amma

It is always a good idea to read the whole pattern. Often the fine print at the bottom explains the author's position on this :D:D:D

Colbaltjars62

If it is free and on Public domain I believe that there isn't a problem as noone owns the copyright any longer. As what others have said, check the pattern at the bottom for copyright info.

TonnieLoree

I try to give credit where credit is due. If it is a free pattern from a download, it's yours to make. But I would still list the creator of the pattern's name, or at least the issue and volume number of the magazine where you got it at.