Patterns, projects and techniques
When it comes to craft and patterns being able to copy or replicate a design is very easy. I was always told as long as you change it by 10% then it’s deemed NEW. We see lot’s of copyright issues all over the internet from copying Disney Characters to out right design stealing by big name stores. Here is an article that might make you not only recognise a stolen design but also make you understand why it is wrong.
Looking for a lightweight, stylish, and oh-so-practical tote to take with you everywhere this season? The Pancake Crochet Market Bag might just become your go-to favorite. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce, packing snacks and sunscreen for a relaxed summer stroll, or dashing out the door for a quick last-minute errand, this bag is ready to tag along.
It’s surprisingly roomy—big enough to carry all your essentials (and then some!)—yet it folds up small enough to tuck into your car or coat closet without fuss. The openwork stitch gives it a breathable, airy texture that’s super satisfying to crochet and even more delightful to carry. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and eco-friendly, so you can ditch the plastic and feel great about your handiwork.
I stitched mine up using a warm mustard cotton I had on hand (a little stash buster win!), but honestly, this pattern would look beautiful in just about any color. Try a bold berry for a pop of personality, a classic cream for a minimalist vibe, or even stripes if you’re feeling playful. Once you’ve made one… fair warning: you’ll probably want to make more!
Let’s dive into the pattern!
Round 1: Begin with a magic circle, ch 1. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull it tight and join to the first sc with a sl st. (8 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, make 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first, 2 sc in next—repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next—repeat around. Join. (32 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3, 2 sc in next—repeat. Join. (40 sts)
Keep increasing in this manner, adding one more sc between increases each round until you reach 80 sts (about Round 9).
Now switch to working in continuous rounds.
Rounds 10–13: sc in each st around. (80 sts)
Round 14: [dc in next, ch 1, sk 1]—repeat around. (approx. 80 sts depending on exact starting point)
Round 15: dc in ch-space, ch 1—repeat.
Rounds 16–25: Repeat Round 15.
Alternate a few more rounds of single crochet with rounds of [dc, ch 1] to build height and texture. Keep going until the bag measures about 12–13” tall from the center of the base.
Next Round (handle setup):
Final Round: sc around, placing 1 sc in each sc and 1 sc in each ch across the handle chains. This gives the straps some strength and a nice finish.
Fasten off and weave in all ends. Give your bag a little stretch or light steam block if needed.
May I reproduce this article and distribute it to members of the two quilt guilds I belong to? (Quilt designers have the same problem as crochet pattern designers, isn’t it a shame.) I will include the URL to the original article, of course.
Thank you for sharing this article. I was unaware of the problem. It provided very good information which should shared with all. Thanks again!
I once worked for a childrens designer doing machine applique. She had 4 designs each with matching t-shirt, flip skirt and knee length shorts. She always used good quality fabrics and we were both meticulous about the quality of the applique and it’s ability to withstand a child and washing. One day I’m wandering through Target, on the Gold Coast, Australia and I see the whole range on a stand. Thought that’s great for my boss until I had a close look at the items. Cheap quality fabrics, badly sewn and then the applique. I still hadn’t twigged and wondered how I had done such bad applique and how she had let me get away with it. Then the penny dropped. Target had copied the complete range.
I have a question that’s been bothering for a long time. I found a a beautiful Cowl that I fell in love with. It was knitted and I do not knit. So I set out to reproduce it in crochet and I was successful. Many of the ladies want my pattern, But I am not sure if I fall under copyright, theft or what? Can you clarify for me please. thanks
Hi,
If you have changed a pattern to knit I would think you would be okay. They say if you change it by 10% than it’s okay. Anyone got some “official” input on this?
yes of course
“Theft” of a crochet.. pattern?? Are you kidding me? There isn’t anything crocheted that is truly original. Change a color yarn here, add a stitch there, that’s a pattern. This is kind of ridiculous. I can see a dress pattern maybe- or someone smuggling a coveted fabric that is only sold to specific sellers – but Crochet?? Really? Just because lots of people “work very hard” 80 hrs a week coming up with this stuff does not legitimize it, to me. By the way- what turned me off of this whole “copyrighted crochet patterns”? Seeing a woman who sells her COPYRIGHTED patterns- and is VERY adamant about people “not stealing” her patterns? They are all public domain, vintage and antique patterns. She’s changed nothing- she even uses the same images that were in the public domain publications (not naming names, but she goes by a single female moniker). In my opinion you can’t “copyright” a crocheted, or for that matter, a knitted item. Everything’s been done, nothing’s truly new, and like I said- it ain’t rocket science we’re dealing with here.