Dressmaking and copyright

[Oakmaiden]

OK - been trying to find this out, but have been failing spectactularly! So I thought to myself - who could I ask? Maybe someone on Mumsnet will know the answer!

So, what I was wondering is, how is the copyright on sewing/knitting patterns applied? Does it prevent you from copying the paper pattern, or does it prevent you from using the pattern to make things to sell them on? Having trouble working it out!

You need northeren lass - thats her neck of the woods

Not surprised you're confused, I've just had a look at my Aussie Women's Weekly Kid's Dress-ups book and the inside cover states:

'This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publishers.'

BUT, the instructions tell you to 'trace' the required pattern pieces, which is obviously the only way they can be used as there are multiple patterns on the same piece of paper.

Perhaps the tracing comes under 'written permission' but you can't tell a third party how to put them together ?? Just a thought..

I'm not an expert, but I believe that the copyright on recipes doesn't stop you from selling the finished product for a profit, but it does stop you from claiming that the recipe is yours. So perhaps it is the same thing for sewing and knitting patterns - you can sell the item, but cannot say that the pattern was your creation.