Spotlight: SIMJI, Rug Tufting Artist

SIMJI is a content creator who took up rug tufting to create content for audiences. She now has millions of followers across social media, and has written her first book.

Why rugs? How did you get started?

One day during the pandemic, I was scrolling through Instagram when I came across a post featuring a rug shaped like a cartoon character. I thought it was the coolest thing because I had never thought about how rugs were made until then!

I told my creative partner and of course, being content creators, we took a deep dive into the content side of rugs. We noticed a common trend where all the posts were about trying to sell rugs and supplies or of tutorials showing how to make rugs. We knew we had to fill this gap and create entertainment based content.

On the same day I discovered rug tufting, we decided to dive in head first and do whatever it takes to make this a success. We told ourselves we’d put our heads down for one year and just grind as if success were the only option and that we would reevaluate if there was no growth after that.

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When I tell my story to people, they are usually surprised because they assumed I was a rug maker turned content creator! For me, it was the other way around. I learned how to make rugs in order to create this content. It was really difficult when I first started because there wasn’t a whole lot of information out there, so having something like my book would’ve been a game changer!

SIMJI working on designing a piece on her wall

SIMJI working on designing a piece with an overhead projector

Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?

Because the rugs revolve around content ideas, the rug designs have to do with what makes sense for that video. For example, if I’m giving a rug to a Disney character, the design will typically be of the character or something they like! I get a lot of inspiration from my audience for what content or series to create next, so they definitely inspire many designs!

What is the most important takeaway you want readers to gain from your book Rug Tufting with SIMJI: Essential Techniques and Creative Projects for Beginners?

I want the readers to think creatively and “outside the box” when it comes to rug making. With what the readers learn from my book, they can make rugs that don’t look like rugs and traditional rugs by applying the same techniques!

What are the indispensable tools and materials in your studio? How do they improve your work?

Good tools are so important! When I first started out, I was carving rugs with poor quality craft scissors and absolutely dreaded the carving process!

Once I used the Gingher Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors, it was life changing. I was cutting through yarn like butter whereas before, the yarn would get “stuck” between the scissors instead of cutting. It not only made the process more fun and satisfying, but also saved so much time!