This article comes from a real observation: we often see tufting enthusiasts working with two threads of the same color on their tufting machine to achieve a fuller stitch; other times they use two threads because they believe the machine “runs better” (the yarn doesn’t slip out of the needle). It’s not uncommon for people to ask us: “With your yarns, do I need two or just one?”. The truth is that it’s not just the yarn that makes the difference, but especially the mechanical setting of the needle hole. And here comes the needle hole regulator!
Index
- What is the needle hole regulator
- Why it really matters and what benefits it brings
- 1 or 2 threads? How to really decide
- How to adjust it: simple method, micro-adjustments, and tests
- Video tutorial
- Compatibility: yarns, stitches (loop/cut), and machine models
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Maintenance and quick checklist
- Damaged regulator: what to do (overview)
- Quick FAQ
What is the tufting machine needle hole regulator
The needle hole regulator is a metal tab placed under the needle of the tufting machine. Its function is to tighten or widen the passage through which the yarn flows, ensuring the correct grip during the needle’s forward and backward movement through the fabric. In other words, it prevents the yarn from slipping out (hole too wide) or from generating friction and getting stuck (hole too tight). Each machine may have a “default” setting that is tighter or looser: if you don’t adapt it to your yarn and your way of working, you may draw the wrong conclusions (for example, believing you “need two threads”).
Go to Tufting Machine Spare Parts
Why it really matters and what benefits it brings
The main advantage of a proper adjustment is economic and practical: if you set the needle hole regulator correctly, in most cases one thread is enough. Using two threads when it’s not strictly necessary means:
- Double the yarn consumption (more cost per project);
- Higher chance of running out of yarn mid-work and having to stop to restock;
- More attention required in managing tension (two threads run differently than one).
Of course, using two threads remains a legitimate aesthetic choice when you want more body or specific color effects (melange, close thin stripes, etc.). But if the goal is to avoid slipping or improve yarn “grip,” the solution is almost never “adding a second thread”: the solution is to adjust the hole so it offers the minimum necessary grip to keep yarn flow and stitch formation regular.
1 or 2 threads? How to really decide
Here’s a simple rule:
- One thread → the standard choice. If the yarn slips or “doesn’t catch,” first try adjusting the hole (see next section). Often it takes very little to stabilize the passage.
- Two threads → use them only when you want a deliberately fuller/voluminous effect, or a specific color result (for example, blending different shades in the same stitch).
Practical tip: prepare a sample strip of fabric and test the same design with 1 and 2 threads, keeping speed, distance, and hand the same. Compare:
- Stitch regularity (loop or cut);
- Visual performance (coverage and edge solidity);
- Yarn flow (does it get stuck at times?);
- Yarn consumption per covered area.
In most cases, with the hole well adjusted, one thread ensures excellent flow and definition, saving both material and time.
Learn more about yarn choice here: tufting yarn guide.
How to adjust it: simple method, micro-adjustments, and tests
As mentioned earlier, the correct procedure to set the needle hole regulator depends on the specific tufting machine model used. For this tutorial, we show the steps on a AK DUO Standard tufting machine. Before working on your device, check that the components described below match your tufting machine.
Adjusting the tufting needle hole regulator means sliding the metal tab that defines the yarn passage with small, controlled movements. Always work with the machine turned off and unplugged.
Here’s a practical method:
Inspect the area under the needle
Remove any residues (lint, dust, excess oil) that could affect yarn flow perception.
Find the regulator fixing screw
To move the needle hole regulator, you may need to loosen a screw to ease the tab’s movement. So check if it’s present. You should spot it on the needle. Below you can see where the screw is located on the AK DUO Standard tufting machine.
Loosen the screw
Slightly loosen the tab fixing screw (if present). In the case of the AK DUO Standard, you’ll need a flat-head screwdriver.
Be sure to loosen without removing the screw completely, as it is held on the other side by a small square nut. If you remove the screw, the nut will fall and force you to dismantle the entire needle section to fix it. To adjust the hole, half a turn of the screwdriver is enough, allowing the regulator to slide without too much effort.
If by mistake you do remove the screw, we suggest reading our blog post on needle replacement, which shows the proper steps to separate the needle section from the rest of the tufting machine.
Adjust the hole width
Use tweezers, a small screwdriver, or even a small Allen key to slide the hole regulator forward or backward. To find the right width, try sliding yarn through. If it “scrapes,” widen the hole by about a millimeter. If it flows too easily, tighten it slightly.
Test yarn passage on fabric
For extra safety, do a test directly on fabric and see how the yarn flows when the machine is running.
First, tighten the screw back to prevent accidental regulator shifts. Now turn on the tufting machine and test it on fabric. Work in short strokes and observe if the yarn stays stable in the needle-fabric cycle.
Refine with micro-adjustments
If you’re not satisfied with the setting, repeat all steps until you find the width where the yarn runs stable without friction and without slipping.
Useful tips
- Adjust in small steps, avoiding damage to the regulator: the tab must remain elastic and flat.
- Every change of yarn or material (wool/acrylic) may require fine-tuning.
- If you switch between loop and cut, make sure the setting works well for both.
For three-dimensional projects with strong volume, also read: how to make long pile tufted rugs.
Video tutorial
Below you’ll find a video tutorial for a clear view of the operations and points to adjust the needle hole regulator on the tufting machine.
Click the image to watch the video on YouTube
Compatibility: yarns, stitches (loop/cut) and machine models
The optimal adjustment depends on:
- Yarn: wool (denser), acrylic (smoother and shinier), blends. A bulkier yarn usually needs a slightly wider hole; a thinner yarn, a slightly narrower passage.
- Stitch: in loop pile continuous flow is essential; in cut pile the clean cut matters too. The setting should support both if you alternate techniques.
- Machine model: some machines come with a “factory” hole that is tighter or looser. Consider the default as a base and fine-tune for your yarn.
Tip: create a small personal table (machine model / yarn / stitch / hole setting) to quickly find the best adjustments for recurring projects.
If you are a “Pro” creator, you might even consider having multiple tufting machines depending on the yarn and stitch effect you want. The same reasoning applies to stitch length (short or long pile) — but we’ll cover that in another article 😉!
For a general overview of tools, check out which accessories are needed for tufting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping adjustment and immediately using “2 threads” to “make the machine run better.”
- Tightening too much: this increases friction, overheating, and possible thread breakage.
- Widening the hole too much: the thread loses grip and may slip, creating irregular stitches.
- Not cleaning the hole area: lint, oil, or dust affect smoothness.
- “Jerky” adjustments: a bent tab can ruin or misalign the regulator.
Also useful: review your cleaning routine: how to clean and lubricate your tufting machine.
Maintenance and quick checklist
A lasting adjustment depends on good habits:
- Clean the hole area and surroundings at the end of each session (lint/oil).
- Visual check of the tab: it should remain flat, without bends or dents.
- Quick test on a fabric scrap before starting a new project (especially when changing yarns).
- Lubrication according to your machine manufacturer’s guidelines.
See Spare Parts and Components
Damaged regulator: what to do (briefly)
If the needle hole regulator is visibly bent, loose, or damaged, it may need replacement. The procedure varies depending on the machine model (screw placement, type of fastening, access to the area). We’re working on a dedicated tutorial for the most common machines: we’ll publish it soon. In the meantime, focus on proper adjustment and preventive maintenance; if in doubt about spare compatibility, contact us.
Quick FAQ
Do I always need two threads?
No. With the needle hole regulator properly adjusted, one thread is the norm. Two threads are only for more bulk or special color effects.
How do I know if the hole is too tight or too wide?
If it’s too tight you’ll feel friction; if it’s too wide the thread slips or stitches look irregular. Use micro-adjustments and test on fabric scraps.
Do I need to adjust every time I change yarn?
Not always, but fine-tuning may help when switching materials (wool ↔ acrylic) or moving between loop and cut pile.
You may also like: long pile tufted rugs, choosing tufting yarns, useful accessories.
