How to Tuft a Turkey for Thanksgiving

Always wondering what to keep after Thanksgiving? This year, I’ve made my decision — I’m definitely keeping the cute turkey rug by my bed. The rest of the decorations my family and I made last week will turn into Friendsgiving gifts. And today, I’d love to show you how to make your own tufted turkey rug that lasts way beyond the holiday.

Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving is all about family, friends, food, and small memories that make the holiday feel warm. This little project? It’s one of those memories.

1. Pick Your Favorite Turkey Design

While scrolling through your phone, Pinterest, or Instagram, I’m sure you’ve saved tons of Thanksgiving images you love. I know I did! After going through my saved pictures, I picked the cutest black turkey design to recreate.

2. Choose Your Yarn Colors

Now it’s time to pick your yarn. You can either use what you already have or buy new ones. Here’s my biggest beginner-friendly tip: try to keep it under 4–6 colors. It just makes everything easier, especially if you want the project to feel fun and not overwhelming.

For your reference, I picked the following 6 yarns for my craft turkey: 

3. Set Up Your Tufting Frame and Draw the Turkey Outline

Once your design is ready, set up your tufting frame and draw the turkey outline onto your fabric.

I usually rely on a projector (it saves brain cells), but if you want to freehand it, that works too! The key is marking out the color-block areas directly on the fabric — because honestly, nobody wants to pause every two minutes trying to remember which color goes where. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

4. Start Tufting Your Design

Now it’s time to tuft! Firmly press the tufting gun into the fabric and go with the flow along the lines.

If you're unsure how to thread the yarn or want a proper beginner walkthrough, check out the Clawlab H1 Lite Tufting Kit guide for detailed help.

5. Apply the Backing to Secure Your Rug

Once you’re happy with the tufting, it’s time to apply the backing.

You can use glue, which works well if you let it dry overnight. Or you can use the Adhesive Powder Combo, which doesn’t require drying time and is the quicker option. After applying the adhesive, use a heat press to make sure everything sticks. And just like that — you’re almost done.

6. Trim and Finish Your Tufted Turkey Rug

Grab your scissors or trimmer and tidy up the edges. A little trimming goes a long way toward making your rug look clean, polished, and ready to show off.

Why Tufting Is the Perfect Thanksgiving Craft

Tufting is genuinely relaxing and makes meaningful decorations you’ll love year after year. Making a turkey rug is not just a fun craft — it’s a whole Friendsgiving memory in the making.

Ready to make one? Start with a Clawlab tufting kit and get crafting!

Quick FAQ

How to Stretch Your Fabric Properly

Make sure the fabric on your frame is tight before tufting. Apply firm, even pressure with your tufting gun. If you spot tearing, your fabric likely wasn’t stretched enough or your pressure was uneven.

How to Prevent Hurting or Tearing the Fabric (Every New Tufter Should Know)

Fabric damage usually comes from loose fabric, the wrong angle, or slow movement. Keep the fabric fully tensioned so it feels like a drum. Hold the tufting gun flat against the cloth — not tilted. Move at a steady pace so the needle doesn’t over-punch one spot. Let the machine glide instead of pushing hard. And outline your shapes first so filling feels smoother and more controlled.

What If I Accidentally Make a Hole in the Fabric?

Don’t worry — it happens. Cut a small patch from one corner of the fabric and place it over the hole. Sew it down with a needle and thread. Quick fix, and you can keep going.

Do I Need a Full Tufting Kit?

For the best results, yes — you’ll want a frame, tufting cloth, yarn, a tufting gun, and proper finishing tools. If you’re just exploring, you can start by sketching designs on fabric panels first.

Final Thoughts

Tufting is such a cozy, hands-on way to slow down and make something meaningful for the holidays. And at the end of it, you’ll have a cute turkey rug — and maybe even a new Friendsgiving tradition. Happy tufting!