Quick Guide To Rug Tufting: A Beginner's Guide For 2026

Have you seen rug tufting videos where someone creates a favorite cartoon character or a unique design out of fiber? They’re equally satisfying and intriguing. While making rugs is a centuries-old craft, rug tufting is a little newer, especially as a DIY hobby. So, what is rug tufting? It’s a fiber art that uses yarn to create rugs, wall hangings and textile art. And it’s quickly gaining speed as a creative hobby that people are taking up at home.

It’s no wonder that fiber arts are growing in popularity when they’re shown to be good for mental health, according to a study published in a journal by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Fiber arts can create a meditative state and promote a sense of calm. Plus, by being able to choose yarn colors and designs, you’ll have a sense of self-expression. After seeing these works of art, you might be interested in creating your own fiber masterpiece. But you also might be wondering, “Is rug tufting hard to learn?” Let’s dive into this unique fiber art and how to get started with rug tufting as a beginner.

Feature image via Etsy

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• What Is Rug Tufting?
• Rug Tufting Supplies
• 4 Easy Steps For Rug Tufting
• Rug Tufting Tips
• Take a DIY Class!

What Is Rug Tufting?

Is Rug Tufting Hard To Learn?

No, in general, rug tufting is not hard to learn. In fact, it’s fairly beginner-friendly. It can be especially easy to learn if you’ve already worked with yarn or fiber. Like most hobbies, it will take time and patience to master, so practice will make perfect.

Of course, you will have to learn the details of rug tufting, such as choosing the right fabric and fiber, mastering proper tension, controlling the tufting gun and the speed and a variety of techniques.

But after buying the right supplies and practicing a little, you’ll get the hang of rug tufting. It won’t be long until you’re making your own DIY home decor and trying out new techniques.

Can A Beginner Use A Tufting Gun?

Don’t let the name intimidate you. A beginner can absolutely use a rug tufting gun, even the first time they try the hobby. You can find easy-to-use tufting guns that work well for beginners to use and practice on as you’re first starting the hobby.

However, you can pick up a tufting gun and start on some DIY home projects the same day. For your first time, it’s a good idea to practice some rug tufting techniques and learn some of the basics of creating a design.

Even if you’ve never tried fiber arts before, most people are able to pick up a tufting gun and start rug tufting right away.

Is Rug Tufting A Profitable Business?

Rug tufting has exploded in popularity as a hobby. Many videos are circulating on social media of people trying rug tufting for the first time or showing their process of creating a new project. And many fiber artists have turned this hobby into a side or main business.

So, is rug tufting a profitable business? Yes, it definitely is! Especially with the newfound popularity. And there are a few ways to make money from rug tufting. Of course, you can sell the rugs, wall hangings, home decor, and other things you make online in stores like Etsy or at farmers’ markets.

You can also make money selling rug tufting kits or supplies to aspiring fiber artists. Or host classes or make money from posting about rug tufting online. Rug tufting studios have even popped up, where people can come in and pay to create a rug tufting project in one day. There are a couple of ways to earn income from rug tufting.

However, it’s important to remember that rug tufting isn’t necessarily a way to make a lot of money overnight. You often have to develop your skills and produce high-quality work, along with learning the ins and outs of self-promotion and digital marketing. You may also need to find your niche in design style. Depending on the level of popularity you reach, a rug tufting business can provide supplemental and complete income.

Rug Tufting Supplies

So, you have a ton of living room decor ideas in mind to tuft. But before you dive in, there are some supplies you’ll need.

The essential tools you’ll need include:

• a tufting gun or machine
• yarn
• tufting fabric
• a frame
• scissors
• a tool for threading yarn through your tufting gun
• yarn cones
• a yarn winder (to make storing and using your yarn easier)

To create your design, you can use: 

• pencils and pens for sketching
• a tablet or computer to make a digital design
• a projector (a useful tool to transfer your design to the tufting fabric)
• carpet glue and a tool to spread it are essential
• a strong spray adhesive, PVA glue or hot glue (optional)

To finish your project, you’ll need:

• backing fabric
• tweezers
• a yarn needle
• a utility knife
• a shearing tool
• a vacuum cleaner (to tidy up after you finish)
• rug tufting safety equipment, such as a dust mask and work gloves

That's a lot of equipment! So, how do you make starting your tufting journey easier? Save yourself some time by purchasing a rug tufting kit. This one from Walmart or this one from Amazon are quite highly rated. These kits come with everything you need to get started with rug tufting, including a rug making gun, yarn, gloves, markers, scissors, clippers and more.

4 Easy Steps For Rug Tufting

1. Preparing the Canvas

Before you start rug tufting, you have to prepare the canvas. Cut your tufting cloth slightly larger than your frame. Then, place it over the frame and smooth it out. Stretch the cloth until it is taut, then staple or clamp it to the frame. Continue to do this around the canvas, pulling so the fabric is taut. Trim excess fabric, leaving about 1 to 2 inches.

2. Make Your Design

Now you can draw your design on the canvas. You can use a fabric pen or a piece of chalk. Or you can use a projector to project your design onto the fabric so you can trace it. You can write the colors or use symbols in the different sections of the pattern to keep track of what yarn to use.

3. Start Tufting

Now that your frame is in place and your design is ready, you can begin rug tufting. Load your first color of yarn into the rug tufting machine. Start the machine and follow the outline before filling in the space. Continue loading yarn and filling in the rest of the design until the design is finished.

4. Finish the Design

Cut a piece of non-slip or felt backing slightly smaller than the design. Use a strong adhesive spray or glue on the back of the design, and press the fabric firmly against it. Make small, perpendicular cuts in the excess cloth. Then fold and glue these strips over the back of the felt, pulling taut. Trim the uneven edges and glue down loose spots.

Rug Tufting Tips

1. Get Your Fabric Taut

It’s really important to have taut fabric before you start the rug tufting process. Having a taut canvas ensures that your design won’t warp once you remove it from the frame. Taut fabric will also prevent the fabric from puckering while tufting your yarn. You also want to make sure the frame is sturdy and secure, so it won’t move or slide while tufting your yarn.

2. Don’t Forget Safety Gear

Before you start a rug tufting project, you need the proper safety gear. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and a dust mask, especially when using spray adhesive.

3. Use Smooth Movements

Using the tufting gun can be a new experience for many people, and it may take some practice to get the hang of it. As you begin, focus on applying steady and even pressure to the back of the canvas. Keep your movements smooth and consistent to ensure even distribution of yarn. Maintain the gun at a slightly angled perpendicular position as you move across the canvas. Move at a consistent and controlled pace, as well. This will also ensure your yarn is distributed evenly.

4. Work in Sections

You’ll want to work in sections as you apply the yarn. It’s a good idea to break down larger designs into workable sections. You can do this by location or by color. Apply the yarn row by row, keeping the tufting in the same direction. Maintaining a consistent direction will help your design have a cleaner finish.

5. Line Density

For thinner outlines, you can use one strand of yarn. However, it’s recommended to use 2 or 3 strands of yarn to fill large areas. The more yarn you use, the more coverage you’ll get. More yarn also creates a denser pile.

6. Consider Yarn Type

There are many different types of yarn materials you can use for a tufting project. For beginners, it’s often suggested to use acrylic yarn because it's budget-friendly and easy to clean. However, it doesn’t hold its shape as well as other types of yarn, so it’s not ideal for floor rugs; it's better for wall or hanging pieces.

Cotton is soft and versatile, and it holds its shape better than acrylic, so it’s a good option for floor rugs.

Wool is the most expensive, but that’s because it’s one of the most durable. It holds its shape well and lasts a long time, making it the ideal option for both rugs and decorative pieces.

Take a DIY Class!

Want to jump into some DIY projects with a little more instruction? That’s exactly why DIY classes are the best option. Taught by expert artists and artisans, you can learn the ins and outs of a variety of DIY projects. These experiences take place in fun learning environments, so they’re great for beginners and those looking to learn the basics. The experts will guide you through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions to create your project from start to finish.

DIY classes are a much better option if you’re looking to learn a new hobby. Instead of reading through online instructions or trying to find the answers on Google or forums like Reddit, you’ll have an expert available to help you. They can answer your personalized questions, offer advice and even tell you how to continue learning about the hobby.

The best part about DIY classes is that you don’t need prior DIY or artistic experience. You can learn from scratch with the help of an expert instructor and leave the class with a one-of-a-kind finished art project. Guided experiences can be a great way to jump into a new hobby or have fun with family and friends.

There are so many art classes to explore beyond tufting, so find your next hobby today.

Rug tufting is a fun and unique hobby that lets you create rugs, fiber art, wall hangings, and more. It has become a fun and popular way to unleash your creativity and is relatively easy to get started doing. With the variety of colors and textures of yarns and the many designs you can create, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you’re another kind of fiber artist or a complete beginner, rug tufting should be the next hobby you try.

For even more DIY fun and inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!