Copyright ?

[Gotrocks]

What is proper  when it comes to using patterns found on the internet?

If they are not used for items that will be sold, what should be the criteria for copying and using for gifts?

Edited March 28, 2018 by Gotrocks

[new2woodwrk]

AKAIK - unless you are selling for profit, or if the pattern site stipulates you can use them for your enjoyment as well as gifts.

I've seen some patterns that stipulate not to be copied more than N number of times for example.

[Dan]

What you intend to use the patterns for should be no troubles. If you find a pattern on social media sites, such as Facebook, you never know if that pattern was posted by the pattern creator or possible plagiarized. But, if it for personal use it shouldn't be a problem. If you post a picture of the finished cutting it's a curtosy to give credit to the designer. 

[Sycamore67]

If the pattern is copyrighted, you should not use it even if it posted on the internet.  The same applies to a pattern that someone purchased and is copyrighted.  You can not give someone else the pattern.

I have made some patterns and occasionally will mark them copyrighted.