Design guide and Ideas for tufting
Please remember that you will need to send us your design at least 48 hours before the start of your workshop!
Alright folks, The first rule of Tuft Club is: Keep it simple! (especially if you’re a beginner!)
We highly recommend sticking to a design that isn’t a tangled web of tiny details. Trust us, skinny lines and miniature doodles are tufter’s worst nightmare, and you might end up with something that looks more like abstract mess than the masterpiece you envisioned.
Once you’ve submitted your design, we’ll take a peek and let you know if it needs a little makeover to keep it tufting-friendly.
Oh, and when you send us your design, please make sure it’s a nice, clear front view. No sideways glances or dramatic angles – we’re making rugs, not filming a soap opera! The clearer, the better. A screenshot from your phone, a jpg or png works well.
When it comes to colours, you’ll get to play Picasso on the day of the workshop. All we need beforehand is the basic outline of your design, which we’ll carefully sketch onto your canvas the day before.
We’ve got a lot of shades of yarn for you to choose from, but it would be great if you already have some colour ideas in mind. But in line with the first rule of Tuft Club - Keep it simple and you will have a much cleaner and clearer rug / artwork at the end.
We have about 90+ shades of yarn in the studio, but please be aware that from time to time we might run out of some shades. Please note is you opt for using our wool yarn they do come in fewer shades.
Below are a few ideas inspirations:
Geometric Patterns
Bold, simple shapes like circles, triangles, and squares work great in small spaces. They add a modern, graphic look to your rug without overwhelming the limited area.
Abstract Designs
Freeform shapes, splashes of colour, or asymmetrical patterns are ideal for tufting. These designs allow for creative freedom and don’t require precise symmetry, making them easier to execute on a smaller scale.
Minimalist Motifs
Think of single, clear images like a heart, a star, or a simple animal silhouette. These designs are visually impactful and straightforward to tuft, making them perfect for beginners.
Monograms or Initials
Personalised rugs with initials or short words can add a personal touch. Choose bold fonts and contrasting colours to make the letters stand out.
Botanical Themes
Simple, stylized plant designs like leaves, flowers, or even cacti can add a natural element to your rug. Stick to a single type of plant or flower for a cohesive look.
Stripes or Colour Blocks
Horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stripes in varying colors can create a dynamic look. Colour blocking with two or three hues can also make a small rug pop.
Animal Prints
Patterns like leopard spots, zebra stripes, or even a simple paw print can be a fun way to add a bit of wild flair to your rug.
The key is to keep the design clean and not too intricate, as small-scale tufting projects have limited space for detail. Bold, graphic elements with strong contrasts will usually deliver the best results.
We love to see and get inspired by what other people make with their creative tufting, so we have compiled a board on Pinterest with some nice ideas - Fulham Textile Studio - Tufting Board