Introduction to Tufting: Make a Coaster or Mini Wall Art Piece

Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth is hosting an introduction to tufting on Sunday 6 September, a one-day workshop for anyone who's ever wanted to try it. If you've seen those fluffy, textured rugs and wall hangings popping up everywhere and wondered how they're actually made, this is your chance to get a go yourself.

The main thing you'll be working with is a tufting gun. It's a handheld tool that shoots yarn through a stretched fabric backing, building up a thick pile of loops as you go. It's a bit like a sewing machine on steroids, and it's how those chunky, plush textures are created. You'll spend the session learning how to handle the gun and working your way through a project from start to finish.

As for what you'll actually make, you get to choose between a coaster or a mini wall art piece. A coaster is a great way to get the hang of it without committing to a huge project, while the wall hanging lets you think a bit more about composition and colour. Either way, you'll walk away with something you've made yourself rather than just a few photos of the process.

It's run in one-hour sessions between 10am and 4pm, so you can slot it in whenever suits you best throughout the day. The cost is £36 per person, and it's held at Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth, right down by the water. If you've been curious about tufting, this is a straightforward way to give it a try without needing to buy any of the gear yourself.