FAQ + TERMS OF USE

Auburncraft Crochet Design

Thank you for your interest in my crochet patterns. Below you will find my Terms of Use and Frequently Asked Questions.

If you can’t find what you need here, you are welcome to contact me via the contact form on my website.

WHY SHOULD I BUY YOU A CUP OF TEA?

For starters… tea is heaps better than coffee.

“Buy Me a Tea” is a platform used by many small creative businesses for support. Creating crochet patterns involves a large amount of time and work, including design, writing, testing, photography, and ongoing support.

Small contributions help support the continued creation of free and premium content.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR PATTERNS TESTED?

Yes. All of my patterns are tested, including both free and paid designs.

Each pattern goes through a structured testing process to check accuracy, clarity, and usability. While every effort is made to ensure patterns are correct, occasional small errors or clarifications may still occur.

PATTERN TESTING (CAN I BECOME A TESTER?)

Testing is run through my Facebook group:

Auburn Craft Crochet Design Testing Group

Testers are generally intermediate level and able to provide constructive feedback.

All testers sign permission for photo use in perpetuity. Testing is a collaborative process that helps refine each design.

WHAT IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP SECTION AND WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?

My website includes a free Membership Section.

Inside the Members Area you will find:

  • exclusive free downloads and resources

  • bonus content not available elsewhere

  • early access materials

  • selected free offerings that may also appear elsewhere in paid form

This section is designed to provide additional value to subscribers.

Membership is free and can be cancelled at any time.

I SIGNED UP BUT CAN’T FIND THE MEMBERS AREA

After signing up, you must log in and go to MY ACCOUNT in the top navigation menu.

Please ensure you use a valid full name and normal email address when registering.

WHY SHOULD I SUBSCRIBE?

Subscribers are notified first when new patterns are released.

Subscribers receive:

  • new pattern release notifications

  • access details for launch day discounts via the Members Section

  • exclusive subscriber offers and updates

Emails are kept minimal (usually 2–3 per month).

CAN I PRINT YOUR FREE PATTERNS?

Yes, for personal use only.

Free patterns are available via my website, Members Section, and selected platforms such as Ravelry.

All patterns remain copyright protected by Auburncraft Crochet Design.

You may not copy, share, redistribute, upload, or resell any pattern in any form.

DO YOU OFFER PRINT-ONLY PDFs WITHOUT PHOTOS?

No.

All patterns include photos to support written instructions and improve clarity.

Each design takes many hours to develop and format. At this time, separate text-only versions are not available.

CAN I SHARE YOUR PATTERNS WITH OTHER PEOPLE?

No.

Patterns may not be shared, copied, forwarded, uploaded, rewritten, resold, or redistributed in any form. This includes PDFs, screenshots, printed copies, or rewritten versions.

This applies to all patterns across all platforms and the Members Section.

You may share photos of finished items with credit to Auburncraft Crochet Design.

CAN I SELL FINISHED ITEMS MADE FROM YOUR PATTERNS?

Yes.

Please credit Auburncraft Crochet Design and include a link where possible.

Mass production or commercial manufacturing of my designs is not permitted.

DO YOU OFFER PATTERN SUPPORT?

Yes — within reason.

My patterns are carefully tested and generally written for intermediate crocheters and above.

I do my best to assist where possible, however:

  • I do not provide full step-by-step tuition

  • I do not offer full video walkthroughs of patterns

Support is only available for patterns purchased through official platforms.

WHAT SKILL LEVEL ARE YOUR PATTERNS FOR?

Most of my patterns are written for intermediate crocheters and above.

They often assume familiarity with standard crochet stitches and techniques. Some designs include more advanced construction or stitch combinations.

DO I NEED TO CALCULATE MY OWN ADJUSTMENTS?

Yes, in some cases.

Many of my patterns do not follow simple repeats and may change throughout the design.

Any resizing or alterations must be calculated by the maker. If specific instructions are not provided within the pattern, it is expected that the maker will determine their own adjustments.

YARN, GAUGE & SUBSTITUTIONS

Yarn choice, substitutions, and gauge differences are the responsibility of the maker.

Different yarns and tension may affect the final result, so swatching is recommended.

WHY DO YOU HAVE ADS ON YOUR WEBSITE?

Ads help cover website running costs and allow me to continue offering free patterns and content.

ONE OF YOUR LINKS IS BROKEN

If you find a broken link, please contact me so it can be corrected.

WHAT ARE AFFILIATE LINKS?

Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

ARE YOUR PATTERNS UK OR US TERMS?

Patterns are available in both UK and US terms.

Free patterns are usually US terminology, while paid platforms offer both options.

DO YOU OFFER VIDEO TUTORIALS?

No full pattern tutorials are provided.

I do have a YouTube channel with limited short technique videos for selected stitches.

CAN I MAKE A VIDEO OF YOUR PATTERN?

No.

My patterns are copyright protected and may not be filmed or reproduced in tutorial form.

CAN I USE YOUR PHOTOS TO SELL MY FINISHED ITEMS?

No.

You must use your own photos. My images may not be copied, edited, or used for sales.

CAN I COPY YOUR DESIGN FROM A PHOTO?

No.

Recreating my designs from images or written patterns is not permitted.

CAN I BUY YOUR PATTERN AND USE PART TO CREATE MY OWN?

No.

My patterns are copyright protected and may not be used in part or whole for creating new designs for resale.

PATTERN ALTERATIONS / RESIZING

If instructions are not provided for adjustments, it is expected that the maker will calculate their own modifications.

PATTERN PRICING

Prices vary between platforms due to different fee structures.

Each pattern reflects many hours of design, testing, and development.

DIGITAL REFUNDS

No refunds are offered on digital purchases.

ARE REVIEWS IMPORTANT?

Yes. Reviews significantly impact small independent designers.

If you have an issue, please contact me before leaving a review so it can be resolved.

DOWNLOADS, ACCESS & LOST FILES

If you lose access to a purchased pattern, you can usually re-download it through the original platform account (Ravelry, Etsy, Lovecrafts, etc.).

It is the customer’s responsibility to download and safely store their files after purchase.

SKILL MISMATCH & EXPECTATIONS

Refunds are not provided where a pattern does not meet personal expectations or skill level assumptions.

Please ensure you read the full description before purchase.

PHOTOGRAPHY & FINISHED ITEMS

Finished item appearance may vary depending on yarn, tension, lighting, and photography conditions.

Differences in appearance are not considered errors in the pattern.

AI, SCRAPING & REUSE OF CONTENT

My patterns, text, and images may not be used for AI training, scraping, reproduction, or automated content generation.

LOCAL YARN STORES (LYS) AND CLASSES

Patterns may not be used for group classes without permission or appropriate licensing.

WORKING WITH YARN STORES OR INDIE DYERS

I am open to collaborations with yarn stores and indie dyers for yarn support and promotional work.

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Terms and Conditions

    1.       All crochet patterns that appear on this website have been written and designed by Sue Stapleton of Auburncraft Crochet Design, unless otherwise stated. I reserve the right of ownership to these patterns.  You must not edit, copy, share, upload or redistribute our patterns in any way, this includes making video tutorials. My patterns and images etc are for the buyer’s personal use only.

  1. .Authorised distributors for my patterns are are: RavelryEtsyLoveCrafts, Love Crochet, Love KnittingRibblr, Bendigo Woollen Mills, and Auburncraftcrochetdesign.com.  Please ensure the pattern you have used has been received from one of these reputable sources. Auburncraft Crochet Design will not be held responsible for any materials received by obtaining our crochet patterns via unauthorised sources.

2.       You may sell products you have personally created from using our pattern(*), however, mass production is not permitted (please contact us if you would like to discuss this. Please credit Sue Stapleton of Auburncraft Crochet Design as the designer if you do sell your finished products.

* If you purchase a crochet pattern you do not have the right to sell the character, intellectual property, or final piece to any third party for advertising or commercial use. You cannot transfer/assign Copyright.   You cannot copy or reproduce any part of the pattern. All Copyright is retained by Sue Stapleton and Auburncraft Crochet Design.

3.            All media created by Sue Stapleton and Auburncraft Crochet Design.

  • All crochet content, patterns, images, stories, characters are original creations of Sue Stapleton and Auburncraft Crochet Design. If you choose to, you are purchasing the crochet pattern for personal use only. Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design remain the copyright holders.

  • You must not edit, copy, share, or redistribute the crochet patterns in any way.

  • You must not use, copy, share or redistribute images, stories, characters or any other original content from this website to any other place or format without the written consent of the copyright holders. All images, text and Crochet Patterns which are the contents of this website are Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design (unless used with consent or as required).

  • You must not edit, recreate, copy & paste, share, make available for others to download or make videos of, any of the Copyrighted property on this website in any form whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Copyright holders.

  • Should you choose to make comment on the blog, you share information at your own risk. In doing so you give Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design (permission to use the/any copyright) to use the words you have formed and share them on the website.

  • The blog does not provide advice nor professional instruction. Any creative writing is fictional, created by Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design

4. GENERAL TERMS OF USE

  • You must allow us to run ads on our content. You must not use apps or other websites to remove our ads. This is how we monetise our content and make it free to use. Please allow us to do so.

  • You must not use our website in any way that may damage the website or that may make it unavailable or otherwise effect or change the website’s accessibility.
    You must not use our website in an unlawful, or harmful way, or any way that may or does constitute a criminal offence. You must not use our website in connection with any unlawful or harmful activity. You must not add, upload, or use our website to host or distribute any data or computer application. You must not create a link from this website to another without prior consent from the owner of this website.

  • We make every effort to ensure the information contained on this website is correct, however we do not offer any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy. We are not liable for any inaccuracy or error. We offer no commitment to ensure the website remains available, or that the information on the website is up to date. The information on this website is subject to change without notice. We will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by using this website or links from it. Use of the information, materials or downloads on this website are entirely at your own risk. We are not liable for such use.

  • You should ensure that goods and services meet your requirements.

  • These terms are not intended for the benefit of any third party and are not enforceable or require consent from any third party.The website contains information, images, intellectual property, and designs which are owned by Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design. All rights are held by the owners of this website Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design.. All rights are reserved 2016,2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. All other logos, or trademarks which may be used on this website will be acknowledged or used with consent of the property rights holder.

  • This website may provide links to other websites. The links are provided for your information. We are not responsible or liable for the website (s) or the contents of the website (s).

  • A breach to the terms of use may lead to action we deem appropriate, including a claim for damages, suspension of your access to the website, and bringing court proceedings. This website is subject to AU law.

  • When buying goods from us on the Internet you are entering a legally binding contract. Before completing payment you will be able to check for input errors prior to placing an order.

  • You will be subject to the terms and conditions in force at the time that you used our website.

6.            THIRD PARTY LINKS AND ADVERTISING

  • This website may contain links to third party websites. We are not responsible for, nor do we endorse in any way such third party websites or their content. If you decide to access any of the third party websites linked to the site, you do so entirely at your own risk.

  • Parts of this website may contain advertising and sponsorship. Advertisers and sponsors are solely responsible for ensuring that material submitted for inclusion on the site complies with all legal and regulatory requirements and does not contain any material which is objectionable including, without limit, information which is defamatory, obscene, threatening or untrue. We are not responsible for any such material or any error or inaccuracy contained in such material and any issues which you may have should be raised directly with the relevant advertiser or sponsor.

7.            AFFILIATE LINKS

  • We are members of LoveCrochet’s and Etsy’s affiliate marketing programs. This enables us to recommend direct links to yarns suitable for our crochet patterns, bringing you a complete pattern purchasing experience and also items that may enhance yarn projects. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you choose to purchase via these links.

  • Affiliate Images are used with the written permission of the Copyright holder as Affiliate links. You use Affiliate links entirely at your own risk. Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design accepts no liability for merchandise sold on Affiliate websites.

8. Auburncraft Crochet Design.

Auburncraft Crochet Design. provides access to crochet patterns in digital download PDF format designed by Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design.. You can contact us using the Contact page, or by sending an email to auburncraftdesign@gmail.com. contact me.

Auburncraft Crochet Design. is a business run by Sue Stapelton, Sunshine Coast, QLD Aus 4561
There is not a physical store or shop front attached to this business.

9. CROCHET BLOG

Copyright (c) 2022 Auburncraft Crochet Design.. All rights reserved. See refer to ‘CROCHET PATTERN COPYRIGHT & DISTRIBUTORS’ and ‘3. MEDIA CREATED BY Sue Stapleton/Auburncraft Crochet Design.’ for more.

11. REFUND POLICY

You will be purchasing a PDF digital download crochet pattern only, you will not receive a physical printed copy of the pattern nor the pictured finished product.
Once payment and downloads are complete, transactions are non refundable.
If you encounter any problems with your download, please contact us using the Contact page or via email to auburncraftdesign@gmail.com.

12. PRICING ON VARIOUS PLATFORMS

Different methods of tax collection on selling platforms may alter the pricing of my patterns. The prices stated on this platform are what you will be charged if using the buy it now button.

If you need any assistance with using the pattern, please contact us.

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Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. It is Auburncraft Crochet Design’s policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect from you across our website, http://auburncraftcrochetdesign.com, and other sites we own and operate.

We only ask for personal information when we truly need it to provide a service to you. We collect it by fair and lawful means, with your knowledge and consent. We also let you know why we’re collecting it and how it will be used.

We only retain collected information for as long as necessary to provide you with your requested service. What data we store, we’ll protect within commercially acceptable means to prevent loss and theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.

We don’t share any personally identifying information publicly or with third-parties, except when required to by law.

Our website may link to external sites that are not operated by us. Please be aware that we have no control over the content and practices of these sites, and cannot accept responsibility or liability for their respective privacy policies.

You are free to refuse our request for your personal information, with the understanding that we may be unable to provide you with some of your desired services.

Your continued use of our website will be regarded as acceptance of our practices around privacy and personal information. If you have any questions about how we handle user data and personal information, feel free to contact us.

This policy is effective as of 11 August 2020. and updated May 2026