What is the minimum age to participate?

The workshop is open to participants age 10 and up.

How long is the workshop?

Each session runs 1.5 hours; allow extra time for arrival and set-up.

When will my finished rug be ready?

Finished rugs are typically ready in three to four weeks for pickup or can be shipped.

Do I need prior experience?

No—designs are preselected and instructors guide beginners through basic tufting and finishing steps.

How large is the finished rug?

The finished size is approximately 15 by 12 inches—ideal for small spaces or wall hanging.

Where is the workshop located?

The studio operates in Aurora, Illinois; use the booking link to confirm the exact meeting location and directions.

Make a Mini Rug: 15x12 Scrap Yarn Tufting Workshop in Aurora, Illinois | Workshop

Afternoon light spills across a studio in Aurora, Illinois, where the 15"x12" Scrap Yarn Workshop at Tuft A Rug turns leftover fibers into small, vivid rugs. Held weekly on Wednesdays, this 1.5-hour session welcomes makers age ten and up to learn basic tufting with preselected designs and a rainbow of scrap yarns. The session centers around three tangible features: the tufting frame and punch tool, sheets of foam backing that give the rug its pile, and bins of reclaimed yarn organized by color and weight. Those elements make the process tactile and immediate—choose a palette, follow the template, and rhythmically punch loops until the small 15-by-12-inch canvas fills with texture.

The workshop stands out in Aurora’s Fox Valley scene because it blends practical craft instruction with environmental smarts. Using scrap yarn reduces waste and keeps dye-stable fibers in circulation; the studio’s approach reframes materials that might be discarded into functional art. You don’t need prior experience: instructors preselect patterns so beginners can focus on color and tempo while guides demonstrate finishing techniques like trimming pile, applying a latex backing, and edge finishing. Finished rugs are typically ready to pick up or shipped in three to four weeks, which makes this a low-commitment souvenir for visitors.

The room itself is straightforward and efficient rather than decorative—work tables, stools, clamp-mounted frames, and a small supply of hand tools. Groups are capped at six, creating an intimate environment where tips and color ideas travel easily between participants. For families and travelers, the compact finished size is a practical benefit: it fits into luggage and doubles as a placemat, wall hanging, or a bedside doormat.

Historically, tufting evolved as a fast method for rug production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; modern studios like Tuft A Rug are part of a contemporary renaissance that emphasizes maker-accessibility and reclaimed materials. Practical considerations: wear clothes you can wash, and bring a small bag to carry finished backing if you plan to take the piece home before final finishing. Accessibility details are not listed; contact the studio for accommodations.

Why book this experience? It’s a focused, creative break from outdoor activities and cultural touring—an opportunity to learn a hands-on technique, support sustainable craft practices, and leave with a tangible, locally made keepsake. For anyone passing through Aurora who wants a memorable indoor activity that’s equal parts practical instruction and playful experimentation, this mini-rug workshop is an efficient, colorful choice. Book online to reserve a spot, verify age and cancellation policies, and mention any mobility needs; instructors will accommodate reasonable requests. Finished pieces make thoughtful gifts and studio staff can suggest framing or hanging hardware so your small rug arrives display-ready or ready for daily use.