In this series, we explore the Copyright laws and how they apply to the world of needlework. Copyright laws affect what you can and cannot do with your patterns and finished projects. I am not an expert in this area, this is just information I have picked up from 20 years of stitching. Hopefully, I can get stitchers, designers, and store owners to comment. We will begin with copying.
In needle work, a copy is a printed duplicate of the original design known as a working copy. No, it does not do the stitching for you, sheesh!
Imagine you are half way done with your project and the pattern was twenty dollars. You are sipping on a drink while stitching. Then all of a sudden, so and so (insert name here) spills your drink on your pattern. You might be able to save it but you might be buying another pattern for twenty dollars. Yeah!
What, you don’t want to buy the exact same pattern for twenty dollars? A working copy allows you to scribble, highlight, make notes, eat, drink, or whatever you do when you are stitching without damaging the original pattern or denting your stitching budget.
As far as I know, designers do not mind working copies. This does not mean you can make a copy of a pattern and sell it on eBay or to a friend. I have seen this happen. You may make a copy of a pattern for someone else or let them borrow your pattern so that they can make a working copy.
Just remember, every copy means a designer does not get paid. If you have any questions, you can always ask the designer or your local needlework stores. After all, if they don’t make money, they will stop creating designs and we won’t get the patterns or the product.
The Daedal Needle 
My DH is a copyright lawyer and says it is OK to make a copy for your personal use as you described above, but not to sell on.
I totally agree and thank you for commenting.