Can ChatGPT Crochet or Knit? Why AI Won’t Replace Pattern Designers (Yet)

2

October

2025

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Most people use ChatGPT to write emails, brainstorm ideas, analyze data, or code. Generative AI nowadays is so powerful that it can even build a website just with some prompts, and it probably does it faster than most people. As I was knitting the other day, I randomly started thinking about the potential jobs Generative AI is going to take over in the future. From engineers to lawyers, it really seems like there’s no “safe” jobs out there. I looked at the knitting pattern I was using and wondered if AI could actually make patterns or it’s just going to give me some made-up stitches and numbers.

I tested some prompts in ChatGPT for both crochet and knitting projects. At first glance, the written patterns actually look legit. But what’s funny is that even with ChatGPT’s ability to generate images now, the charts were just complete non-sense. For example, this is what it generated for both crochet and knitting, and as a reference you can search online for what charts are supposed to look like (spoiler alert: they look nothing alike).

Moreover, by asking ChatGPT for even more patterns for different creations, I noticed that some errors kept showing up, including abbreviations that are invented or mashed together, stitch counts that don’t add up, or rows that repeat inconsistently. Since I didn’t have time to actually conduct the experiment and try out the patterns, I went down the rabbit hole on YouTube and TikTok to see what people made. It was super entertaining as you might see a pattern saying it’s an elephant but turns out looking more like a mouse. Based on my research, the short answer to “Can ChatGPT Crochet or Knit?” is definitely no. I believe that at least as of today, the pattern makers are not going to be replaced by GenAI. There might be a lot of reasons behind this but the main one in my opinion is that creating a pattern is not just a linear process. The designers actually have to test out the pattern over and over again and look for testers before releasing it. In order to create a successful pattern that not only looks good but also easy to understand is not easy and takes years of experience. I’ve been crocheting and knitting for fun for over five years now, and I still cannot create one.

For now, AI created patterns are more comedy than craft, but what if it gets better? I’m excited to see if the future Generative AI can actually generate good patterns. At the same time, I can’t help but think it is quite intimidating if it can potentially take over a creative skill like this.

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Your Next Stylist Might Be AI: How Zalando is Redefining Fashion Tech

18

September

2025

5/5 (1)

Today’s fashion and retail space can be overwhelming. Consumers are constantly challenged by the ever-changing trends and decision fatigue. Think about the last time you opened a shopping app from brands such as Zara or H&M, was it easy looking for what you wanted or coming up with an outfit suitable for your occasion? In my personal experience, I always lose patience trying to navigate endless pages with inaccurate filters. I’d always thought that with the technological advancement, we should’ve had a way more personalized and efficient way of shopping.

So last year, when I saw that Zalando partnered with OpenAI and launched the AI-powered Zalando Assistant, I had to try this new feature in the App immediately. Unlike traditional recommendation tools that simply push similar products, Zalando’s assistant acts more like a digital stylist. You can talk to it in a natural language and give real-time feedback. It suggests complete outfits based on your location, weather, and even the type of event you’re attending.

The potential impact of this is what really excites me the most. The Zalando Assistant is not only changing their own app but also setting a standard for how we shop in the future. Other brands such as Zara and H&M will need to move beyond basic “You might also like” recommendations and start thinking about how to leverage AI to create a better e-commerce experience. Imagine a future where shopping apps understand your preferences and predict your needs as well as a personal stylist. To take it one step further, imagine if it could help you shop more sustainably by suggesting outfits that complement what’s already in your wardrobe.

As this feature just launched less than a year ago, there is of course still room for improvement. For example, sometimes the recommendations still feel trend-driven rather than personal. I find that it is still a bit challenging for the AI stylist to know and remember my preferences. Moreover, the concern for data privacy still remains, especially because this concerns a personal aspect of the user’s lifestyle.

Regardless of the limitation, Zalando’s innovation still represents a big shift in fashion tech. AI could soon predict trends before they go viral, power AR, and create a hyper-personalized shopping experience. I am excited to see where this innovation takes us and how it will reshape the fashion industry.

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