The topic of pattern sharing (giving away copies of paid for patterns for free or sharing a pattern as your own original design when it is not) has become a hot topic in the crochet world lately. After seeing yet another blog post on the topic today, I had to stop and give my two cents worth.
First, pattern sharing is stealing! While I am not a pattern designer (yet!), I know many who are. The time, effort, and energy they put into designing, writing, and testing a pattern is in my mind, priceless. Most designers spend HOURS, even weeks and months, designing and tweeking a pattern until it is "just right." Most have a group of trusted testers that try the pattern out and give any remarks or proof reading that is necessary before it goes out to the general public. These designers then sell these patterns for $3-$6, roughly, some may be more or less depending on difficulty or sizes available in the pattern. You wouldn't expect to get a finished product for free, so why should anyone think the pattern would be free as well?
There are so many other avenues where you can get cheap or FREE patterns!
1. Follow your favorite designers on their social media pages!!
When I find a pattern (or a design style I like A LOT) I tend to check and see if that designer has a Facebook page. If they do, I "Like" the page and then follow it like crazy. Designers are great about giving back to their fans/customers by offering sales periodically throughout the year. Back at the beginning of the year, I was able to snag 11 patterns from one of my favorite pattern designers for less that $10! If I had bought them at regular price, I would have spent well over $20. I would have never have learned about the sale had I not been following the Facebook page! Many pages will get together with other pages and offer HUGE giveaways of patterns and supplies as well! These don't happen often, but when they do, they don't disappoint!
2. Get involved in pattern testing
This is something new that I'm starting to branch out into. Designers are always on the look out for people to test their latest pattern! I will say that this is a long process sometimes. There are so many people out there that want to test, and only so many open spots. The reward is worth it though. I recently got to test out a new scarf pattern for Baca Creations. Not only did I get a finished copy of the pattern I tested, but I got to pick another one from her Ravelry shop for FREE!! But this goes back to the first point, I would have never had the opportunity had I not been following her Facebook page! One and Two Company is another page that is always looking for fans to test for her. Some designers ask that you link to your Facebook page so they can see examples of your work, so make sure you always have your current work posted!!
3. Free Pattern Blogs
Let's be honest, there are a lot of free patterns out there that stink. They aren't cute or fun like some of the things you see on Etsy or Pinterest. There are so many designers out there that post their patterns for FREE! And I'm not talking about hats like your grandma made when you were a kid (and my step-grandma made us some UGLY hats!) These hats and other crochet items are fun and modern without breaking the bank. One of my favorite sources for free hat patterns is Repeat Crafter Me. Sarah has some AMAZING animal hats as well as tutorials for all kinds of other crochet and crafty projects! She was one of the first people I started following when I got into more elaborate hats. Moogly is quickly becoming another favorite. Tara post all kinds of free patterns and round ups. There is never a shortage of awesome patterns from her! The Yarn Box, Cre8tion Crochet, and Elk Studio were others that were suggested that offer free patterns or links to free patterns.
4. Pinterest and Ravelry
I've been on Pinterest for ages! In fact, it's where I learned about and found a lot of the designers I follow today. I have board upon board of free patterns, anything from hats to blankets, scarves, appliques, booties...even photo props!! Ravelry on the other hand, is new to me. I'm slowly learning how to use it and see all the awesome patterns and networking for yarn crafters it provides!
There is absolutely no need to steal anyone's hard work! You wouldn't walk into a department store and steal a designer handbag (or maybe you might, depending on the designer!) but the concept is the same no matter what. You wouldn't want someone to take your hard work and pass it off as their own or share it with friends. If a friend asks where you got a certain pattern, instead of sharing, direct them back to the designer's site(s) where they can get it for themselves. $3-$6 is what any of us spend on coffee, drinks, or eating out for lunch daily...Why not use that money and get the pattern you've been eyeing for months!
What are your thoughts on pattern sharing? Any suggestions for others or tips you have for finding free patterns? What are some of your favorite free pattern sites and blogs?
I agree that claiming someone else's pattern as your own is not cool. Nor do I think it's savvy to purchase a pattern and then post it on a blog or forum for others to just use.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do not see a problem with me purchasing a pattern and then turning around and lending said pattern to my friend when I'm done with it. I see this to be no different than me lending out a book or CD I've purchased.
Hey Amanda!
DeleteI think the second point you bring up is a pretty big gray area among most of us. Someone commented on a blog with a similar topic to this one yesterday. She said that while sharing a copy of a book you've bought or CD is not stealing, you can't go to a copy machine and make multiple photo copies of the book and hand those out to friends. That is against the US copyright laws. I would dare to assume that patterns of any type fall into this category. While you could share a pattern book, making multiple copies of patterns (digital or paper) and giving them to friends for free hurts businesses. Especially when most pattern designers only charge a few dollars for their patterns. I have never found a paid pattern that cost any more than what I would pay for a coffee or meal out at a fast food restaurant. I hope this helps clear up any confusion.