What to Bring to a Tufting Workshop

The honest answer is almost nothing. Everything you need to make a rug is already at the studio.

But a few small things will make your session smoother, and there are one or two things worth deciding before you arrive. Here is the short list.

What do you need to bring to a tufting workshop?

Nothing essential. At Cheeky Studio, every session includes the tufting gun, all the tools, your canvas, 115 colours of yarn, full guidance and the finishing of your rug. You do not need to buy or carry any equipment.

What you can bring, if you want to:

• A design or reference image. If you have something specific in mind, bring a picture of it. A photo, a drawing, a screenshot, anything. We will help you turn it into something that tufts well. No idea yet? That is fine too, we will work it out with you on the day.
• A friend. Tufting is more fun in company, and sessions take small groups.
• A bag for your rug. Your finished rug comes home with you the same day. A tote or bag makes it easier to carry, though we can sort packaging if you forget.
• Snacks or a drink. Sessions run 3 to 5 hours, so bring something if you like. Just check with us first about food and drink in the studio.

That is genuinely the whole list.

What should you wear to a tufting workshop?

Wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting a little fuzzy. Tufting throws off small bits of yarn fluff as you work, and it has a habit of finding its way onto clothing. Nothing that will not brush off, but darker or casual clothes are a safe bet.

Closed shoes are sensible too. You will be standing and sitting at a frame with tools around, so flat, comfortable footwear beats anything fiddly.

Beyond that, no special gear. You do not need an apron, gloves or anything protective, it is a relaxed, hands-on session.

What you do not need to bring

To be completely clear, you do not need any of the following:

• Experience. Our workshops are built for first-timers. We guide you from the first pull of the gun.
• Materials or tools. Everything is provided, including the gun, yarn, canvas and finishing materials.
• A finished design. Your canvas comes pre-sketched and ready, so your session time goes straight into tufting, not preparation.

If you want to read more about how a session actually runs, here is what to expect at a tufting workshop, and here is how long it takes to make a rug.

A note on your design

The one thing worth sorting in advance is your design idea. You do not have to, but having a rough idea, or a reference image, means you spend less of your session deciding and more of it making.

Bold shapes and simple, clear designs work best for a first rug. If you send or bring a reference, we will make sure it is tufting-friendly and adjust anything that will not translate well into yarn. Our design guidelines cover what works and what to avoid.

The short version

Bring yourself, a design idea if you have one, and clothes you do not mind getting a little fluffy. Everything else is waiting for you at the studio. Then you just turn up and tuft.

Book a tufting workshop in Hackney Wick

Standard Rug (40×40cm, 3 hours): £145Grand Rug (55×55cm, 5 hours): £195

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a tufting workshop?Almost nothing. At Cheeky Studio the gun, tools, canvas, 115 yarn colours, guidance and finishing are all included. You only need to bring a design idea if you have one, and clothes you do not mind getting a little fuzzy.

What should I wear to a tufting workshop?Comfortable, casual clothes you do not mind picking up a bit of yarn fluff, and closed, flat shoes. No apron or protective gear is needed.

Do I need any experience to do a tufting workshop?No. Our workshops are designed for complete beginners and you are guided through the whole process from start to finish.

Do I need to bring my own design?No, but it helps. Bring a reference image if you have something in mind and we will make it tufting-friendly. If you do not, we will help you decide on the day. Your canvas arrives pre-sketched so you can start tufting straight away.

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