Can AI help with my hobbies?

For the direction of this project post, I decided to take a less traditional route. Specifically, I chose to use an online resource that most people wouldn’t think to turn to when crocheting: AI. As we’ve discussed in class, AI is an emerging technology that’s beginning to challenge how society views creativity and technology. While AI is undeniably a powerful tool, it lacks a human touch — it doesn’t have a unique personality or the freedom of thought that people do. Because of that, I was initially unsure how helpful it could be in a creative process like making a granny square blanket.

I chose to use ChatGPT as my AI tool.

I asked it: “Could you give me tips and tricks on helping me make my granny square blanket look polished? I do have difficulty tying off my yarn so that it doesn’t stick out.”

To my surprise, the response was long, detailed, and actually very helpful.

🧶 YARN JOINING & ENDING TIPS

✅ 1. Use the “Invisible Join” Method

Instead of tying a knot at the end of your square or round:

• Use an invisible join (great for color changes and ending rounds).

• After your final stitch, cut your yarn and use a yarn needle to:

  • Skip the first stitch.

  • Thread through the top two loops of the next stitch.

  • Then go back into the center of your last stitch.
    This creates the illusion of a seamless stitch.

👉 This avoids that bulky bump you get with a regular slip stitch or knot.

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✅ 2. Weave in Ends Securely (Not Just Tucked)

Use a sharp yarn needle (tapestry needle) and weave your ends in three directions:

1. Weave under several stitches.

2. Change direction and go the other way.

3. Then turn once more (if possible) before trimming.

📌 Pro Tip: Split the plies of the yarn with your needle occasionally — this makes it harder to unravel.

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✅ 3. Avoid Bulky Knots

Knots can loosen or pop out over time. Instead:

• Join new yarn by overlapping it slightly with your working yarn and crocheting over both for 4–5 stitches.

• Then weave in each tail later.

• If you must knot, make it tiny and weave it into dense areas (like cluster stitches or corners).

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🪡 JOINING GRANNY SQUARES CLEANLY

✨ 4. Consistent Join Method

Try one of these:

• Invisible Whip Stitch (with matching yarn color): Flat and nearly invisible on the front.

• Flat Slip Stitch Join: Seam on the back, lays flat.

• Join-As-You-Go (JAYGO): Eliminates sewing time; adds neatness but needs planning.

Make sure you use the same tension throughout, or the seams will pucker or wave.

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📏 5. Block Your Squares

Even if they’re a little uneven:

• Pin them to the same size on a foam board.

• Lightly steam or spray with water.

• Let dry fully.

This makes joining MUCH easier and gives a crisp, flat result.

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🪶 FINAL POLISHING TOUCHES

✂️ 6. Trim Tails Only After Blocking

After weaving ends in securely, block your blanket. Only then trim excess tails. It prevents ends from poking out due to movement.

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🧼 7. Give It a Final Wash

When your blanket is finished:

• Wash gently (if yarn allows).

• Lay flat to dry and reshape if needed.

This softens joins and helps ends settle in.

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🧵 Bonus Tip for Hard-to-Hide Ends:

If you’re weaving into an open or lacy area:

• Try weaving around the inside of a cluster or under a row of slip stitches.

• Use a small crochet hook (like 2.5mm) to pull ends through tight spots neatly.

 

All of these tips were amazing to learn about, as I have had difficulty tying in my last stitching ends. I will definitely use these helpful tips in the future and to perfect my current learning project!