Design rules at tuftlab.

At Tuftlab, you may provide your own design. Like your favorite cartoon, album cover or a homemade artistic drawing. We would like to say: anything is possible! Still, we have some guidelines to make your visit a success. After all, it’s your first time and we want you to go home satisfied. Therefore, we have some rules and tips to help you.

It helps to see what other Tuftlab visitors are making. Click here for tapestries from others – to sharpen expectations of what is possible on such a day.

At Tuftlab, we use the colors below. Handy to consider in advance.

1. Don’t go too complex.

Remember: it’s your first time.

Don’t choose a complex design with tiny details, dozens of colors and sharp shapes. This will take even the most experienced tufter several days, not suitable for the one-day workshop. The most beautiful rugs shine through their simplicity. With few different but splashy colors and distinct large shapes.

2. No photorealistic designs

Remember, we’re making a rug! Tufting does not give the same result as printing a photo on paper. Every stitch is handwork, don’t make it impossible for yourself with photo-realistic images.

Share a clear drawing of your design with us via email or whatsapp, which our teachers can redraw for you. Or simply draw your design on paper and send a photo of it.

We can’t help turning realistic pictures into a simplified cartoon. But do have a tip! Find a simplified cartoon-like design by googling terms such as vector or cartoon such as“cartoon cat” or“vector monstera leaf.”

In addition to tufting, we spend time on a beautiful finish. The edge of your rug can still be quite a challenge if there are elements sticking out like tails or whiskers. When in doubt, share your design with us for help or advice.

Simple shapes such as square, rectangular or round rugs are recommended. An additional edge can reduce complexity. Or place your design in a circle, rectangular or square shape.

See the example below with the duckling’s sharp protruding crest.

4. No letters.

Text in a design should be rejected by definition because it is very difficult for a beginner to make fine lines with a tufting machine. It is still a handmade carpet and for us it is important that you walk out the door happy.

Exception: designs with only simple, large letters with no additional details. See examples below. You can create these with an online tool such as this name generator.

5. Make sure the image is from the front.

Send an illustration or photo that is easy for our teachers to draw over. Photographed from the front, not at an angle or from a side.

What if I don’t know yet?

No worries! You can book the workshop without directly sharing a design. You can submit your design up to 3 days in advance. That way we have enough time to give advice on whether it will work.

You can also choose from the abstract designs below, simply provide the number via Whatsapp or [email protected] quoting your booking number.

Questions? Call us on 020-2612329, Whatsapp us or email us at [email protected].