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If you’ve ever browsed cross stitch designs online, you’ve probably seen a few that look suspiciously like Disney characters. It can be confusing — after all, we all grew up with those stories, and they feel like part of our shared imagination. But when it comes to copyright, there’s an important distinction between a story and a specific artistic version of that story.

At The Stamped Stitch Club, we take copyright seriously. Every design we release is based on licensed artwork — meaning the artist is fairly paid, and we have legal permission to use their work. This protects the artists, our business, and you as a stitcher.

So let’s clear up a few common questions about what’s allowed and what isn’t when it comes to fairy tales and famous characters.

Disney Characters vs. Public Domain Stories

Disney didn’t create stories like The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, or Snow White. These tales were written centuries ago by authors such as Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, and because of that, the original stories are part of the public domain.

That means anyone can retell, reinterpret, or create artwork inspired by the original stories — the ones filled with sea witches, poisoned apples, and enchanted sleep — without needing permission.

However, Disney’s visual interpretations of those characters are protected by copyright.

So while the idea of a mermaid who dreams of life on land is public domain, Ariel — with her bright red hair, purple seashell top, and green tail — belongs to Disney. The same applies to characters like Cinderella in her blue ball gown or Snow White with her yellow skirt and red bow.

What We Can Use

Because the stories themselves are free to reinterpret, artists around the world have created their own beautiful takes on these classic characters — often closer in spirit to the darker, more mysterious tone of the original tales.

When we license artwork for our kits, we sometimes choose designs inspired by these public domain stories, not by Disney’s copyrighted versions.

That means you might see:

• A mermaid with her own unique look and mood, not Disney’s Ariel
• A fairy-tale princess that feels magical, but not identical to Cinderella
• A forest witch or enchanted castle that echoes the old legends rather than the films

These versions celebrate imagination and creativity while staying within copyright law — and ensure every artist we work with is paid for their talent.

Why This Matters

It might seem like a small detail, but it’s an important one. Respecting copyright isn’t just about following rules — it’s about respecting creativity. Every artist deserves credit and fair pay for their work. By licensing our artwork properly, we’re supporting the creative community and protecting the integrity of the cross stitch world.

When you stitch one of our kits, you can feel confident that it’s been created ethically and responsibly, with care at every step — from the artwork to the materials.

Final Thoughts

The next time you see a cross stitch design that looks exactly like a Disney character, it’s worth asking where that image came from. At The Stamped Stitch Club, we believe that beautiful art should be celebrated — but always with permission, respect, and honesty.

So while you won’t find Disney’s Ariel, Belle, or Elsa here, you will find stunning, original designs inspired by the timeless tales that started it all.