DIY Wall Calendar (2026): A Soft Tufted Calendar You’ll Actually Use

If you’ve ever bought a wall calendar and still didn’t use it… you’re not alone. A lot of calendars feel either too small, too boring, or too “office.”

So here’s a cozy alternative: a DIY wall calendar that’s part planner, part wall decor. It’s soft, cute, and beginner-friendly when you break it into small steps.

In this tutorial, you’ll download a free 2026 calendar design PDF (with dimension references) and follow a simple process to tuft and assemble your own calendar board at home.

By the end, you’ll have a calendar you’ll actually look at every day—your months, your photos, your plans, and your little “cuties”… all in one place.

Before You Start: What You’ll Make

Think of this project as three layers:

Layer 1 — The Frame

A tufted border that wraps around your board and makes everything look finished.

Layer 2 — The Months

12 mini tufted pieces (one for each month), placed neatly on the board.

Layer 3 — Soft Decor + Planning

Two mini photo frames + tufted cuties + pinned notes (goals, dates, weekly to-dos).

Beginner note: You don’t need perfect lines. This is a functional, handmade piece—small imperfections actually make it feel more personal.

What You’ll Need (Beginner-Friendly Checklist)

Core items

• A board (felt board, foam board, cork board, or lightweight wood board)
• Your tufting setup (tufting gun + frame, primary fabric)
• Yarn (a limited palette is easiest for beginners)
• Rug glue (to lock the yarn in)
• Scissors / trimmers (for cleanup)

For assembling

• Strong double-sided tape (I used 3M tape) to attach all tufted pieces
• Month labels (printed, hand-lettered, or cut paper)
• Pins/clips (or mini hooks)
• Sticky notes (optional, but super useful)

Optional, but makes it extra cute

• Materials to tuft 2 mini photo frames
• Materials to tuft cuties/icons (tiny stars, hearts, flowers, paws, etc.)

Step 0 — Download the Free 2026 Calendar Design PDF

Download the DIY wall calendar design PDF (dimension reference) first. It includes dimension references, so you won’t be guessing spacing.

You can use the PDF in two simple ways:

• Print it and follow it as your layout guide
• Use it as a reference to mark your board and place pieces evenly

If you’re changing the size of your board, just keep spacing consistent—your goal is “clear and readable,” not “perfectly exact.”

Step 1 — Tufting: Make the Pieces (Month by Month)

This is the calm part. Put on a playlist, take it slow, and tuft one piece at a time.

1) Tuft your 12 mini month pieces

Tuft 12 small pieces—one for each month. Keep the shape simple (rectangles are perfect). If you want it to look extra clean, tuft a tiny border line around each month piece.

Beginner tip: Use the same base shape for all 12. Repetition makes this project feel easy.

2) Don’t forget the frames (they make it look “finished”)

You’ll tuft:

• One big border frame (to go around the board)
• Two mini frames (for pet/family photos)

The border frame is the secret sauce—once it’s on, the calendar instantly looks intentional.

3) Add your “cuties” for vibes

Cuties are tiny tufted icons that make the calendar feel personal. A few easy ones:

• Stars, hearts, flowers
• Tiny clouds
• Paw prints
• Mini smiley faces

Keep them small. You can always add more later, but removing them is annoying.

Step 2 — Fast Curing &Trimming

Once you finish tufting, glue the back of each piece. This keeps the yarn secure and helps the shapes hold up over time.

If you’re a beginner, here’s the easiest way to think about it:

• Glue is not just “a step.”
• Glue is what turns your tufting into a piece you can actually use every day.

If you want the faster version of curing, use this tutorial: rug glue fast curing tutorial.

Beginner tip: Don’t rush this step. If the glue is still tacky, the pieces can shift when you tape them down.

Step 3 — Assembling: Build It in Layers

Now we build the calendar in the most satisfying way:

1) Attach your tufted frame around the board

Wrap the border frame around the edges first. This gives your DIY wall calendar a clean “finished” look right away.

I attached everything with strong double-sided tape (3M tape). It’s quick, clean, and holds the tufted pieces in place.

• Press each piece firmly for 20–30 seconds.
• If your tufted pieces are thick, foam mounting tape can help.

2) Attach your tufted months to the board

Before you tape anything down, do a quick dry layout first. When you’re happy with spacing, attach the months one by one.

Tape tip: If you need to reposition, lift slowly from one corner so you don’t tear the backing.

3) Add two mini photo frames (pets = part of the plan)

Pin your favorite pet/family photos into the two mini frames. You can switch them anytime, which makes your calendar feel alive instead of static. If you want to tuft a custom rug for your cat or dog, refer to CLAWLAB's other tutorials.

4) Place your tufted cuties

Finally, add your soft little icons like a tufted little house or tufted coasters, wherever you want tiny pops of joy. This is the “decor layer.” It doesn’t need to be logical—it just needs to make you happy.

Now it’s a real calendar wall: soft, fluffy, and functional.

Step 4 — Planning: Use It Every Day (The Simple System)

Here’s how to keep it clear and usable, even if you’re busy.

What to pin on your calendar

• Goals (1–3 per month is enough)
• Dates (birthdays, trips, deadlines)
• Weekly to-dos (your “top 3” list)

Keep it tidy (the beginner-friendly method)

Use:

• Sticky notes for anything that might change
• Clips/pins to move notes quickly
• One small “weekly corner” so your whole calendar doesn’t get crowded

A simple layout that works:

• Top: month grid (clean + readable)
• Side: “This week” sticky notes
• Bottom: “Done / moved” notes (so clutter doesn’t build up)

This way, your calendar stays calm instead of chaotic.

Step 5 — Hang It on the Wall (Final Reveal)

Hang it somewhere you’ll naturally look:

• above your desk
• near the kitchen
• next to the door

Easiest option: Use removable picture hanging strips (the kind made for frames).

1. Wipe the wall clean
2. Add strips to the back corners
3. Press firmly, then wait a bit before pinning photos/notes

This calendar isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s meant to be a gentle, everyday reminder that you’re building your year in small steps.

Everything will come to you at the right time.

Beginner FAQs (Quick Answers)

Can I do this if I’m new to tufting?

Yes. Keep your month pieces simple (rectangles are perfect) and repeat the same shape 12 times. If it’s your first project, start with 2–3 months first, then finish the rest once you feel comfy with your pacing.

What tufting setup works best for a project like this?

A beginner-friendly tufting gun + a stable frame makes this project feel way less stressful. I used Clawlab for this calendar because it’s easy to control and comfortable to hold for longer sessions. (You can absolutely use what you already have—just go slow and keep your lines simple.)

How do I keep my month pieces looking clean?

Two things help the most: (1) consistent spacing when you place each piece on the board, and (2) a quick trim at the end to even out the surface. Don’t overthink perfect edges—your border frame will visually “pull it together.”

What if my lines aren’t straight?

Totally fine. This is handmade. The “clean look” comes from consistent spacing and a calm layout, not perfection. If one month piece feels a little wonky, let the next one be your “reset.”

How much glue do I need, and when can I assemble?

Use enough glue to fully cover the backing (no dry patches), then let it set for around a night until it’s no longer tacky. If you try to assemble too early, pieces can shift. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a faster curing method with TPU powder.

What’s the best way to attach the tufted pieces?

I used 3M double-sided tape for all the tufted pieces. It’s fast and looks clean. Press each piece down firmly for 20–30 seconds. If your tufted pieces are extra thick, foam mounting tape can hold better.

Do I have to tuft the whole border frame?

No. If you’re short on time, tuft the months first and add the border later. The border is a “final polish” step—it makes everything feel finished, but your calendar still works without it.

Cut pile or loop pile?

Either works. Cut pile gives that extra fluffy, cozy look. Loop pile can look a bit more graphic and tidy for a “calendar grid” vibe—pick whichever matches your style (and whatever your machine is set up for).

My yarn keeps breaking / my stitches look uneven—what should I do?

Pause and simplify: slow your speed, keep your gun steady, and choose an easier outline (bigger shapes, fewer tight corners). Most beginner “issues” disappear once you stop rushing and let the tool do the work.