Earlier this year, the largest cross stitch Reddit group started asking everyone to post close-up images of their stitches.
Changes in rules happen a lot, but the reason behind this one is actually one of the most interesting AI stories out there right now. You see, you have to show your close-up to avoid people claiming they’re cross stitched something that doesn’t exist!
How Did We Get Here?
Whilst the social point on why they’re doing this is interesting enough, I want to look at the AI side of things.
We’ve spoken at length on how AI cross stitch patterns are flooding places like Etsy, and people are using AI within pattern making in general (which can be OK depending on how its used), but we’re not at a weird junction where AI is capable of creating an image that looks like its crossed stitched with such detail that people are readily convinced (well, most of the time).
Long gone are easy-to-spot AI images, and fake listings on sites looking like a nice cross stitch.
But honestly…why?
The likes? The dopamine of compliments? Maybe some form of low-effort clout?
I do wonder what the purpose is, but cross stitch isn’t the only form of hobby this is happening to.
I’ve seen knitting groups, beading art, and even sewing being faked through AI for the benefit of nothing more than… admiration of people?
I know high art hates AI, and groups like RPGers go out of their way to block AI content, so it’s kind of obvious that they’d start on hobbies like ours.
But it raises some serious questions about what we need to do about it, or even if it impacts us.
What Does This Mean For You?
For most of us, this seems like a funny curio, caught by some great mods. But it’s actually much more than that.
We’ve regularly mentioned that when buying a quality cross stitch pattern you need to see a stitched example of the work. Well, now we honestly have to take into account that it might be an AI-completed piece! You can’t just buy a pattern without some serious detective work.
And, without dropping into the cross stitch and copyright argument, AI has also gotten to the point where AI can replicate a cross stitch pattern from a photo of a completed cross stitch. It even happened with me recently with my stolen epic Pokemon pattern.
So, far from being a funny story, this starts to be a serious concern.
Brick-and-mortar stores like Joann’s have shut, and we’re left with only more choices online to buy patterns. Partly due to how online communities changed cross stitch, but also moving with the times.
Should You Be Worried?
It’s a slightly sad trust problem for a community built on people believing each other’s “I made this” to now start questioning everyone, but times move on, and maybe we need more and more moderated spaces for cross stitch to thrive.
But for now at least, stay alert to AI fakes, make sure you always buy from a trusted seller, and thank those Reddit mods!
Happy stitching,
Lord Libidan