Updated Copyright Policy by AccuQuilt

For those that have an AccuQuilt, or are considering purchasing an AccuQuilt, I do recommend that you take time to read their Updated Copyright Policy.  Up until recently, AccuQuilt has not had a policy on copyright or licensed dies that was visible on their website or packaging.

When a quilter purchases a new cutting tool, such as a specialized quilting ruler, there is always the possibility that a new and unique design may spring from that tool, and the consumer may want to market THAT design. For many, questions have been raised as to what one can/can not do when you purchase an AccuQuilt product, with respect to commercial use.  As such, this post focuses on sharing insights on some of my investigation into this topic:

Many consumers of AccuQuilt products are able to design and/or digitize machine embroidery projects for their own use, but many prefer to purchase quilt patterns.  And, many that enjoy machine embroidery (ME)  want to be able to purchase a variety of ME designs that are all compatible with AccuQuilt shapes, including licensed shapes.

AccuQuilt has had  a policy to support quilt designers of their non-licensed dies, to encourage them to create quilt designs that are compatible with AccuQuilt products.  While the process was not always known, it has existed.  But, there were question as to what could or could not be done with licensed dies and many have felt that the licensed dies severely limited the possibilities of what somone could create with them.  Fortunately, AccuQuilt has addressed this subject and has officially updated their Copyright Policy and made it visible on their website, with plans to add it to packaging in the future.

AccuQuilt provided the following summary:

The policy states, "You may also reproduce the AccuQuilt proprietary or licensed die shapes (whether in original form or with your own modifications), as patterns or in digital format for embroidery projects, for any private, non-commercial purpose. However, before reproducing the licensed die shapes or the AccuQuilt proprietary die shapes (whether in original form or with your own modifications), for any other purpose, you must contact AccuQuilt to seek permission. Royalties to licensees may be required. AccuQuilt and its licensors reserve the right to refuse to consent to such reproduction in our sole discretion.

Seeking Permission to Use AccuQuilt Shapes for Commercial PurposesIf you are interested in using AccuQuilt proprietary or licensed die shapes for commercial purposes (e.g., to recreate the designs in patterns and books, digitize the shapes to resell for embroidery, etc.), please contact AccuQuilt Customer Service at info@accuquilt.com or 888.258.7913 for more information about our Copyright and Logo Guidelines for commercial purposes.


To reiterate, contrary to prior messaging, there is no need to contact licensed designers for additional permission to reproduce AccuQuilt shape designs for private or commercial purposes. There is only need to contact AccuQuilt directly by interested parties for commercial purposes so we can ensure the end product is properly branded as AccuQuilt."


After clarifying with AccuQuilt, their policy means that Quilt Designers and Machine Embroidery Digitizers can essentially register with AccuQuilt, whereby they are given information and instructions to use  'AccuQuilt-friendly' logos and copyright statements on their respective packaging.

And, while their are more quilt designer and embroidery digitizers that have created designs for AccuQuilt products, commercially available than I can list, I believe  that there are more consumers that want more AccuQuilt compatible quilt designs and machine embroidery designs. AccuQuilt's updated Copyright Policy opens up the door for creative minds to create and sell their designs, using the AccuQuilt GO! friendly logo and following AccuQuilt packaging guidelines. This is a win-win situation, providing more creative project ideas for those that buy AccuQuilt products, more reasons for consumers to buy AccuQuilt products, and more opportunities for those of you with creative talents to create designs for commercial purposes.

Just remember to contact AccuQuilt, by sending them an email (info@accuquilt.com) if you want to pursue a commercial effort for your quilt or machine embroidery designs for regular and/or licensed dies.

As a consumer, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing more quilt designs and machine embroidery designs, available for purchase, that are AccuQuilt compatible. And, I'm happy that AccuQuilt has worked to document their Copyright Policy and Process for Designers to use thei GO! friendly logo and packaging guidelines.

Ok Designers, get GO!ing.

Some examples of those that have pursued commercial designs, using AccuQuilt products, with AccuQuilts' approval are:

Linda (Machine Embroidery Design Cuts) is a machine embroidery digitizer that offers many designs for AccuQuilt dies, including the GO! Rose of Sharon and other licensed designs.  While AccuQuilt is working with Linda to get their GO! Friendly logo and copyright statements on Linda's packaging, they have approved her commercial use of AccuQuilt shapes in her machine embroidery designs.


Marjorie (Marjorie's Quilting Bee) is a machine embroidery digitizer that offers many designs for AccuQuilt dies  Marjorie is also working with AccuQuilt to incorporate their GO! Friendly logo and copyright statements on her packaging.

Ebony (Quilt Possible) has designed quilt patterns,  that are compatible with with the GO! and/or STUDIO, that are available for purchase at her online store, the AccuQuilt website and through PatternSpot.com.  Ebony is also the publisher and Editor of a popular e:zine called "Blocks to Die For". 

Many quilt designers have also created patterns, that use AccuQuilt dies, that are available for purchase via AccuQuilts' online store.

Terrie Sandelin (Bits and Pieces) has also designed many projects, compatible with AccuQuilt products, including this cute Kindle Touch Sleeve that is available for purchase on PatternSpot.com