Copyright and Quilting

Some think that quilt copyright laws are intimidating but they are intended to protect the pattern designer.  Say, for example, you came up with a really cool design…the law is meant to protect you from someone taking your design and calling it their own for profit.  Most designers are flattered that you like the design enough to make one of your own…all they really care about is getting credit.  In most cases, written permission is not required unless the quilt is going to be published…in a magazine, on the internet, etc.

AQS (American Quilter’s Society) is the only organization that I am aware of that requires written permission from the pattern designer, photographer or artist (whatever the case may be) before you can enter one of their shows.  In most cases, even this is not all that difficult.  Just a quick email (along with an attached photo) asking permission will usually take care of it.  The artist will reply granting permission.  Keep a copy and you are good to go!

Keep track of what pattern you used.  The easiest way to do this is add this information to your label!!!

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