in knitting (and crochet, and embroidery) there are stitch patterns (cross stitch, 'stocking knit/stockinette', single crochet.)
the directions for these are pretty simple.. there is a limited number of ways to say 'knit every stitch in the first row, purl every stitch in second row" and copyrighting the words is difficult. (photos, layout, charts, typeface.. these detail go into the copyright protection of a book of knit stitches.. but the words? uncopyrightable.)
like wise a cross stitch (looks like an X not a +) can't be copyrigthed, but directions to make a letter A out of collected cross stitches? copyrighteable!
patterns for garments? even something as simple as a scarf?
Use yarn X, with needles size y, cast on Z
knit every row till--(it is so long, or till you run out of yarn (use 1 ball, or 2 balls, or ...) bind off
that pattern can be copyrighted (and has been!)
change the yarn, change the needle size, change the number of stitches cast on, or the length, and you have a new pattern--
Toll House® Chocolate Morsel Cookies recipes-- (That use the registered trade marked brand of chocolate morsels.) can be copyrighted.
but chocolate chip cookies recipes? public domain!
(this subject comes up frequently on knitting BB's...)
Last edited by of troy; 10/10/07 05:01 PM.
