Rug tufting in Hyderabad is the latest trend in experiential art

Discover the art of rug tufting at Artgram and Lyzure Art Therapy Cafe in Hyderabad that offer classes for enthusiasts to learn tufting. These session provide a creative and relaxing hands-on experience.

After a hectic workweek, Hyderabad-based chartered accountants Deepika Mamidala and Sneha Mupparthi unwind with a rug tufting session at Artgram, a cosy art studio. Deepika, an art enthusiast, sees it as the perfect way to relax while spending time with friends. “It’s so rewarding to create something with your own hands. Sure, you can buy a carpet or rug, but making one yourself is a completely different experience,” she shares.

Business analyst and self-confessed Potterhead, Ratnamani Venisetty, recently tufted a 16x16-inch Harry Potter-themed rug for her two-month-old nephew, Aryan. However, she has not gifted it to him yet — she plans to complete the scene with a Gryffindor robe and a Hufflepuff t-shirt. Initially expecting a three-hour session, Ratnamani was pleasantly surprised to finish her piece in just 90 minutes, leaving her with extra time to tuft an Oswald the Lucky Rabbit rug. Ratnamani started tufting recently when when she saw a session online.

The creative and tactile experience of tufting a rug using a tufting gun is quickly gaining popularity in Hyderabad, a city increasingly embracing hands-on art and craft experiences. Participants can create everything from hearts and coasters to guitars, customise designs for gifts, or craft doormats and wall décor. With its blend of creativity and relaxation, rug tufting is proving to be more than just a trend.

Even beginners can try their hand at rug tufting, says Shweta Somisetty, who co-founded Artgram in Banjara Hills along with her co-sister Hema Somisetty in 2023. The DIY studio, which first opened in Vijayawada and later expanded to Bengaluru, offers a space for both adults and children to explore various art forms, including mandala art, mirror mandalas, paintings, mosaic art, and slime-making. Rug tufting with a tufting gun was introduced in October 2024, offering young adults and professionals a unique way to create textile art while enjoying an immersive hands-on experience.

“Tufting is a great way for professionals or homemakers to relax. They can do it solo, as a team, or even as part of a corporate bonding session,” Shweta explains. “With the option to take breaks over coffee or snacks, the idea is to de-stress and catch up with friends while engaging in a creative activity.”

The studio is equipped with adjustable wooden tufting frames, each fitted with a tufting cloth (jute) at the centre. The process begins by threading a coloured yarn through the tufting gun’s needle, securing it with a knot at the end. “You start by outlining the design on the fabric. Then, by pulling the trigger of the tufting gun, the yarn is punched through the cloth, creating a pattern or design,” explains the studio’s in-house art teacher.

There are classes to learn tufting; Participants can choose to tuft an 8-inch, 12-inch, or 16-inch rug in a three-to-four-hour session, with prices ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹4,500. One can have zero knowledge in tufting but can still try it Whether tufting for fun, relaxation, or team-building, Artgram is making this creative craft more accessible and enjoyable for all. It’s not about getting proficient as Shweta says, “This is not a certification course to be a professional; It is about discovering something new for an unique experience in an art club.”