Keeping Handmade Human

If you have purchased a craft pattern or e-book lately and have noticed that something about the photos feels off, or that it promises instructions for creating a project, but the information is so vague it's useless.  You may have purchased an AI-generated pattern.

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence.  AI is being used all over the internet now.  From browser search bars to customer service chatbots, it’s hard to avoid AI when you are online.  

Unfortunately, AI has impacted the arts-and-crafts world, too.  I'm speaking as an embroidery artist, but I know AI has had a negative impact on all different kinds of crafts, from crochet to stained glass.  There are several problems with these patterns, but the biggest is the unrealistic stitchwork.  I have seen very few AI-generated embroidery patterns that can actually be stitched or made as they appear in the images.  This can be very frustrating if you are a beginner.  If you are just picking up a new craft for the first time and a poor AI tutorial destroys your confidence, you may never realize how much you actually love that craft.

The second problem is the instructions.  When a design is shown with unachievable stitches or stitch patterns, it’s not possible for a computer to write accurate instructions.  As someone who also does machine embroidery, I know there is software that can generate stitches for you (though they differ from hand embroidery).  However, I also know that if a machine embroidery design is not created properly and tested by a human, it can destroy a very expensive machine.  AI lacks the understanding of when or how to use different threads. It doesn't know which stitches to use to create specific textures, and it lacks the knowledge that comes from thousands of real stitching experiences.

The third problem is its impact on real artists.  When AI-generated patterns started flooding the Etsy marketplace, I took mine down.  It takes me days or even weeks to create, stitch, and write a full tutorial, and I knew I couldn't compete on quantity or price with AI-produced patterns. I felt there was no point in continuing my work. For over a year, I focused solely on selling supplies. It took me far too long to realize that my handmade embroidery patterns offer something AI simply can’t replicate.  What really makes me sad is that this is not only affecting me.  There are thousands of other artists, crafters, and teachers who are feeling the sting of a market cheepened 

My Promise to You

I am here to share my passion with others, so it is essential that all my embroidery designs, patterns, and tutorials are created entirely by me. From the initial drawing to the final stitch, my hands do it all.

I do not use artificial intelligence to generate stitched images or finished embroidery pieces. Furthermore, I do not employ AI to write my patterns, tutorials, or blog posts. However, I do use Grammarly to assist with punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.

I will never attempt to pass off an AI-generated image as my own embroidery or as any original artwork. 

There is a theory that AI might eventually take over, rendering humans unnecessary. However, until that day comes, I will continue to be here, helping people create beautiful things with their hands. Let’s embrace the human connection together and leave the handicrafts to the humans!