The US laws are clear on the topic of copyrights. The following is written to give you specific rights of use so everyone knows what to expect.

As the owner of an image or written words, no one but me has the right to copy my work. It's as simple as that. 

No one has the right to make a derivative copy of my work, either. It's not okay to just change it a little or even a lot. Original work is just that: original. If you have to copy or you have to start with the work of another person, then you are not creating original work.

So, a stitcher then asks "How can I stitch this design without copying it?" Once I have published the design as a chart, I am giving an implied right to the cross stitcher to reproduce the design for the stitcher's benefit to keep or to give as a gift.

Even this right has it's limits. In general, and I accept this rule of thumb, a stitcher can make up to 12 cross stitch projects from a single bona fide chart. This limitation is made for one reason which, simply stated, can sound crass to the the most avid cross stitch enthusiast. It is this: no one has the right to profit from my designs unless I grant them that right. If a person makes more than twelve, then the process begins to move into the areas of production or manufacture, and the user's motives are questionable.

No one has the right to produce my designs or use my words in a form other than cross stitch unless I grant that permission. 

I am actively seeking opportunities for licensing arrangements for my designs and quotes. If you are interested, I'd love to talk with you!

Images and words are my livelihood. Ownership of an object is easy to understand and theft of that object is readily seen as wrong or illegal. Theft of an image or words is also clearly wrong, though it seems to be more difficult to understand. I appreciate the respect you give to me as an artist when you respect my copyrights. 

Thanks!

Common Questions:

If I stitch this design, am I copying it? Once I have published the design as a chart, I am giving an implied right to the cross stitcher to reproduce the design for the stitcher's benefit to keep or to give as a gift.

Do you have the right to sell or give away a bona fide chart that you purchased? Yes. 

Do you have the right to sell a complimentary chart which I provide? No.

Do you have the right to print my complimentary charts and give them away? Not unless I grant that permission. For a friend who does not have Internet access or does not have a printer that provides a clear copy, you may make one copy for that friend. This may seem harsh to some, but frankly I provide complimentary charts and projects so that stitchers will visit my site. Hopefully it sounds reasonable to most folks. Think of it as a store coupon which says "one per customer." One of the many reasons the store adds that to a coupon is to make sure that "you and your friend" visit the store, rather than allowing you to pick up one for you and one for her while you are there.

Do you have the right to make a "working copy" of a chart so that your "good" copy does not get ruined or lost? Not unless it is granted. But again, I am a practical person, so I do grant you the right to make a working copy for yourself. If you use a commercial copy service, they may refuse to make a copy because of the copyright on the page. I have even been refused when I have needed a copy of my own charts and have had to show my passport, driver's license and credit cards to prove that the work is mine! Anyway, I added my signature to this sheet, in case you are asked for proof that you have the right to make a copy.

Do you have the right to post an image of your finished piece on your own website? I am happy to say "yes!" to this request. All I ask is to have a line of credit. Offering a link back to my site would be especially appreciated. Visitors to your site who fall in love with one of your projects will appreciate it, too! 

For any other use, please contact me:
jeanfarish@gmail.com