Philadelphia rug maker turns handcrafted designs into global business

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A West Philadelphia rug company that began with a single spool of yarn and a creative idea has grown into an international business built on handcrafted design, education, and community support.

Tuft the World, founded in 2018, produces custom rugs at its West Philadelphia factory using a process that blends digital design with handguided tufting. The company also sells supplies and teaches classes, helping beginners and experienced makers learn the craft.

Cofounder Tim Eads said each rug starts with a tightly stretched fabric frame, a design projected or handdrawn onto the surface, and a tufting machine that functions much like a sewing machine.

"We have a wooden frame to stretch the fabric on," Eads said. "You stretch this super tight. And you can either project your design or hand draw it. Basically the machine is a little bit like a sewing machine - you're punching the needle in the fabric, row after row."

Eads said makers can use various types of yarn, though the company relies on wool dyed specifically for its rugs. A project of moderate size can take a seasoned tufter a couple of hours to complete. Mistakes, he added, are often fixable.

"If you're not applying enough pressure, you can rip a hole, which can be scary," he said. "But I've dealt with a lot of holes, so I can usually fix it."

Tuft the World also teaches classes at the Bok Building in South Philadelphia, where participants can create their own rugs. The company offers advanced instruction in West Philadelphia for those who want to continue developing their skills.

"We've been teaching classes for like eight years," Eads said. "Some of our beginners do end up making rugs, and we offer advanced classes. We train people how to use it, and you can make a cool rug."

The business now sells large numbers of rugs nationwide. Since 2021, it has incorporated charitable giving into its online sales, donating a portion of each purchase to a local nonprofit chosen by the customer. The list of organizations rotates every six weeks and includes groups focused on food access, book donations, and refugee support.