How to use the AK-1 cut pile tufting gun
(Updated on December 24, 2025)
Hello.
RUGMATAG is a tufting specialty store in Osaka.
In this article, we will explain the basics of using the AK-1 Cut Pile Tufting Gun.
We have summarized it in an easy-to-understand manner even for first-time users.
First, what you need to know
The AK-1 is a tufting gun designed specifically for cut pile .
The cut pile gun has a scissors structure.
The process works by weaving the yarn into the fabric and cutting the ends of the yarn .
Therefore, if used incorrectly, the fabric may tear .
If the fabric tears, it may be difficult to thread the yarn into that area properly, and the yarn may be more likely to come loose in the finished rug.
To prevent this from happening,
Let's start by learning the "tips to avoid cutting the fabric."
Three points to avoid cutting the fabric
①Do not insert or remove the needle while holding down the trigger.
→ Always release the trigger when starting to stab and when finishing to pull out the needle.
②Align the needle with the direction you want to go
When drawing horizontal lines or curves, be careful about the direction of the needle.
3. Press the gun firmly into the fabric perpendicular to the surface.
→ If the pressure is not strong enough, the impact surface will be uneven.
By simply following these three steps, you can significantly prevent the fabric from tearing .
How to use: 6 steps
STEP 1 | Stretch the fabric tightly over the frame
Upholstery is a very important step in tufting.
- Tension that makes it bounce back with a "bang" when hit
- Match the grain of the fabric and straighten the warp and weft threads
This is the ideal situation.
If the fabric is loose, the stitching will be unstable and the finish will be poor.
STEP 2 | Connect to power
Connect the gun body, adapter, and cord and plug into an outlet.
* Do not use any adapter other than the one provided.
STEP 3 | Power ON and Speed Adjustment
・Flip the switch to the right → Red lamp lights up
Pull the trigger to check operation 
- Adjust the speed with the knob under the grip 
Speed adjustment guideline
・Clockwise: Slowly
Counterclockwise: Fast
If you are a beginner, it's okay to go at the slowest pace .
STEP 4 | How to thread the thread and lead the wire
Pass the yarn through two places: the needle hole → the guide hole .
Use the included threader
① Pass through the needle hole 
② Pass through the guide hole 
③ Put the yarn into the loop and pull it out 
Until you get used to it, leave about 2cm of thread at the tip of the needle. (Once you get used to it, you can shorten it a little more to reduce waste.)
To ensure smooth conduction of the thread,
Place a guide hole on the left side of the frame and place the yarn directly below it. 
Furthermore, if you make sure that the thread coming out of the gun's guide hole flows to the left , you can shoot the needle in very smoothly. 
The important thing here is,
Use yarn suitable for tufting .
If you use yarn that doesn't work well with Gunn's scissors,
This can cause the blade to not cut, get clogged, or not be able to hit the ball .
▶ [How to choose the right yarn for tufting]
STEP 5 | Insert a vertical line
How to hold a tufting gun
Right-handed people 
→ Right hand: Grip (trigger side) / Left hand: Handle
Left-handed people 
→ Left hand: Grip (trigger side) / Right hand: Handle
*You will find it more stable if you imagine the hand on the grip as the "operating hand" and the hand on the handle as the "supporting hand."
・Insert the gun perpendicular to the fabric
・Press firmly
- While pulling the trigger, move it in accordance with the needle movement.
When you're done shooting, release the trigger and remove the needle.
STEP 6 | Adding horizontal and curved lines
On horizontal lines and curves, it is very important to align the needle with the direction of travel .
Curves are particularly difficult, so move forward little by little, changing the direction of the needle while ticking the trigger.
▶Watch the video to learn more about how to use the tufting gun
Let's start with practice
Rather than making a real production straight away,
It is recommended that you practice the basic techniques before starting to create your own work.
Recommended practice content
・Vertical lines and horizontal lines
·curve
・Practice filling in the middle
Once you get the hang of it, try creating your own work!
Common problems and solutions
The fabric gets torn
-Are you inserting or removing the gun while pressing the trigger?
- Is the needle pointing in the direction of travel?
-Is the gun pressed firmly and perpendicular to the fabric?
The yarn won't break
First, check the yarn.
Are you using special yarn suitable for tufting ?
If you are using yarn sold in our store and it does not break,
The scissors may need to be adjusted or maintained.
▶︎ Regarding guns purchased from our store
Please contact us via our official LINE or inquiry form.
The finished product will be sparse
There are two main reasons for this.
- The gun is moving too fast
The interval between shots is too wide
It's easier to improve by going slower and shortening the intervals a little .
On the other hand, if the finished product becomes too hard or warps
- The gun is moving too slowly
・The intervals between shots are too close
With these two possibilities, try increasing your speed a little and spacing it out .
summary
The AK-1 is designed for pushing, needle direction, and gun movement speed.
Just by being aware of these three things, you can significantly reduce the chances of failure.
It's hard to get used to it,
If you get used to it little by little, you will definitely improve!
At RUGMATAG,
To help beginners enjoy tufting with ease,
We will continue to provide easy-to-understand information.
Please look forward to the next update!
