It depends on the pattern. Some designers allow you to sell toys made from their patterns, often on conditions such as crediting them or selling only small numbers; others allow personal use and gifts only. The terms are set by each designer, so read the terms that come with the pattern before you sell. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Pattern copyright vs the finished object
A crochet pattern is the designer's work: the written instructions, the photos, the charts and often the look of the toy itself. When you buy a pattern you are buying the right to use it under the designer's terms, not the design.
Whether you may sell the toys you make from it is not a single rule. It depends on the terms the designer sets and on the law where you live, and the two do not always say the same thing. We cannot tell you what applies to you. What we can do is show you where to look and which questions to ask.
What designers' terms usually cover
Pattern terms are often short, and they usually answer some of these questions:
- Is the pattern for personal use only, or may finished items be sold?
- If selling is allowed, is it limited to handmade items in small numbers, or to a certain number of pieces?
- Must you credit the designer when you sell, and how?
- May you use the designer's photos in your own listings? (Usually not.)
- Is there a separate commercial licence for larger sales?
If the terms do not answer the question you have, do not assume the answer is yes. Write to the designer and keep their reply.
Patterns bought from this shop
Our terms of service allow purchased patterns to be used for personal use and to make finished items for yourself or as gifts. They do not cover selling the finished items. If you would like to sell toys made from one of our patterns, contact us first and ask about that pattern.
Crediting the designer
Where a designer allows sales, many ask for a credit, and it is good practice even when they do not. A simple line in your listing or on a card at a craft stall, such as "made from a pattern by [designer name]", is enough for most. Use your own photos of your own toy, and do not copy text from the pattern into your listing.
What you should never do with the PDF
Pattern files are sold for the buyer's own use. Unless the designer says otherwise in writing, do not:
- resell the PDF or offer it as a download,
- send it to friends, customers or a group chat,
- upload it to a file-sharing site or print copies to hand out,
- present the pattern or the design as your own.
Toys that look like characters
If a toy looks like a character from a film, a show, a game or a brand, the character belongs to someone else. A pattern's terms cannot give you permission to sell that character, because the pattern designer does not own it. If you plan to sell, stick to original designs whose terms allow sales.
Toy safety rules when selling children's toys
Selling a toy is different from giving one away. In many countries, including the EU, the UK and the US, toys sold for children are covered by toy safety laws, and handmade toys are not automatically exempt. Depending on where you sell, these rules can involve testing, markings, labels and records. Check the rules for every market you sell into, for example with your local consumer safety or trading standards office.
Some basic points apply whatever the law:
- For toys aimed at children under three, embroider eyes and noses rather than using safety eyes, buttons or beads.
- Attach every part firmly and check the seams before the toy leaves you.
- Avoid long loose strands, ribbons and loops that could wrap around a finger or neck.
- Give the buyer clear care instructions.
Check each pattern's own terms
Every designer writes their own terms, and the same designer can use different terms for different patterns. Look at the first or last page of the PDF, the product page you bought it from and the designer's own website. If you cannot find terms, or they are unclear, ask before you sell. You can browse the toys in our amigurumi pattern collection for your own use and as gifts.
