Is there a market for tufted rugs? Your business guru

(Updated: May 2025) 

Thinking of turning your tufting skills into a business? Wondering if the tufted rug market is profitable or worth your time? You’re not alone. With the rise of DIY and handmade decor, tufted rugs have become increasingly popular — and so has the demand for them.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• Why tufting can be a profitable business

• Ways to make money with tufting (not just selling rugs)

• How much it costs to get started

• How to price your products

• Sales and marketing tips to attract more customers

Let’s dive in and explore whether the tufted rug industry has room for your creativity.

Is the tufted rug business profitable?

Yes – starting a tufted rug business can be very profitable, especially if you combine creative work with good marketing and planning. Many artists and creators make money by selling handmade rugs, offering custom designs, or even teaching others how to tuft.

7 ways to make money with tufting

There’s more than one way to earn income from your tufting skills:

1. Sell handmade tufted rugs

Create and sell custom designs through your own online shop, marketplaces like Etsy, or at local craft fairs.

2. Offer custom rug services

Let customers submit their own ideas or logos and turn them into personalized tufted rugs.

3. Teach tufting workshops

Host in-person classes or create online courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or your own site.

4. Sell tufting kits for beginners

Include yarn, fabric, instructions, and small tools. Perfect for DIY fans who want to try tufting at home.

5. Design and sell rug patterns

Sell digital templates of rug designs for people who already have tufting guns.

6. Offer rug repair and restoration

There’s a niche market for fixing or cleaning vintage and handmade rugs.

7. Create rug content on social media

TikTok and Instagram are full of rug creators. You can monetize content, grow a following, and drive sales.

Selling tufted rugs: how to get started

Selling rugs is the most common way to enter the tufting business. Here's how to do it right:

Estimate your costs

Include:

• Yarn and fabric

• Glue and backing

• Time spent per rug

• Shipping and packaging

Choose where to sell

Start with:

• Etsy or eBay

• Your own Shopify or WooCommerce store

• Instagram or TikTok Shop

Promote your products

Use quality photos, video process reels, and engaging captions. Try giveaways or influencer collaborations.

Follow legal rules

Depending on your country, you may need a business license, tax number, or product safety compliance.

How much does it cost to start a tufting business?

Here’s a realistic breakdown for Europe:

Or get a starter tufting kit for around €300 to save time and money.

How much can you charge for a tufted rug?

Your pricing should cover costs and include a profit margin:

Simple formula:

Selling Price = (Material Costs x 2 or 3)

Example:

• If materials cost €100 → Charge €200–€300

• For custom rugs → Charge even more

Consider:

• Design complexity

• Size (price per m² ranges from €40 to €200)

• Materials used (e.g. wool is more expensive)

• Branding and demand

How many rugs do you need to sell to make a living?

Let’s say your goal is €4000/month:

• Average price per rug = €250

• Rugs per month = 16 rugs

That’s roughly 1 rug every 2 days. With good workflow and marketing, it's achievable.

Of course, your income goal may vary by:

• Where you live

• Your standard of living

• Time available for production

• Your brand’s popularity

Where to find customers for tufted rugs

Start local:

Ask friends and family to support your first orders.

Go digital:

Open an Etsy store, start an Instagram account, and engage with DIY communities.

Try in-person markets:

Attend craft fairs, art markets, or pop-up shops. Real-life contact can help build trust.

Invest in marketing:

Use at least 10% of your revenue for:

• Ads (Instagram, Pinterest)

• Influencer partnerships

• Product photography

• Branding design

Is there really a market for tufted rugs in 2025?

Yes. People love custom home decor, and tufted rugs offer exactly that — colorful, handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out. Interior designers, young homeowners, and creatives are especially drawn to them.

With the rise of slow fashion and conscious consumerism, there's more demand for handcrafted, artistic products than ever before.

Final thoughts: is starting a tufting business worth it?

Absolutely – if you take it seriously. Like any craft-based business, success takes time, planning, and persistence. But with:

• Clear pricing strategies

• Smart marketing

• Creative designs

• Multiple income streams

…you can turn your tufting passion into a full-time income.

Don’t forget to source your supplies from trusted providers like Tufty.eu. The right tools make all the difference.