Selling Quilts?

[HdWench]

Agree that old timey blocks have long had their (if any) copyrights or patents expire - Do check the fabric markings as some say not for use for re-sale - How they get away with that on say a kitty print fabric is beyond me!!!! I do get the NFL and other team fabrics I'm ok with them not being used for resale, but other fabrics? Geeze it's getting beyond stupid with all the legals issues when you just want to make some quilts and sell them!!!! What if on your tag you credit the pattern (if you can find the Original maker even)? I worry more about the Federal tag laws about 100% cotton, machine washing instructions more than fabric I purchased to make something.

How silly some people's fabric can't be used for Commercial use??? Why are they selling it in Joann's??? Do they NOT want people to buy it? grrrr

ok off the step ladder lol

[Gayle8675309]

I wouldn't worry about it, I'd sell my quilts if I wanted to. That's just me though.

[Ellimay]

quilts have been made since the begin of time. No quilt is the same no matter what. If I had the chance to sell some quilts and replenish my fabric and stuff, I would most certainly sell them. Go for it girl. I don't think they have a quilt police yet.

[Slamelung]

I think when you buy fabric it is now yours to do what you want with it. If they want to still have control of it then they can just keep it. I can understand if someone was trying to copy the fabric itself.

[nyscpa2be]

I actually did some research on this just last week. Turns out that on two points, most copyright law floating around the internet is false. First, when it comes to patterns, you are purchasing the right to use the pattern, and are selling your work, your time. Even if the pattern says for home use only or cannot be replicated more than once, you can. Patterns 99% of the time are not actually copyrighted. Second, designer prints and character/team prints can be sold. You are not trying to recreate the copyrighted icon. You have purchased the fabric, and the owner has received their royalty. You can use the fabric and sell it. It is different if you try to make a Mickey Mouse quilt using solid fabrics and applique, and sell that, claiming an original design - its not, its Disney's design. There are federal court cases that have ruled on these points - I'll try to post later tonight or tomorrow links to rulings.

[brook]

I actually did some research on this just last week. Turns out that on two points, most copyright law floating around the internet is false. First, when it comes to patterns, you are purchasing the right to use the pattern, and are selling your work, your time. Even if the pattern says for home use only or cannot be replicated more than once, you can. Patterns 99% of the time are not actually copyrighted. Second, designer prints and character/team prints can be sold. You are not trying to recreate the copyrighted icon. You have purchased the fabric, and the owner has received their royalty. You can use the fabric and sell it. It is different if you try to make a Mickey Mouse quilt using solid fabrics and applique, and sell that, claiming an original design - its not, its Disney's design. There are federal court cases that have ruled on these points - I'll try to post later tonight or tomorrow links to rulings.

Thanks Amy. This is very helpful in understanding what is and isn't acceptable. Reading and deciphering all the laws are mind-numbing!

[nyscpa2be]

Thanks Amy. This is very helpful in understanding what is and isn't acceptable. Reading and deciphering all the laws are mind-numbing!

And the same is often said regarding IRS statute - and I can decipher that easily - I'm studying for my CPA, so reading law is actually something I can do well!

[Judy, USMC]

I'm part of a group that hosts craft shows on a military base. The guidelines are relatively loose but there is one regulation we have to enforce. If they are using logo material (John Deere, USMC, Athletic teams, etc, the crafter has to show the part of the selvage that states that the fabric/image has been licensed - that means the fabric manufacturer has paid for the right to use the image.

The other advice we give the sewer is to make sure there is appropriate permission if they have purchased a pattern or book. The publisher will often post a copyright. Most times it is meant that the book is copyrighted - not the patterns enclosed - but only the directions and instructions can not be reproduced. Some may say the pattern is for personal use - we take that to mean as long as you are personally making it it's ok to sell. Others that contain ORIGINAL designs specifically say OK for personal use but the quilts can not be sold. I've seen some of the Paper Piece designs copyrighted but that was for their original designs.

We always advise our crafters to check the wording in the copyright declaration. Most of the time it is the pattern/book itself is not to be reproduced. Unless it specifically says the craft or quilt can not be sold we impose no restrictions on the sale.

[nyscpa2be]

I'm part of a group that hosts craft shows on a military base. The guidelines are relatively loose but there is one regulation we have to enforce. If they are using logo material (John Deere, USMC, Athletic teams, etc, the crafter has to show the part of the selvage that states that the fabric/image has been licensed - that means the fabric manufacturer has paid for the right to use the image.

I can just imagine JAG lawyers figuring out craft show guidelines - not what they are used to! But saving the selvages is a good idea, and very very simple to do.

[auntiemern]

Unless you are planning to mass produce any one quilt pattern, I am pretty sure you are ok, making and selling them. I have been to various shows and quilt shops where they have (for instance) an Irish Chain quilt. Jenny shows us how to make one, but she doesn't own the right to that pattern. (it has been around for over 100 years) Make your quilts guilt free that there will be any ramifications and have fun selling them.