Condé School of Applied Arts in Nice invited us to lead a tufting workshop on the theme of "Weaves and Repurposing." Over three days, 19 students explored this textile technique through a unique creative challenge: making an everyday object their own and reinventing it with a tufting gun.
Day 1: Introduction and design
The first day was devoted to an introduction to tufting: its history, techniques, and artistic potential. Divided into five groups, the students chose an object to repurpose, either one they had brought or found on site. Mood boards, drawings, and sketches then helped them explore the possible interactions between the object and tufting. How could they change its function? How could they play with textures?
These questions guided the development of their concepts and laid the groundwork for their projects.
Day 2: First tests and tufting
Getting hands-on began with setting up the frames and stretching the cloth. After a demonstration of safety rules and how to handle the tufting gun, each group began experimenting: transferring designs onto the cloth, tufting the first shapes, and adjusting and testing textures.
Every step was an experiment, involving a mix of yarns, layering, and varying pile heights.
Day 3: Finishing and assembly
The last day was devoted to finishing and assembly. We presented techniques for completing each piece according to its intended use:
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Trimming the edges with a carpet trimmer
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Attaching pieces to different supports (cardboard, wood, textile)
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Securing and reinforcing the structures
Finally, each group presented its project and shared its challenges and discoveries.
Unique and bold creations
After three days of intensive work, the results were impressive: a tufted bag, a revamped lampshade, a transformed stool, a textured book, and a tufted ukulele.
Each object expresses a reflection on tufting and the transformation of everyday objects. Some are functional, others sculptural, but all represent an unprecedented artistic exploration.
And you, what would you like to tuft?
This workshop showed just how rich and accessible tufting is as a technique, making it perfect for experimenting and reinventing your surroundings. Give it a try! What object would you like to transform with tufting? Tell us in the comments!
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