Made famous by viral TikTok videos, handmade rugs have made a comeback. But this time, there’s some handy machinery to ensure it’s a quick process and you don’t wear out your fingers.

Tufting Lab NZ on Symonds Street is where you can get crafty making whatever you fancy, from cute seat cushions and funky wall hangings to cosy carpets or even a bespoke bag.

Tufting Lab owner Stephanie Wang watched tufting build momentum on social media during the lockdown and thought tufting was just what we need in Aotearoa. The lab is cosy, with a wall full of brightly coloured yarns. It’s perfect for a business team-building activity or a fun outing with friends and family. 

Uptown couldn’t resist the tufting bug and while we would like to say we made our own rug – we didn’t. Instead, we used the customised service and had Stephanie make this precious piece for us. If you have a really complex design or don’t have the time to finish something, Tufting Lab can help you get it done.



A standard size 60 x 60cm tufting frame starts at $180 and you can spend up to $360 on larger designs. The equipment and yarns are included, all you need to bring is your imagination.