Rug Tufting Workshop

The Bandy Heritage Center, Creative Arts Guild, Prater ’ s Mill Foundation, DSC Derrell Roberts Library, DSC Appalachian Studies minor program, and Chattanooga Fiber Arts Guild are proud to partner with Nia Lawson of Tuft Rugs ATL to present a Rug Tufting Workshop! With the transition from bedspreads to carpet in the mid-twentieth century, rugs became a major household commodity in Northwest Georgia and beyond. The burgeoning demand for rugs created unique economic opportunities for professionals with artistic skills. Carpet companies often recruited employees who were fresh out of art school to design patterned tufted rugs and carpet for their product lines. Tufted rug design became a pivotal part of the carpet industry and employed numerous workers throughout Northwest Georgia.

The rug tufting workshop will provide students with the opportunity to participate in a creative and unique Northwest Georgia fiber arts tradition by gaining hands-on experience learning to design and tuft their own rugs. This class is a morning session which will last three hours total. Each student will be loaned a Clawlab H1 tufting kit and shown how to tuft their own rug. All necessary equipment and supplies will be provided by the instructor. This class is suitable for adults sixteen and up; students under eighteen must have an accompanying adult present at all times. No prior fiber arts knowledge or experience is necessary.