Interview with Nargiza, The Handcrafted Rug and Textile Artist

Delve into the world of handmade rugs, each carefully crafted by the rug and textile artist, Nargiza. Through her creations, Nargiza explores the artistry of handmade rugs, using tufting and punching techniques, that are popular within the rug community. In this interview, Nargiza reveals her most cherished works and the secrets behind creating exquisite rugs, from small workflow rituals to the interplay of key designing elements.

Join us as we journey through the creative process of rug designer Nargiza and discover the passion behind her beautifully handcrafted rugs.

Hi Nargiza! Could you give a brief introduction of yourself and your work for those who may not be familiar with you?

I’m Nargiza, a textile artist specializing in tufting, and I’m currently studying at the Vilnius Academy of Arts.

About a couple of years ago, I started creating rugs using a tufting gun and punch needle, and I felt an immediate connection to the medium that I wanted to share with others. Coming from a family of artists, I was always surrounded by creativity and studied art from an early age. Though my career initially led me down a different path in advertising management, the desire to express my creativity remained, feeling trapped and unfulfilled.

In 2020, I took a leap back into the art world, this time exploring rug-making—a form I found perfect for its endless creative possibilities, material diversity, and unique techniques. Now, each of my hand-tufted rugs is crafted with love and care, designed not only to last but to invite viewers into themes close to my heart, like self-reflection and identity. I aim to bridge functionality and introspection in my work, transforming rugs from everyday objects into meaningful, expressive art pieces.

What initially sparked your interest in rug design, and how did it evolve into a full-fledged career?

When I discovered rug-making, something just clicked. The tactile process, the freedom of design, and the potential to turn functional objects into expressive art deeply resonated with me. Using a tufting gun and punch needle opened a world of possibilities for experimentation with textures, colours, and materials. As I dove deeper into the craft, my passion grew, and in 2022 I began sharing my work publicly, which was met with a strong, supportive response. This encouragement and my own connection to the art transformed what began as a personal creative outlet into a full-fledged career. Now, I create hand-tufted pieces that not only serve as rugs but as artworks.

Currently I am working with interior designers and architects, who is looking for unique quality pieces for their clients.

Could you share the key stages of your rug creation process and where you draw your inspiration from?

My rug creation process is both structured and intuitive, involving several key stages. First, I start with inspiration and exploration. This is followed by sketching out ideas, translating concepts into visual forms that I feel resonates.

Once I have a clear vision, I prepare my canvas by stretching a backing fabric onto a frame. Using a tufting gun or punch needle, I begin filling in the design, experimenting with different textures and colour palettes to bring the concept to life.

The final step is finishing the rug — trimming, securing, and adding any backing needed to ensure durability. Throughout the process, I’m drawn to the tactile and expressive nature of tufting, which allows for endless creativity in both material and technique.

If talking about my personal creations I find inspiration in the emotions and reflections I experience, as well as from the stories people share, making each piece deeply personal yet universally relatable.

If it is a custom order then it has a lot of different involving inspirations from interior colours, interior style, main shapes to client’s personality and character.

Where do you feel the most inspired while crafting rugs? Are there any personal rituals or routines, like listening to specific music, that help you get into the zone for designing?

I feel most inspired in my working space, where I can fully immerse myself in the process. There’s something about being surrounded by yarns, colors, and textures that naturally brings ideas to the surface. My inspiration often comes from quiet moments of reflection, but I also find it in the stories I carry and those shared by others, which shape each piece in a unique way.

To get into the right headspace, I have a few rituals that help me center myself. I usually listen to a playlist that matches the mood of the piece I’m working on — sometimes it’s calming, sometimes more intense, depending on the emotions I want to convey. Having this soundtrack really helps me tap into the creative flow. I also take small breaks to step back and view the piece from a distance, which gives me a fresh perspective and sometimes sparks new ideas. These routines keep me connected to both the art and the message I hope to share through each rug.

When it comes to rug design, what elements do you consider to be the most important? Are there any shapes, colors or motifs that you always find yourself drawn to when designing a rug?

I focus on the interplay between texture, colour, and form, as each element has a unique way of evoking emotion. I’m often drawn to organic shapes and flowing lines, which I feel lend a sense of movement and vulnerability to the piece. But in other pieced you can find solid and bold lines, very structural. In terms of colour, I’m inspired by contrasts — bold, deep tones paired with softer, muted shades — to express both the intensity and subtlety of the feelings I’m conveying.

What is your approach to materials when handcrafting a rug? What factors influence your selection of fibers, textures, or techniques?

Working with custom orders I use most of the time New Zealand wool.

When selecting materials for my personal rugs, my approach centre’s around creating a sensory experience that complements the theme of each piece. I choose yarn based on the textures I want to bring out — whether it's the softness of wool to convey warmth or sturdier like cotton for more defined, structural elements. I also take durability into account to ensure that each piece can be enjoyed for years.

Texture plays a key role in my designs, as I like to layer different yarn or raise certain sections to create dimension. This adds a tactile quality that encourages viewers to engage physically with the work. I’m also drawn to experimenting with a mix of tufting techniques and punch needle styles, which allows me to add a sense of depth and personality to each piece. Ultimately, the choice of materials and techniques is driven by the emotional story I’m telling, blending aesthetics with functionality to create rugs that feel both visually compelling and meaningful.

Your rug designs range from playful irregular shapes to more muted earthy tones. How would you personally style them in different home interiors?

I love that my rugs can bring something unique to various interior styles, adapting to different atmospheres while adding character. For rugs with playful, irregular shapes, I imagine them as bold statement pieces in modern or eclectic interiors. These designs work well in open spaces or as focal points in a living room, adding energy and movement to the area. Paired with minimal furniture and clean lines, they can really shine as art pieces within the room.

For rugs in more muted, earthy tones, I see them fitting seamlessly into calm, natural spaces like bohemian or Scandinavian-inspired interiors. They complement natural textures like wood, stone, and woven fabrics, creating a harmonious and grounded environment. These rugs add a cozy, organic feel to spaces such as bedrooms or reading rooms, making them both functional and deeply comforting. My goal is for each rug to feel adaptable yet expressive, bringing a touch of artful warmth to any room it inhabits.

If you had to pick just 3 of your favourite projects, which ones would you choose and why?

Choosing just three favourites is tough because each piece holds a unique story, but there are a few that resonate particularly strongly with me:

One of the first projects was with an Artist, Evaldas Bubinas (aka Hermandrowning). Together we recreated his one of the works to a rug piece, it was amazing opportunity and it was fun to work with artist.

Collaboration with Hermandrowning

The second would be a collaboration with interior designer Jovita Bingelytė and create a special rug line for her interior design shop. This project still in process and full result will be seen only next year.

Collaboration with interior designer Jovita Bingelytė

The last one is very personal – art exhibition “Imposter Syndrome” together with other textile artist Donata Jutkienė. Through my art, I delve into concepts like self-identity, imposter syndrome, and self-reflection, inviting viewers to engage with these themes on a deeper level. It was unbelievable feeling to open and exhibition and to present personal experiences.

One of the works presented during Art exhibition "Imposter Syndrome"

Finally, what new designs, techniques or creative projects are you looking forward to exploring next?

I’m really excited about the future of my rug design journey and the potential for new explorations. One area I’m looking forward to is experimenting with mixed media, incorporating other materials like fabric scraps, natural fibers, or even recycled elements into my rugs. This will allow me to create even more textured and layered pieces that tell a broader story.

Additionally, I’m interested in exploring larger scale works that can serve as wall hangings, blurring the line between functional rugs and traditional textile art. I want to create pieces that make a bold statement, inviting viewers to engage with them in different ways.

I also plan to delve deeper into colour experimentation, particularly with unexpected colour combinations that evoke strong emotions. This could lead to innovative designs that resonate with viewers on a more visceral level. Overall, I’m eager to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft, allowing each new project to evolve organically while continuing to explore themes that are close to my heart.

Thank you, Nargiza, for sharing the passion and the artistry behind your work with us! Learn more about Nargiza and follow her work here: