The Quiet Frustration Behind “You Used AI, Didn’t You?”

I often see this on Facebook cross‑stitch groups: when someone posts a composite “finished piece,” they’re immediately accused of being an AI scammer. Many comments say things like, “It would never stitch out like that!”—as if the image itself is a form of deception.
If someone simply generates an illustration with AI and then turns it into a fake cross‑stitch mock‑up, I understand why people feel misled.

But the reasons behind the anger seem to vary.
Some people dislike the “AI look,” some are frustrated because their own projects didn’t turn out as expected, and others simply resent the idea of someone posting work they didn’t actually stitch. I sometimes wonder: are there really people who let AI generate the entire pattern for them?
And those who hate AI—have they actually tried using it? If they had, they would know how limited it still is.

I’ve also been told, more than once, “You’re using AI to make your patterns, aren’t you?”
In reality, I create my designs properly with cross‑stitch software, adjusting stitch counts and colors myself. The only thing AI helps with is refining the base illustration. Still, because the artwork has a certain “AI‑like” style, some people jump to conclusions.

It makes me sad when fellow stitchers choose to start a fight instead of simply asking or appreciating the craft behind the work.

 😊Happy creation !