Design rules at tuftlab.

We totally get it – you spotted a super cool tufted rug online, and now you want to recreate it. But hey, little thing: that maker may have 10 years of experience. You’re getting started for the first time, so be a little nice to yourself and adjust your expectations slightly. Everyone starts somewhere, right? 😊

To make sure you walk out the door happy at Tuftlab, we’ve established a few handy design rules. With us, it’s entirely up to you what you want to make – whether it’s your favorite cartoon, an album cover, or an abstract work of art. With these rules and tips, we’ll make sure your first tufting adventure is a success!

We also have a selection of designs that are great for tufting: Choose a design from our list.

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

Rule 1: Keep it simple.

Remember: it’s your first time.

Don’t make it too hard on yourself. Designs with small details and a rainbow of colors are great, but those take even seasoned tufters several days to make. And you do it in one day!

The most beautiful rugs excel at simplicity: choose fun bold colors and large, clear shapes. Small delicate lines or too many details such as eyes with a pupil, iris, eye whites and eyelashes? Those give us spontaneous nightmares! 😅 Less is more!

2. No photorealistic designs.

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

We can’t help turning photos 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.”

3. No protruding shapes.

Want a sleek finished rug? Then go for a pretty much square, rectangular or round design. Elements such as protruding tails, whiskers or sprites can make edging quite a challenge. After tufting, we take the time to finish the edge neatly, but a simple shape makes this a lot easier!

A smart solution is to place your design within a circle, rectangle or square. In doubt? Send your design to us and we will be happy to think with you. 😊

See below for an example of how a sharp, protruding crest of a duckling makes edging more difficult.

4. No letters.

Small letters in a design should be rejected because it is very difficult for a beginner. 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.

Do you want your design to be easy for our teachers to mimic? Then make sure your image is simple and photographed straight ahead. Pictures taken at an angle or from an angle make it more complicated to create a clear and clean design.

Tip: A frontal photo or illustration always works best. That makes it a lot easier for us and you to achieve a great result! 😊

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 our list: choose a design from.

Questions? Call us on 020-2612329, Whatsapp us or email us at info@tuftlab.nl.