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Spend 4–5 hours in Oshawa learning to use a tufting gun and leave with a custom rug. This small-group, wheelchair-accessible workshop supplies materials and guided instruction for beginners.
Spend 4–5 hours in Oshawa learning to use a tufting gun and leave with a custom rug. This small-group, wheelchair-accessible workshop supplies materials and guided instruction for beginners.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
Rug Tufting Workshop in Oshawa, Ontario, offers a hands-on introduction to rug tufting inside a historic carriage-house classroom on the edge of Durham. Over 4–5 hours you’ll learn to operate a tufting gun, plan a pattern, and finish the backing of a custom-sized rug—no prior experience required. The session begins at the Carriage House; check in at the Gift Shop ten minutes before your scheduled start. The core features of the experience are tactile and immediate: a tufting frame stretched with monk’s cloth, rows of soft wool yarn in curated palettes, power tufting guns, and the tools for finishing edges and gluing backing. The workshop focuses on technique—pile height, loop versus cut pile, and safe gun handling—while giving time for design choices and color mixing. Small-group instruction (maximum ten) means individualized attention, so beginners leave with a piece that reads like a confident first project rather than a classroom sample. Why this class matters to visitors: Durham’s maker scene has been expanding, and this workshop is billed as the region’s first dedicated rug-tufting offering. For travelers staying in Oshawa, it’s an accessible creative detour from parks and waterfront walks—a chance to trade hiking poles for a tufting gun and make a tactile souvenir you can actually use at home. The Carriage House setting and on-site Gift Shop give the session a practical, local feel—materials are included, and instructors walk you through each step from pattern transfer to trimming and adhesive backing. Practical notes a booking reader wants: sessions typically last four to five hours depending on design complexity. Minimum age is 14; the class is wheelchair accessible. There are no refunds but tickets may be transferred to another guest. Due to limited parking, organizers suggest carpooling; nearby paid lots are available if the on-site lot fills. This is a studio-style experience rather than a passive demonstration. Expect standing periods, hands-on machine work, and time at a bench for finishing touches. You'll learn to judge pile consistency and how to prepare a rug for home use—knowledge that makes future projects faster and safer. For creatives and curious travelers, the Rug Tufting Workshop turns a quiet afternoon in Oshawa into an active, memorable craft pilgrimage: you leave not just with a photo, but with a rug that carries the story of a day spent shaping fiber and color with your own hands. Materials provided include backing cloth, yarn, and adhesives, and instructors will advise on long-term care such as vacuuming techniques and avoiding direct sunlight. Because group size is limited, booking advance is strongly recommended—slot availability can change week to week. Check the provided referral link for current session dates and any special themes or seasonal color palettes. Bring curiosity and patience.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Basic mobility and the ability to stand for intermittent periods; no special fitness required.
Minimum age is 14; anyone under 18 should confirm supervision requirements before booking.
Workshops typically run four to five hours depending on design complexity and finishing steps.
Yes — all materials to complete a custom rug, including backing cloth, yarn, and adhesives, are provided.
There are no refunds, but tickets may be transferred to another guest.
The class is wheelchair accessible; check in at the Gift Shop and staff will assist with seating and access.
On-site parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged and nearby paid lots are available if the lot fills.
This class is promoted as Durham’s first dedicated rug-tufting workshop, reflecting the region’s growing maker culture.
Instructors encourage reusing textile offcuts and recommend low-VOC adhesives; bring leftover yarn to share to reduce waste.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design. Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff. Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site