OSHAWA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Durham’s First Rug Tufting Workshop at Parkwood — Make a Custom Rug in a Single Session
A hands-on workshop at Parkwood National Historic Site that teaches safe use of the tufting gun, guides you through your design, and includes all materials so you leave with a finished rug.
Durham’s First Rug Tufting Workshop at Parkwood — Make a Custom Rug in a Single Session.
Set inside Parkwood National Historic Site, Oshawa’s first dedicated rug-tufting workshop walks newcomers through a trending craft from blank backing to finished piece. Over an immersive 4–5 hour session you’ll pick a design, learn to operate a tufting gun safely, and complete a custom rug—no prior experience required.
Highlights
Workshop Highlights
Learn to Use a Tufting Gun
The core of the workshop is hands-on training with the tufting gun: techniques for loading, punching pile, and controlling speed so your design comes to life safely and predictably.
Finish with a Handmade Rug
All materials are provided and students leave with a custom, completed rug—an original piece made during the session at Parkwood.
A Focused 4–5 Hour Session for Beginners
The workshop runs roughly 4–5 hours depending on your design, and is tailored for people with little or no prior experience.
What the day feels like
What the Workshop Feels Like
The session is concentrated and tactile: after check-in you sketch and refine a design, prepare the backing, and then spend the bulk of the time learning and using the tufting gun to build pile and color. Instructors guide finishing steps so you depart with a polished rug you made yourself.
THE CRAFT
Learn to Use a Tufting Gun
The core of the workshop is hands-on training with the tufting gun: techniques for loading, punching pile, and controlling speed so your design comes to life safely and predictably.
THE TAKEAWAY
Finish with a Handmade Rug
All materials are provided and students leave with a custom, completed rug—an original piece made during the session at Parkwood.
THE FORMAT
A Focused 4–5 Hour Session for Beginners
The workshop runs roughly 4–5 hours depending on your design, and is tailored for people with little or no prior experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits—and who might want a different plan.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 4–5 hour session; actual duration varies depending on the complexity of your design.
Meet at the Carriage House on the Parkwood site for check-in and materials distribution.
All workshop materials are supplied by the operator; bring clothes you don’t mind getting craft residue on and, if desired, a notebook for design notes.
This workshop is run by Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need prior experience to join?
No—this workshop is designed for beginners and requires no previous tufting experience.
How long does the workshop take?
The session runs approximately 4–5 hours; final time depends on the complexity of your design.
Where do we meet?
Participants meet at the Carriage House on the Parkwood site for check-in and materials distribution.
Are materials provided?
Yes—all materials for the workshop are provided by the operator.
Will I leave with my rug?
Yes—participants complete and take home a custom rug made during the workshop.