Sustainable Design on Intangible Cultural Heritage: Miao Embroidery Pattern Generation and Application Based on Diffusion Models

Qianwen Yu, Xuyuan Tao and Jianping Wang ()
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Qianwen Yu: College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
Xuyuan Tao: ULR 2461—GEMTEX—Génie et Matériaux Textiles, École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Industries Textiles—ENSAIT, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
Jianping Wang: College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-23

Abstract: Miao embroidery holds significant cultural, economic, and aesthetic value. However, its transmission faces numerous challenges: a high learning threshold, a lack of interest among younger generations, and low production efficiency. These factors have created obstacles to its sustainable development. In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI is expected to improve the efficiency of pattern innovation and the adaptability of the embroidery industry. Therefore, this study proposes a Miao embroidery pattern generation and application method based on Stable Diffusion and low-rank adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning. The process includes image preprocessing, data labeling, model training, pattern generation, and embroidery production. Combining objective indicators with subjective expert review, supplemented by feedback from local artisans, we systematically evaluated five representative Miao embroidery styles, focusing on generation quality and their social and business impact. The results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the original diffusion model in terms of pattern quality and style consistency, with optimal results obtained under a LoRA scale of 0.8–1.2 and diffusion steps of 20–40. Generated patterns were parameterized and successfully implemented in digital embroidery. This method uses AI technology to lower the skill threshold for embroidery training. Combined with digital embroidery machines, it reduces production costs, significantly improving productivity and increasing the income of embroiderers. This promotes broader participation in embroidery practice and supports the sustainable inheritance of Miao embroidery. It also provides a replicable technical path for the intelligent generation and sustainable design of intangible cultural heritage (ICH).

Keywords: intangible cultural heritage; Miao embroidery; pattern generation; diffusion model; low-rank adaptation; digital embroidery production (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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