You must have come across DIY rug tufting videos at least once while browsing YouTube. These kinds of videos are gaining more popularity nowadays as people are more drawn toward exploring new hobbies as an impact of lockdown. Rug tufting is among them and is the easiest one to learn. It can be done using a punch needle or gun for tufting. Here we’ll discuss the latter option.
So, if you want to master the skill, keep reading further to know how to do it.
Make the following arrangements before rug tufting:
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Create a simple loom or frame
Building a frame is important to using rug tufting. Also, it doesn’t even cost you that much. For the frame, you would need the following materials:
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- A lumber of dimensions 2″ x 3″ x 96″
- 6 carpet tack strips
- Screws with a length of around 2.5 inches for frame construction
- Screws with a length of around 1.25 inches for leg braces
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Stretch your backing cloth over the frame
Once you build the frame, move ahead to stretch the backing cloth on it. It is recommended to use a primary tufting cloth that consists of 40% cotton fabric and 60% polyester having an open weave. The cloth is durable for all kinds of machine tufting.
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Share your design to monk’s cloth
You can use both digitally created or hand-drawn designs. If you use a digital design, then arrange a projector of any sort to transfer the design onto the monk’s cloth. This step is optional.
You can simply draw the design directly on the fabric using a marker. Make sure to work the rug from behind so that the marks don’t show.
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Properly organize the yarn
It is recommended to select preferred colors before you start the rug tufting process. It will help you focus only on tufting. Another thing you can do is to label the shapes over the monk’s cloth using the yarn colors. It will prevent any kind of confusion during the process.
Now, you can move ahead to start the tufting.
Steps to use rug tufting
There are a few important steps to using rug tufting:
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Thread your gun
First, you need to thread your tufting gun. On the gun’s top, take the thread through the yarn. Next, use a bent wire to pull the yarn through the needle’s hole. Use multiple strands depending on the yarn’s thickness. 2 to 4 strands are recommended.
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Application of significant pressure
You always need to apply the required pressure while using the gun against the backing cloth. Inconsistent pressure can push the yarn towards you rather than away from you. It will result in varying pile heights.
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Rotate the gun as needed
Ensure to continue rotating the gun in your preferred direction. Keep the foot in front. Here, the foot refers to the curved metal part close to the needle.
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Adjust the height of the pile
The ideal height for a cut pile is between 7 to 18 mm, and for a loop pile, it is between 4 to 13 mm.
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Finish the rug
Once you complete the tufting process, you need to secure your yarn tufts to the back. This can be attained using any reliable adhesive. Any glue type will work well, but it is recommended to use a good quality carpet adhesive. It secures the ends of the yarn, preventing them from getting pulled out of the backing. Aside from applying glue, you can also choose to stick the backing fabric on the glue while it is still wet. However, this process will depend on what kind of final application is used.
How to fix mistakes in tufting?
To fix mistakes, you can plug out the yarn. But, it shouldn’t be done too often as it might tear the fabric. Fix the messy lines by pushing the yarn around via pilers. Plug out all the strands that are way off.
The final words
Rug tufting is not merely a hobby to pass the time; it helps in creating something that comes in handy in our daily lives. The customized rugs made through this process add to your home decoration. Plus, they are easy to make and serve a useful purpose in your house.
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