How do I trace the pattern onto my backing cloth?

Use Projector Mode: it renders a fullscreen high-contrast outline of your pattern that you can beam onto stretched backing cloth with any projector, then trace with a marker. You can invert the colors for a dark room.

How much yarn does a tufted rug use?

As a rough rule, cut-pile tufting with two strands uses about 100–200 yards of yarn per square foot depending on pile height and density. The summary table gives a per-color rough estimate based on each color's area — always buy extra.

Is this tufting pattern maker free?

Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no watermarks, and it works with yarn from any shop. Your photos never leave your device.

Rug Tufting Pattern Maker - Free Photo to Tufting Pattern

Upload Your Image

Drop your image here

or click to browse — JPG, PNG, GIF, WEBP. Bold shapes tuft best.

Choose Image

Rug Size

Finished rug size (primary backing should be ~6" bigger each way for your frame)

Pattern detail

Colors

Number of yarn colors (4–8 — each color is a gun re-thread)

Working Pattern (back view)

Yarn Estimate

#	Color	Area	Rough Yarn Estimate*

*Very rough: assumes cut pile, two strands, mid pile height (~100–200 yd per sq ft — we use 150). Pile height, strand count, and density change this a lot. Always buy extra.

Tufting Notes:

Stretch primary backing drum-tight on your frame before projecting/tracing
Trace the mirrored pattern — the rug front will match your photo
Tuft outlines of each color region first, then fill
Leave ~6" of blank backing around the design for the frame and finishing

Tufting Pattern FAQ

Why is my tufting pattern mirrored?

Tufting guns work from the back of the backing cloth, so the finished rug front is a mirror of what you trace. The tool mirrors the working pattern by default — trace it and your finished rug matches the photo. Toggle mirror off to preview the front.

How do I get the pattern onto my backing cloth?

Use Projector Mode: a fullscreen high-contrast outline you can beam onto stretched backing cloth with any projector, then trace with a marker. Invert the colors for a dark room.

How much yarn will my rug use?

Roughly 100–200 yards per square foot for cut pile with two strands, depending on pile height and density. The yarn table breaks it down per color — always buy extra.

Is it free?

Completely free, no sign-up, no watermarks, and it works with yarn from any shop. Photos never leave your device.