From deep-pile wall and floor coverings to plush cushion covers and fashionable accessories, the TextielLab can create customised tufted works using up to nine colours per centimetre. We also dye tufting yarns in every imaginable shade, offering you a unique colour palette.
Please note: our tufting department receives a lot of requests. Read more about our selection procedure below.
The TextielLab has two tufting experts, who will work closely with you to achieve your desired result. Tufting is time and labour intensive; a rug takes several weeks to make. That’s why we only carry out a few tufting projects each year. Please note that the tufting department is currently receiving a lot of requests. If you are interested in developing a project in the tufting department in 2024 please submit a request before 7 November 2023.
Technique
Tufting is the process of making deep-pile rugs or wall hangings by hand. Tufting machines use pneumatic force to push a U-shaped piece of yarn through a backing fabric. Rugs are tufted to the desired pile height in a single operation, so that no waste is produced. The pile height is altered by cutting the yarn shorter or leaving it longer. This technique is suitable for any designer, artist or architect who wants to take the time to make truly exclusive wall and floor coverings or fashionwear.
Yarn collection
The TextielLab maintains a yarn collection specifically for tufting. These yarns can be dyed in the lab in the desired colours. The lab also researches and buys special yarns. We work with sustainable yarns from European suppliers wherever possible, and we research specific applications for different yarns in textile products.
Photo: Dana Dijkgraaf
Finishing
Tufted rugs can be given a high-quality finish and rubber backing, so they are ready to use immediately after production.
Working in the TextielLab
If you are interested in developing a project at engineering tufting in 2025, you can submit an application via our website.
For tufting, we work with a six-month schedule. There are two times per year when you can submit an application. The work period January-June 2024 is over. For a work period in July-December 2024, the application period is closed.
Submit your application by Sunday 15 September 2024 if you want to be included in the selection moment for the first half of the year 2025.
Selection procedure
Every year, we select around five projects (depending on the size) that will be carried out in the TextielLab. The selection procedure is open to professional makers and students. If you would like your project to be considered for 2022, click ‘Submit request’ to apply. Your application should consist of a clear, concise description of the project along with visual materials and/or a sketch of the design, a CV, portfolio and motivation letter explaining why you want to work in the TextielLab. Please follow the guidelines below.
A selection committee will review the applications. The committee consists of a group of technical and creative specialists from the TextielMuseum, including conservators and product developers. Please note that we receive a high number of applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The selection will take place in November and May. You can expect a response from us after the selection.
Photo: Willeke Machiels
Time and costs
Thanks to a subsidy from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Province of Noord-Brabant and the City of Tilburg, the lab can reimburse a part of the development costs.
The subsidised cost of producing a tufted rug is between €1,000 and €2,500 per m2 (excl. VAT), depending on the complexity and pile height. In addition to the fixed cost per m2, additional fees are charged for materials, assembly and any other costs incurred.
After the intake interview, the lab team will determine how many development days are needed to realise the project. A tufted rug takes weeks and sometimes months to make. Keep this in mind if you have a deadline. If you have a flexible deadline, please also let us know. After the intake interview, the lab will send you a final quote.
How to submit a design
Submit a painting, sketch or photo of the tufted product you want to make.
