The ultimate tufting starter set: everything you need to get started today.
Do you dream of tufting your own unique rugs? Good news: tufting is not as complicated as it seems! As long as you have the right materials. In this blog I will explain what you need to get started right away. This way you can start your first tufting project today. Of course I also like to show you what one of my first rugs looked like. I made this one with the AK-II loop pile tufting gun:
What do you need for tufting?
1. A tufting gun
Logical, this is of course the basis of your (new) hobby and the heart of your setup. With a tufting gun you shoot the yarn into your cloth. There are different types, such as the cut pile (for a high pile effect) and loop pile (for loops). The AK-I tufting gun only tufts cut pile, the AK-II tufting machine only loop pile. Do you want to be able to tuft both? Then choose a dual gun . Such as the AK Duo Pro , the AK-V or the AK Duo High Pile .
2. A tufting frame
You stretch your canvas tightly on a frame, so that you can work easily. You can make one yourself, because it is really not difficult and it saves you a lot of money to buy a ready-made one. In my webshop you will find a manual to build a tufting frame , no matter how big or what kind of frame you want to make. You will read useful tips that will really help you on your way to building a good, sturdy tufting frame.
3. Tufting cloth, Monks cloth or primary backing
All three come down to the same thing. It is the special cloth on which you tuft. The type from the webshop is used most, because it is strong and flexible. It is a combination of cotton and polyester.
👉 View the collection of tufting fabric here.
4. Fine wool
Many types of wool are suitable for tufting, but you will definitely notice a difference per type of wool. Are you starting with tufting? Then acrylic wool is the best to start with. It is soft, light and available in many colours. The Tufting Yarn from Mattimat is very pleasant to tuft with.
5. Glue and backing for finishing
After tufting, apply glue (for example Tufting Glue ) to the back, so that the threads stay in place. Then finish it off with a nice fabric. In the tufting world, this is also called secondary backing or backing fabric . It gives your rug a nice finish and ensures a professional result. You also glue the backing fabric. You can do this with adhesive spray or a hot glue gun .
6. Scissors or tufting trimmer
To make your carpet nice and even, you can use special tufting scissors, also called Duckbill scissors . For small corrections, these are enough. Do you want to go for beautiful effects, such as depth and beautiful grooves in the lines? Then the trimmer for tufting is perfect. You then carefully shave your desired effect in your tufted carpet with the shaver.
Tip: buy a complete starter set
Want to make it easy for yourself? We have ready-made starter sets , which contain a lot to get started right away. From gun to cloth and glue. This way you know for sure that everything is coordinated.
👉 Check out our starter sets here
Not sure where to start or which set is right for you? I'd be happy to help you. Feel free to contact me via one of the options on the contact page .
Good luck with your new hobby!