Tufting - How it works?

July 23, 2025

What is tufting?

Tufting is a textile technique that involves pushing loops of yarn through a base fabric to create soft, raised surfaces — perfect for rugs, wall hangings, or textured home decor. With its bold, tactile finish and infinite creative potential, tufting has become a rising star in contemporary textile art.

Whether you've seen mesmerizing tufting videos on Instagram or fallen in love with colorful handmade rugs, this technique is making a comeback — and it's more accessible than ever.

A brief history of tufting

Tufting isn't new. Its roots trace back to 19th-century America , particularly in Georgia, where hand-tufted quilts and bedspreads became a staple of Appalachian folk art. Women would push yarn through fabric with hand tools to create thick, fluffy patterns — the ancestors of today's tufted rugs.

By the mid-20th century, the process evolved into machine tufting , revolutionizing carpet manufacturing. But recently, artists and crafters have brought hand-tufting back to the spotlight, giving it a fresh, experimental twist.

How does tufting work?

Tufting begins with a stretched backing fabric (usually monk's cloth or burlap) fixed tightly to a frame. Yarn is then pushed through the fabric using a tool to form loops or cut pile, which gives tufted rugs their signature texture.

There are two main types of tufting:

Loop pile – the yarn remains in loops, giving a bumpy, textured surface
Cut pile – the loops are sliced, creating a soft, plush feel

You can combine both for layered, dimensional effects.

The tufting gun: a game-changer for textile artists

The biggest innovation in modern tufting? The tufting gun .

This electric tool speeds up the process dramatically, allowing makers to draw with yarn on fabric, almost like using a pen. With a bit of practice, you can create large-scale rugs and wall pieces much faster than with traditional hand tools.

There are two main types:

Cut pile tufting gun – creates fluffy, trimmed yarn
Loop pile tufting gun – leaves the yarn in loops for texture

💡 Some tufting guns are adjustable and let you switch between both.

Tufting guns have made this technique accessible to a new generation of artists, DIYers, and designers — sparking a global tufting trend.

What you can make with tufting

Tufting is incredibly versatile. You can create:

Rugs (floor or wall-mounted)
Wall art and textile murals
Cushion covers
Textile sculptures
Fashion accessories
And more...

It's an ideal medium for experimenting with color , form , and texture — especially for those who love working with their hands.

Why is tufting so popular right now?

Tufting has exploded in popularity thanks to:

ASMR-worthy videos on social media
Its playful, tactile nature — perfect for self-expression
The satisfaction of making something soft and bold, almost
Workshops and studios offering equipment rentals and courses

It's also part of a broader movement towards craft revival , slow design, and the joy of handmade objects.

Tufting as a creative playground

Tufting is more than a trend — it's a powerful form of expression. Whether you're making rugs to walk on or artworks to hang, this technique invites you to paint with yarn , explore softness, and reconnect with handmade processes.

So, if you're curious to try tufting yourself — whether in my studio or from your own home — know this: all you need is your hands, your instinct, and a bit of yarn magic .