Oh, sweet ruggers.
A few years ago, I bought a tufting gun. I had deep aspirations to combine a 2D tufting world with dimensional hand-embroidered stitches, creating huge, mind-bending tapestries. My brain conjured up fluffy plans while my tufting gun patiently waited, collecting dust.
For my show, Some Strings Attached, at Paradigm Gallery in 2023, I created 3 pieces that were the product of these fantasies using a punch needle. I loved the effect and look of the mediums together, so when I drove past a workshop cafe called Tuft Crowd (the most excellent name), I had to fulfil my daydream of being a gun-slinging rug goddess and finally learn the skill.
Tuft Crowd lures you in with its pink walls, boba tea and a floor-to-ceiling shelf of rainbow wool. It is very photo-worthy and follows the Clay Cafe formula well. It's an aesthetically pleasing activity space.
I went in full guns blazing, thinking I would be a carpet savant, a master of the mat. I was horribly wrong, and I left with my tail between my legs. Frustrated, humbled and ready to sell my dusty never-used machine.
After posting this with a candid 'I'm never doing this again' caption I was contacted by Spinnerkop (another excellent name. It means spider in Afrikaans). They understood my frustration and urged me to give it another go with them. I am glad I did. I sent through a variety of cropped sections of my logo as a design and they guided me to the best one to learn with.
They taught me the mechanics, the fabric set-up and how to use the machine properly. When we finished, they walked me through the steps to complete a rug professionally. I left Spinnerkop with a pep in my step. Frustration-free I had much more understanding of the medium.
If you, dear sweet internet eyes, are interested in learning to tuft in Cape Town here is my breakdown:
Both places are roughly the same price for a workshop, so it depends on what you want out of it.
Tuft Crowd is great for a day's activity. They can facilitate large groups while being in the CBD, so it is nice and central. It makes a cute activity, team building or date spot. Nothing says 'this is who I am' like learning to craft, and a photo in front of the rainbow wool wall is guaranteed to earn you a few heart taps.
Spinnerkop is where to go if you want to learn the skill of tufting. They are professionals, made obvious by the crisp projects they have all over the workshop. If you are interested in using this medium in your creative practice or turning it into a side hustle, you won't be disappointed.
As for my future as a wool-wielding tuft girl? My dreams now feature collaborations and outsourcing the Tuft Love stuff to pros. My never-used tufting gun will be popped into the world for someone who can make some magic with it, and I'll cheer them on with admiration, wielding my punch needle in the air.