Join textile artist Ellie Carr Smith for this colourful and fun workshop learning how to create your own tufted artwork or home décor masterpiece!

Tufting is a form of rug making with a modern twist. With the aid of a power-assisted tufting machine you push yarn through a woven backing cloth at high speed, producing fluffy tactile textile pieces. It's an instant gratification type of craft, which is a really satisfying to have a go at. In this workshop you will design and make your very own 40x40cm rug tufted artwork, which can be turned into a cushion, mini rug or wall hanging. We'll guide you through the essentials of using a tufting machine and get you tufting in no time!

You will begin the day by designing a simple block design and learning how visually translate it to tufted fibre design. It is great to start planning ideas for a simple block before the workshop, (email elliecarrsmith.studio@gmail.com around a week before the workshop with any design queries), but don’t worry if you are feeling unsure, Ellie will have loads of inspiration and ideas to help you along on the day. Once your design is transferred onto the backing cloth you will be introduced to the tufting machine and different tufting techniques. Tutor Ellie Carr Smith, is highly trained and experienced Textile artist with an MA from The Royal College of Art in 2021 – so you’ll be in safe hands!

All tools and materials are included, there will be a wide range of yarn colours to tuft and experiment with, but if you have a very particular colour in mind, you are welcome to bring your own yarn along (Ellie recommends aran weight wool).

This workshop involves a lot of physical activity including standing and pulling. If you have physical difficulties please talk to us about how we can support you.

This workshop is only suitable for adults