DO's & DONT'S For Adapting a Crochet Pattern to Make It Your Own

[@stringsandthreads]

Hi Shannon! I sell patterns on Etsy and have learned a lot about copyright over the years. I actually have several videos on copyright. Unfortunately I’ve had to take action against people on Etsy who tried to sell my pattern. Thankfully Etsy was helpful with this. When you create a pattern, only the pattern itself is protected by copyright. Anything made by the pattern does not fall under copyright. So once you purchase a pattern, you can make and sell as many of the item as you want. You can adapt the pattern but not rewrite and sell the pattern with the adaptations. I think most people will adapt patterns to their liking and it’s no big deal. I have a crochet dragon head dice bag pattern that I’ve sold close to 1,000 patterns. Hundreds of people sent me pictures of their dragon and each one is different. It is so cool to see everyone’s spin on my pattern. Anyway, thanks for reiterating about not reselling patterns or doing a tutorial on a pattern that isn’t yours. Someone will need to hear that. 😊♥️♥️

[@slowcrochet]

Great insight!

[@stringsandthreads]

@@slowcrochet Thank you! I find it interesting that people who wouldn’t dream of stealing would look at someone else’s pattern and copy it and try to sell it as their own. They don’t believe that’s also stealing. It’s good to have videos like this to remind everyone.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's so cool, I really appreciate you adding your POV!

[@hookthatyarn]

As a patten designer I’ve learned to be more relaxed with the idea of people adapting my patterns. I think, as long as the person isn’t rewriting the pattern for the purpose of sales and distribution, then it’s okay for personal use. Reworking a pattern and adapting it makes sense because we all have our own unique styles and fitments. I like that we have automatic copyright protection under the law to protect and preserve our creative ideas. There is the burden of proof but it’s still nice to have some sort of legal protection to rely on if needed.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you for sharing your POV!! It sounds like we are on the same page! On another note, will you email me? I wonder if you would ever consider being a guest on an ask the experts livestream?

[@slowcrochet]

This reminds me of properly citing references in the papers we wrote for school. At some point, paraphrasing becomes plagiarism. Just like the rules of grammar or paragraph construction aren't copyrighted, the basics of crochet aren't copyrighted, but ultimately, the place where a design becomes unique intellectual property can be arbitrary and nuanced. I love your heart to err on the side of honoring the original designer!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

100% Mary!!! I couldn't have said it better!

[@sharonfinlayson3909]

I just want to say that I appreciate your videos I think they're real they're sincere and they're worth listening to. You're honest and open. So cool beans and rock on! I appreciate you. Giving kudos to the right people is a definitely a must. I agree with that and I also agree with the fact that you're taking something in You're changing it and you're being honest about it. But not taking credit for the pattern. To keep doing you keep doing your videos and I'm going to keep watching thank you.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks for your support and kindness Sharon!

[@joannunemaker6332]

Thanks for being honest. Not everybody is. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

❤

[@delladearest2511]

Hey Shannon, I’m always modifying patterns to fit me and my style so I can relate to your video and I like your circular vests, looks great ❣️

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks!

[@LennyLefebvre-qb6qx]

This topic is one of my favourites. I have seen legal case studies on art and copyright in an ethics class. And while I know less than nothing about what it means to be a lawyer or judge, if the legal system treats crochet like they do music it would be almost impossible to stop someone from selling a tweaked pattern. Think of all the songs that have the same chord progressions. To me changing only the lyrics is like just changing dimensions and adding a trim to copyrighted pattern but the reality is more complicated. Only patterns that are very unique where someone could not possibly have come up with the bulk of the stitch pattern on their own would be more clear cut case easy to prove. Reusing a very unique melody and harmony is different from same chord progressions but in music parody and satire are not infringements. It often comes down to proof of intent and proof that the second artist knew of the work of the first before they created the possible copy in question.

[@kaytiej8311]

I always appreciate you perspective and thoughts on such a variety of topics. I consider adaptation about making it suit the way I want to feel. Its for me, about me. Changing a pattern to then sell without acknowledging the original creator is intellectual plagarism.

[@quiltycrocheter9179]

Most of the time I have to make changes. Because I'm so short. But never do I claim the pattern as mine. I give credit where credit is due.😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I hear ya! I'm short too

[@stitchaspellMilan]

I like that you helped clarify the ethics/legality of small “changes” that can be done on a pattern to personalize it vs trying to call it one’s own. I do have to take slight issue however in saying a crocheter wouldn’t buy another crocheter’s finished work. I have bought plenty of pieces because of their originality and to support a maker and their work. I don’t think this is unusual. 🦋

[@mountainjune]

Same here. Especially if it's an item I wouldn't normally crochet or sew.

[@flourishfaithfiber]

I completely agree with you, Shannon. Adapting the pattern to fit you or someone you are making it for is acceptable. But making a few changes, then calling the pattern yours...definitely not. I also think you are spot on about people who buy crocheted items. They buy because they can't (for whatever reason) make it. Thanks for talking yarn! Oh...I was working on a hat while watching, and trying your brim idea...Thanks! It is making a better finish to the edge.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks you so much! Yep, I do all my edges like that now!

[@theMermaidRhonda]

I once took a pattern from Bag O Day and one from Jayda In stitches and combined them to make a poncho. I did make a few to sell but I gave credit to them both as the original designers. :)

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's awesome! That's a great example of how sometimes we just like how a particular designer does a certain thing and how we can incorporate it!

[@wifeoftim]

You like very pretty in fall colors. I'm hoping to crochet a cardigan or duster in fall colors.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That would be so pretty!!

[@mountainjune]

That is one of the things that drew me to subscribe to your channel. You have ethics. So many channels don't. That and your preferred color pallette is very close to mine. 😉

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I appreciate that!

[@TheBurrito171]

I've altered several patterns for myself and if I feel someone else might want to do similar alterations, I just leave the directions for alterations I made in my review (with photos) or "journal" depending on where I got the pattern. Never republish other people's patterns as my own.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I think that's perfect

[@justdi3347]

Thank you Shannon, great video. I did make that vest from hectanooga1. It took me a while to like it basically for the same reasons as you, but I wear it more open if you will with the sizes sorta tucked. I just enjoy your perspective on so many issues. I enjoy your videos very much. Have a wonderful evening

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you! And thanks for sharing your experience with that pattern too!

[@cocoscrochet6380]

Hi Shannon 🤗 very good advice! 🥰🧶🤩

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you! 😊 I hope you're doing well my Friend!

[@deborahm4484]

Hi Shannon great advice I change patterns to suit myself like maybe a bigger hook or more chains to make it different.i love your colours .love watching your videos.blessings.🍁🍁🍁

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

❤❤❤

[@funniful]

It’s legal to sell any finished product from a pattern you bought. You cannot sell the pattern itself, or any tweaked, or slightly changed version of it.

[@bayareaknitter]

Great video! The mandala vests are gorgeous!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks!

[@yarneylife194]

Hey Shannon! Yep I agree 100 percent. i always adapt the pattern to what I feel is right for me . I also did one of Emi's tops and it came out fantastic. But other things like hats ectra I have tweaked it to my way for my comfort ectra. No shame in that right? LOL Thanks for sharing enjoying your channel!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you! ❤

[@sweetmomentsbyjessie]

Hi Shannon! This is great advice! 😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks so much Jessie!!!

[@sweetmomentsbyjessie]

@@ShannonTalksYarn you’re welcome! 😊

[@denisesherlock6887]

I’ve become aware of what I consider pattern theft on Etsy. I do mostly amigurumi. I was looking for a particular pattern that I had seen the finished product on KZbin. When I searched Etsy for the pattern, 8 identical patterns popped up. Same photo, same product, different sellers. I was so frustrated, I wanted to buy from the original pattern maker, but didn’t know which one it was.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

It can be so difficult to track down the original!!!

[@offthehookcrochetnicole]

Great tips. I'm like you, there are things, sometimes significant, I may want to make to am existing pattern but I'm not sure I have the patience to design a pattern from scratch. And I'm considering doing some crochet alongs on my channel but they wouldn't be tutorials and I'd check with the designer first.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's really the best format for me too. I know I don't have what it takes to be a designer!!

[@offthehookcrochetnicole]

@@ShannonTalksYarn And yet, I'm over here scrolling through Shine and Temu ads saying, "I can crochet that!" 😆

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hahahaha!!!

[@funniful]

There’s literally nothing wrong with adjusting a pattern to suit your needs…I think everyone who crochets, or knits, or sews does this.

[@LyraStitchery]

I am adapting a pattern because the sleeves absolutely do not fit. That being said I am making this for myself and I am not selling anything.

[@LyraStitchery]

How many followers did lifestyle girl have compared to the just crochet channels?

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

She's got around 1M

[@LyraStitchery]

@ShannonTalksYarn right just saying if someone has 1M followers but say someone else has 800 followers it is hard to understand how the person with 800 followers is upset that the person with 1M followers is getting more views.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

totally! I think it was more of her not crediting anyone possibly?