just give some as gifts) I don't worry much about it.

I found a free pattern on the Internet for a holiday table topper. Our guild has a workshop once a month and I thought this would be a really nice pattern for class. I e-mailed the designer from platbranchdesigns..Belinda to ask if I could copy and use her design for our class. She was so very nice and seemed surprised that I would asked for permission. We had a very nice chat and she is wonderful and granted my request. I would have never considered doing this any other way. Free from the Internet for personal use is one thing but me making copies for a class is another just as stated above. We need to respect a designer's work.

This comment will probably get deleted - but I'm going to make it anyway.

I think all inspiration comes from our Creator.

I also think it is "appropriate" for those that make extra efforts to design/make/build/market something to have their efforts rewarded and protected.

Oma66, I agree with you. If anyone wishes to copy my work, go right ahead. I too consider it a compliment.

Hear, Hear

as usual, there's a great deal of misinformation posted in this topic. also a great deal of convenient misunderstanding.

a pattern that provides instructions for making a truly unique and orginal design absolutely IS protected by copyright law.

if you see a quilt somewhere and you know the design is unique and original, the quilt - which constitutes publication - is protected by copyright law. you do not have the right to copy it.

a derivative that is only 5% different from the unique and original design is NOT safe from prosecution for violations of the copyright law. the differences have to be so significant that no reasonable person would look from one to the other and recognize them as the same or more than slightly similar. there is no fixed percentage written into the law.

when a design uses blocks from the public domain, then the layout can't be copyrighted. however, the instructions and images in the pattern absolutely are protected.

if you didn't design it, then don't assume you're entitled to copy it just because you like it. take the time to find out whether or not it's legally protected.

put yourself in the shoes of the person who designed the quilt and act accordingly. to ask if you can copy it is a courtesy that might be considered a compliment. to just help yourself might be stealing. who considers that a compliment?

if the rule of "if you don't want it copied, then don't show it to me" takes hold, then we'll see blank walls in galleries and quilt shows will become a thing of the past.

Most quilts are based on quilt blocks passed down from generation to generation. Most of the time, nobody knows who came up with the original design. Those designs are in the public domain, there is more than one way to make all of them, and nobody should care which technique was used to make it (did you speed cut or did you use scissors and templates?).

What bugs me is when the person who made the quilt top has the sandwich quilted by someone else, and does not give that person credit. To me, that is 'stealing' the work of another. I've even heard of some who say, "Well, I paid for it, so I don't have to give anyone else credit." If it's in a show, I disagree. If the quilting is that easy, then do it yourself; if it's no big deal, then why not give credit when due?

Would this also apply to technique? Just wondering??? I'm not talking about how you cut it or how you quilt it - I'm referring to methods of putting it all together, like the Twist & Shout technique, the bursting stars put together with diamond shapes, the kalidescope, whack & stack - that type of stuff. Not sure if really making any sense :oops:

For example, I've seen pics two wall hangings published in two different books/mags, based on a 3 x 3 pineapple block - colors placements were a slightly different but layouts obviously was pretty much the same; each maker called it a different name. I did a Twist & Shout earlier this year but the color placements I chose bears no resemblance to the pattern I followed - hence my ??? Now I'm rambling trying to explain myself. Oh boy . . . .

I just don't worry about it unless my quilt is to be sold. Who's to know? I'm not going to be published in any magazines, after all.

Sure the copyrights apply to techniques. Each of those particular techniques are owned by the persons who "invented" them. I would say if you've read about the technique or saw someone demonstrate it, or if it's fairly new, then it's also owned. That means you can't make copies, claim it's your original idea, or teach it without giving credit, paying for the book or pattern, etc.

Let's say you come up with a great time-saving solution, you post the technique on this board and your blog. Someone from the local newspaper reads it and interviews you. There's an article in the paper, and it's picked up by a service and printed in other papers. Eventually, someone from a quilt show reads the article and then you get the opportunity to show people what you've done on TV. Next, quilt shows start calling you and begging you to come in and give presentations/workshops. You get paid nicely (thank you) and a book company wants you to write a small book on the subject. You get paid better. But now I come along and start teaching your technique without your permission. I make the money you would make.

Now ask yourself:
Would you try to stop me?
Would it be enough that I gave you credit?
Would it be okay if I sold copies of your book and make money, too?
If you're really kind, would you let me sign the book while I'm selling it?
There has to be a line.......where is it drawn?

I also will share what I show here...I am not a designer so ask away and I will share!!

techniques are not protected by copyrights.

if a person want to retain exclusive rights and control of a technique, it must be patented.

Everything I know, I learned from somebody else. I read it in a book, saw it on TV, got it from the internet, or learned it in a class. I apply those methods to new things that I learn. I can now pick up a book or pattern and figure out an easier way to come up with the finished product. All those methods have melded together in my mind like a pot of leftover stew. It is rare that I even remember where I learned a trick, and I am happy to share what I know. Do I recommend books, TV shows, etc? Yes, I do. Do I feel that I have to without committing a crime? No.

I have been a teacher most of my life. I have taught a variety of subjects, all of them creative. I fully expect those that I have taught to use that knowledge in any way she or she sees fit. The real crime would be to let that knowledge die for lack of use.

Exactly and a patent is not a copyright. They're two different things. A patent is actually much harder to get.