Rug tufting

Rug tufting was first introduced with the development of the tufting gun in the 1960s-70s. The technology has not changed since then.

Rug tufting is a creative and flexible medium that allows for the creation of a wide variety of images.  Rug tufting is gaining in popularity and has seen a surge of interest fuelled by social media and TikTok. There are more artists using the medium and many hobbyists taking up the craft.

Drawing the designs, using the gun to ensure the correct pile height/ density of stitching is achieved, cutting down and finishing and carving the rug.

See www.turnberryrugworks.com  for a video of the operation

• Yarn dyeing

• Sourcing raw materials: Difficulty in sourcing yarn
• Market issues: Overseas price competition
• Business issues: Making a sufficient margin to be able to extend marketing activities

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• Area Rugs and Carpets
• Unique Rugs and Carpets
• Trendytuft
• Turnberry Carpets
• Dovecot Studios
• Hoxa Tapestry
• Helen Yardley
• Caroline Acaintre
• Christine Crofts
• The Woolly Rug Co. Ltd.

The availability of cheaper tufting guns from China has meant that more learners are picking up the craft. There a number of educational establishment who are teaching the skills or have the equipment available for students.

• Goldsmiths University
• London Metropolitan University
• Salford University
• Birmingham City University
• Central Lancashire University
• Wolverhampton University
• Staffordshire University
• University of Plymouth
• University of Huddersfield

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