Even the most experienced artisans make mistakes. In tufting, some errors tend to occur repeatedly. In this article we’ll look at the most common tufting mistakes many makers encounter along the way, why they happen, and most importantly how to prevent them. Based on real cases and questions we receive from our customers, we want to offer you a practical checklist to avoid the most frustrating issues.
Table of Contents
- 1. Canvas not stretched tight enough
- 2. Using unsuitable yarn
- 3. Irregular speed when using the machine
- 4. Skipping the finishing phase
- 5. Incorrect backing selection
- 6. Excessive spacing between stitches
- 7. Uneven or insufficient pressure
- 8. Lack of cleaning and maintenance
- 9. Working with yarn residues and excess on the back
- 10. Finishing the pile before applying glue
1. Canvas not stretched tight enough
One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to stretch the primary canvas evenly and firmly before starting. If the canvas is loose or wrinkled, the yarn can shift during tufting, resulting in misaligned stitches, empty areas, or uneven tension.
Solution: before tufting, stretch the canvas like a drum. Use a professional canvas stretching tool to apply consistent tension on all sides and make sure it doesn’t move when pressed with a finger. Check the tension regularly while working, especially on large surfaces.
To dive deeper into this topic, read our blog post "How to get a perfect base for tufting".
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2. Using unsuitable yarn
A common mistake is choosing a yarn that isn’t compatible with the machine or the desired stitch type. Some yarns are too thin and break easily, while others are too elastic and lose tension.
Solution: use yarns specifically designed for tufting. If your project requires more body, consider thicker yarn counts or blends, but always test them on a sample first. You can also consult our guide to ideal yarns for tufting.
3. Irregular speed when using the machine
Working too fast or too slow with the tufting machine is a classic mistake. Going too fast can cause skipped stitches, while going too slow can lead to buildup or overly dense stitches.
Best practice: maintain a steady rhythm. At the beginning, practice on scraps to find your ideal pace. Alternate slower and faster sections to develop better control and sensitivity.
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4. Skipping the finishing phase
An uneven surface with higher and lower areas is a clear aesthetic flaw and is quite common when relying solely on the tufting machine.
What to do: use professional trimmers or shearing tools to level the surface of the piece, then continue with the trimmer alone to better define lines, depth effects, and color-separated areas.
5. Incorrect backing selection
Many tufting issues stem from choosing an unsuitable secondary backing. A backing that’s too light can warp, while the absence of a non-slip layer compromises the rug’s stability.
Solution: choose solid backings appropriate for the intended use (see our article "What is secondary backing for tufting and how to choose it?"). For example, felt for wall hangings or non-slip fabric for floor rugs.
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6. Excessive spacing between stitches
Leaving too much space between stitches can result in visible gaps and a loss of definition in the design.
Tip: plan stitch density during the sketch phase, keep spacing consistent, and go over sparse areas again if needed.
7. Uneven or insufficient pressure
Another frequent mistake is failing to maintain consistent pressure. In some areas, the machine may not make proper contact, leading to irregular or missing stitches.
Solution: check that the frame surface is level and pay attention to hand positioning. Run test lines to ensure consistent contact.
8. Lack of cleaning and maintenance
Dust, lint, and residue in the yarn path or around the needle can cause jams, yarn breakage, or irregular feeding.
Good practice: after each session, brush critical areas and check that the needle opening is clear. Perform deeper cleaning periodically. Learn more in the article "What can I do to properly clean and lubricate my tufting gun?".
9. Working with yarn residues and excess on the back
One of the main causes of irregular stitch spacing and uneven final results is a cluttered working surface, which will later become the back of the piece.
Between passes with the tufting machine, small yarn residues often remain, especially where the machine is started. Over time, these residues reduce visibility and make it harder to spot areas that need additional passes.
How to avoid this: pause periodically during tufting and use scissors to remove excess yarn. This improves overall visibility and helps you identify areas that require further adjustment.
10. Finishing the pile before applying glue
Finishing the pile before applying glue and allowing it to fully dry can cause tufted sections to pull out of the fabric base when using a trimmer or shearing tool. This often results in visible holes that completely compromise the final appearance.
Correct procedure: apply glue evenly to the back of the piece and carefully attach the backing. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding with finishing.
Note: to be precise, it’s worth mentioning that experienced makers sometimes choose to partially finish the surface before applying glue. This is usually done for highly detailed works where varying pile heights or alternating cut and loop sections are essential for the final aesthetic. In such cases, partial finishing is necessary and glue cannot yet be applied.
If this intermediate step isn’t required, it’s best to secure the entire pile with glue before finishing.
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Knowing these common tufting mistakes will help you avoid frustration and achieve more reliable results from the start. If you’d like to explore techniques or materials further, check out our dedicated articles: yarn guide, essential accessories, long pile rugs.
