It is probably not shocking that the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created a stir in the technology world - especially in recent years. What may be more surprising, however, is that our very own fiber industry is running into challenges with AI too!

Take a moment and think back to how long it took you to create your last project. A weekend for a hat? Months for a sweater? A year or more for an afghan?? Now consider finding out over halfway through that project that the pattern was written by AI and includes irreconcilable flaws not noticeable at first. Unfortunately, this possibility isn't just a hypothetical situation any longer.

AI generated patterns are popping up and causes headaches for makers and designers around the world. Talented designers are now competing with machines for our attention even though their patterns are superior, have typically been professionally edited and are usually tested before distribution.

Here are a few tips we've found from articles like this ZDNet piece by David Gewirtz and videos like the one mentioned by Elsie Rose for spotting - and avoiding! - AI generated patterns before you invest time, financial and emotional resources into a project!

1.  Perfection: Our items are handcrafted. If a project looks too incredible to be real - it probably isn't! If you're considering a complex pattern, make sure you look at the photos carefully to be sure you can see recognizable stitches. Chances are they aren't well-defined because they don't truly exist. Intricate details like facial features, flower petals or invisible color changes are a few areas commonly seen in AI generated products that are just not possible.

2.  Scale: Is the item too large or too small for its surroundings? Over- and under-sized images are another tell that the item was generated by AI. Yes, some people create life-size or larger items, and yes, amigurumi figures are small, but if the background is way off like that shown below...we recommend caution.

3.  Hands: If an image shows hands, check to see how many fingers there are. No, seriously. AI has proven it has trouble with generating accurate and realistic hands and feet. Missing or extra digits can be a quick and easy red flag!

4.  Progress Photos: An AI generated image won't have in-progress photos to share with a pattern because it wasn't actually created. Take a second, third or even fourth look if you don't see any progress photos!

5.  Video: Similar to progress photos, video can provide a good reference point for whether an item or pattern was generated by AI. If a video shows the full piece - front, back, sides, etc. - chances are it's legitimate. If the video only shows one angle, do a bit more digging and look for other signs like those above.

AI generated images can be stunning and provide us with limitless inspiration! It is wise, however, for all of us to be extra vigilant as scammers find ways to use AI for their own gain. Let's all be safe and take an extra look to make sure we're supporting humans who are truly sharing their talents with us in the form of real, tested and trusted projects.