What's with the "Artwork AI usage" tag?

As discussed in the previous post about AI in cross stitch, there are multiple ways designers can use AI in their process and there are also concerns many stitchers have about AI-generated artwork in particular.

Flosshaven's goal is to encourage transparency and help stitchers make informed decisions. As AI-generated artwork becomes increasingly common online, it can be difficult to know how a design was created or who you are supporting. The Artwork AI Usage tag exists to provide that information whenever possible.

In this post we will cover:

• Why are patterns with AI generated artwork or designs allowed on Flosshaven?

• Why only tag artwork or design and not other parts of the pattern process?

• What about if AI has been used to create the chart?

• How can I know that a pattern is correctly tagged?

• What does the different tags mean, and when should which tag be used?

• Can I filter out any patterns using AI generated or AI assisted tags?

• I have more questions or concerns regarding this topic

Why are patterns with AI generated artwork or designs allowed on Flosshaven?

Flosshaven is first and foremost an inclusive space for all stitchers regardless of their stitching preferences. Some stitchers actively avoid AI-generated artwork, while others do not. Flosshaven aims to support both groups. Users should not be prevented from organizing or tracking patterns they already own simply because those patterns use AI-generated artwork.

So instead of a blantant ban of patterns using AI generated or AI assisted artwork, these patterns need to be properly tagged. Rather than trying to decide what people should or shouldn't stitch, Flosshaven focuses on making that information visible.

Why only tag artwork or design and not other parts of the pattern process?

The Artwork AI Usage tag focuses specifically on the artwork or design that the pattern is based on, because this is where questions about authorship, originality and creative ownership most often arise.

Flosshaven also wants to support human artists and designers. And because the origin of artwork is important to many stitchers, patterns that use AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork are required to be tagged so users can make informed choices.

AI can also be used in many other parts of a designer's workflow, such as editing photos, writing descriptions or brainstorming ideas. These uses generally do not affect the origin of the artwork itself, so Flosshaven does not currently track them.

Flosshaven does not currently tag AI use for tasks such as:

• writing listing descriptions

• improving product photos

• generating preview mockups

• brainstorming ideas

• suggesting colour palettes

• proofreading text

While these tools may assist the designer, they do not contribute directly to the creation of the artwork or original design itself.

What about if AI has been used to create the chart?

Whether a chart is produced manually, using traditional charting software or with AI assistance does not necessarily determine its quality. Excellent charts and poor charts can be produced using any of these methods. Rather than trying to classify how a chart was produced, Flosshaven instead lets stitchers rate pattern clarity and quality after stitching the pattern.

How can I know that a pattern is correctly tagged?

This comes down to trust and transparency. We're only human and humans can make mistakes. If a pattern is tagged as Artwork AI use "generated" or "assisted", it should be based on information confirmed by the pattern creator whenever possible. If a pattern is tagged "Unknown" it simply means that the information has not yet been confirmed. In many cases AI may not have been used at all, we just don't know yet.

If you think a pattern is tagged wrong, feel free to change the tag and write a note about why. Or you can flag the pattern for admin review.

What does the different tags mean, and when should which tag be used?

We have four tags, and I realize it can be difficult choosing the correct one. AI use exists on a spectrum, and it is often impossible to draw precise lines between "generated" and "assisted." Rather than trying to measure exactly how much AI was involved, Flosshaven uses broad categories that are practical and understandable. The goal is transparency, not perfect precision.

Confirmed no AI - AI was not used to generate any part of the artwork or original design the pattern is based on.
AI generated - The artwork or original design was primarily generated using AI, even if it was later edited or cleaned up by a person.
AI assisted - AI contributed directly to the creation of the artwork or original design, but substantial creative work by a human also contributed to the final result.
Unknown - The AI usage of the artwork or design has not yet been confirmed.

AI can be used for many tasks during the design process. The following examples would not normally be considered AI Assisted, because they do not contribute directly to creating the artwork or original design:

• brainstorming ideas

• suggesting colour palettes

• generating the chart

• creating mockups or preview images of the finished chart

Can I filter out any patterns using AI generated or AI assisted tags?

Yes, in your Profile settings under Preferences, you can create a saved pattern filter that is automatically applied whenever you browse patterns.

If you prefer not to see patterns tagged as AI generated or AI assisted, you can exclude those tags from your default results.

I have more questions or concerns regarding this topic

This is a complicated topic, and people won't always agree on where the lines should be drawn. These guidelines may continue to evolve as AI tools, laws and community expectations change. If you have questions, feedback or think we've missed an edge case, feel free to contact us or join the Discord discussion.