If you have room to set up a frame and a time of day when you can make some noise, you can start tufting at home. Most people try it once at a workshop before buying their own tools.
Can you tuft at home?
Yes. You don’t need any special equipment or renovation work. You only need three things: a table to put the frame on, or a spot by a wall where you can lean it; ventilation to let loose fibers and glue fumes out; and a time of day when you can work without worrying about the noise. Once you have these three, the only question left is tools.
Keep in mind that buying a full set of tools from scratch means a sizable up-front cost. It’s also a good idea to take a lesson at a workshop first and get a feel for it before you start.
Find a workshop in JapanWhat to know before you start
Noise
A tufting gun is about as loud as a typical vacuum cleaner heard from 1 m away. At 4–5 m away, it is about as loud as an exhaust fan or a heater. If you take simple precautions, such as working during the day, it is unlikely to cause problems even in an apartment.
Loose fibers
As you tuft, fine fibers fall or float in the air. Work somewhere with good ventilation, and vacuum after you finish.
Glue smell and ventilation
The glue you use to finish the rug gives off fumes. Work somewhere as well ventilated as possible.
Workshop or home: a quick comparison
| COMPARE | Try it at a workshop | Start at home |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | About ¥5,000–28,000 per session | ¥51,000–86,000 |
| What to bring | Nothing (come empty-handed) | Gun, frame, cloth, yarn and more |
| Best for | Making your first piece | Making several rugs, or larger ones |
The minimum tools you need
To start at home, these are the five things you need at a minimum. We explain how to choose each one in Choosing your first tools.
| Tool or material | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Tufting gun | ¥27,800–39,000 |
| Frame | ¥18,000–33,000 |
| Tufting cloth | ¥2,900–6,270 (depending on size) |
| Yarn (for tufting) | ¥979–4,400 per ball |
| Rug glue | ¥1,980–2,860 |
In total, expect to spend about ¥51,000–86,000 to get started. Depending on the size you want to make, you may need a larger frame and more yarn.
FAQ
How long does it take to make one piece?
It depends on the size, the design and the number of colors, but an A4-sized piece takes about 1–2 hours and a 40 × 40 cm piece about 2–4 hours. After that, the glue needs about a day to dry before you finish the rug.
Can I fix yarn I put in the wrong place?
Yes, in small areas. If the yarn went in properly, you can pull it out and tuft it again. Keep in mind that re-tufting the same spot can weaken the tufting cloth.
What's the difference between a workshop and tufting at home?
At a workshop, all the tools are ready for you and an instructor teaches you, so you can come almost empty-handed. Tufting at home means buying a full set of tools up front and having space to work, but you can make any size and design you like. If it's your first time, we recommend trying a workshop first.