Lately the ethics and morality of paid for crochet patterns has been circling the internet. I have seen many good take on the matter and I have also seen many poor takes. I wanted to share my two cents as a pattern designer and artist of 9 years.
purpose of paid for patterns
Paid for crochet patterns often times (especially if purchased online) created by a small artist. While major yarn companies or box store sell patterns, those patterns were still created for the company through a sponsorship or a artist who works for the company. This means paying for these patterns are paying the artist’s bills. Obviously if the pattern is sold by a major company some of the money may go elsewhere. For small side hustling artists, the purchase of their patterns helps them achieve their dreams. Paid for patterns create a barrier between the designer and the maker.
my take on paid for patterns
My brand and my views allow me to share both free and paid for patterns. I share my free patterns here on this blog and I even offer them on my Etsy for anyone who may prefer a PDF version. My paid for patterns are my pride and joy. I put all of my being into those pieces and writing those patterns, that is why I sell them.
my take on free patterns
Free crochet patterns allow for makers of any skill to learn new things and strengthen existing techniques. In my experience this means most free patterns are pretty surface level. This means once you get down the skill you now have access to all of these patterns (some free, some paid for) and you can work on and perfect that skill. They also provide resources and amazing patterns for those who can’t purchase a pattern.
in conclusion
While free patterns may be more inclusive, ultimately the designer should get a say in how their work is shared. This means if the pattern is paid for, those who can’t purchase for whatever reason just don’t have access to that. I am a believer in cheap and affordable pattern especially considering the difficulty of the pattern and design process.