Patterns: Free or Paid?

I’ve been thinking about online Knit/Crochet patterns… even print patterns.

I’m a part of multiple Crochet Facebook groups, and I remember a post about selling items made from free patterns and it sort of grew into a huge discussion. A lot of the items I make, I freehand and have no pattern for it. For a while, I didn’t want to share how I created these items because I didn’t want someone else duplicating what I made… Then again, I realize that if you are really good at what you do, you don’t need a pattern to duplicate because you could just create something just by looking and guessing.

I’ve been thinking about dedicating this blog to patterns/tutorials/DIYs… and glimpses of my life.

My patterns that I release that are written solely by me (meaning not a pattern that I’m ripping off of someone and calling as my own, however, I do realize that a lot of patterns I will be releasing will be similar to many others out there) will be free. Items made from these patterns may be sold and I just ask that you give me credit for the written pattern!

However, I am curious to know. What do you feel about patterns? Do you think they should be free for all or do you think that you should be paid for the hard work put into writing the pattern?

-Steph