Tufting? You've always wanted to try! But which equipment to buy, which gun to use? Don't worry, this article is meant for you. We will guide you so that you can easily start realizing your creative projects.
Tufting Gun / Tufting Machine. First, to practice Tufting, as its name suggests, you will need to equip yourself with a "tufting gun", more commonly known as a "tufting machine". Depending on the desired result, you will be more inclined towards a cutting gun or a loop gun.
In fact, there is a difference between these two models: the finish.
For the CUTTING tufting gun, this will produce a cut effect, i.e. the device will cut the wool thread straightly. Usually, you can adjust the thread length between 7 and 20 mm on the tufting gun. Each time you press the trigger, the wool thread will be cut, allowing you to speed up the creation of rugs.
On the other hand, the LOOP tufting gun will make in the shape of a loop. This technique takes more time, but the result, of course, is worth the effort! When using a LOOP tufting gun, you will have to manually cut the thread with scissors once you finish an area.
✔️ Yarn
If you are new to tufting, we recommend you start practicing with balls of acrylic yarn, they are more convenient and you can do your tests without worrying about your wallet. However, note that the higher the quality of your yarn, the more durable your productions will be over time.
It is recommended to use 2 wool threads in your machine at the same time to achieve an optimal result.
There are many types of yarn, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic yarns are resistant to dirt, mildew, moths and fading. Acrylic is cheaper than wool and comes in a wide range of colours. Unfortunately, it tends to fray and fray, and therefore holds the fabric less well. Therefore, choose to create acrylic creations if you plan to place them inside your home and not outside, for example in the garden.
Wool is considered a "premium" fiber because wool creations last longer. The yarn comes in a single long ribbon (fishnet style) that stretches for knitting. If you need to make a rug for someone else or plan to sell it, we recommend using wool.
✔️ Fabric
Without the right fabric, you won't be able to work in the best conditions, so go to your fabric suppliers to explain the importance of one of the essential elements for the practice of tufting.
After having touched on different qualities, tested many techniques on more or less rigid supports, we offer you our tufting fabric. This densely woven fabric is durable and hard to break, so you can let your imagination run wild without inconvenience. We offer two premium fabrics in white and gray polyester that do not tear due to their thickness and quality of weaving.
Finally, you will need a finishing fabric to professionally protect and finish your tufting creations. There are several ways to do this depending on what your rug will become (wall piece, floor rug, garment). The type of finish of your creation is important, perhaps is it intended for sale or as a gift? In that case, it's best to be prepared for these eventualities!
You can use hot glue, spray glue, or carpet glue to adhere your fabric finish. Finally, finish with a finishing tape to hide any unclean ends and protect the entire job.
✔️ Frame (frame) for tufting
When practicing tufting, you will also need to make a frame to stretch the fabric.
✔️ Tufting Glue
There are different types of glue to finish your carpets, we recommend acrylic polymer glue or synthetic rubber glue which is the most effective for us. This is just a suggestion based on our experience and what we've tested, but there are other solutions that might work just as well. We encourage you to test them and share them with us on our Instagram.
That said, here are other types of glue you can find in most DIY stores such as Leroy Merlin or Brico as "coating glue" or "Colle Soudal".
✔️ Latex glue: Latex is traditionally used to hold the thread in place. The main problem with latex is that it deteriorates and crumbles over time. It is important to use high quality latex to slow or prevent its deterioration.
✔️ Polyvinyl Acetate: PVA glue is cheap, easy to find, and non-toxic (you may know it as Elmer's glue). It can be used for hanging pictures on walls and for cushions. Note that the result will be stiffer.
✔️ Acrylic polymer glue - synthetic rubber: Acrylic polymers are used in the furniture industry. The advantage of synthetic rubber is that it adheres very well and does not deteriorate over time like its natural counterpart.
Last tip, if you plan to create a carpet, buy more glue! Small boxes are not enough, we often consume more than we think.
Other things you may need. Here's a small, comprehensive list of other equipment you'll need:
- A permanent marker to draw on the fabric
- A thread cutter or tailor's scissors, to cut the threads that protrude from the work
- An electric clipper, to shave the carpet when it is finished evenly
- A putty knife to apply glue
- A hot glue gun or spray glue to glue the finishing fabric - A projector, if you want to project your image/design for a professional result
- Oil specially designed for maintenance of the tufting gun - A yarn passer, essential equipment for inserting the yarn into the tufting gun
With all these elements, we hope that this guide can provide you with the main keys to the realization of your personal and professional projects.
Where to find the products?
All the products necessary for tufting are available for sale on our website.
So now, ready, go, tufting! 😀
