[A must-see for beginners] Learn about the equipment and materials needed for tufting!
Hello, we are Tufting studio & shop RUGMATAG, a tufting workshop and equipment/materials specialty store in Osaka .
This time, we will introduce in detail the equipment, tools, and materials required for tufting. We hope this will be helpful for those who are wondering, "I want to start tufting, but I don't know where to start," or "When should I use this?"
If you're thinking, "I want to start tufting, but I don't know what to do first..." then please take a look at this article [Must-read for beginners/Check before purchasing] You can make handmade rugs!? Also , check out how to get started with "tufting" .
Equipment and tools
・Tufting gun
A tufting gun is essential for tufting yarn into fabric.
We carry three types : AK-1 (cut pile ) , AK-2 (loop pile) , and AK-DUO (cut & loop pile) , and you can choose the color for each.
For more information on the different types of tufting guns and how to choose one, please see this article.
[Beginner's Guide/Pre-purchase Guide] How to Choose a Tufting Gun and Types
*We receive many inquiries regarding maintenance and repairs for tufting guns purchased from major online shopping malls, but please note that Ragumatag does not accept inquiries regarding products from other companies.
Due to the nature of tufting guns, problems may occur. We recommend purchasing from a specialist store that can provide maintenance and repair services.
・Tufting frame
A tufting frame is required for attaching fabric.
You can buy a pre-assembled frame or make one yourself.
We carry prefabricated aluminum frames in three sizes.
For more information on how to make and install a tufting frame, please see this article.
DIY! How to make a tufting frame
[Must-see for beginners/Creating an environment] Where to install a tufting frame and how to do it
・Carpet trimmer
This is a carpet trimmer used for finishing.
This is necessary to ensure the rug has a beautiful pile, including finishing the edges and surface, and creating a raised pattern called carving.
The trimmer guide makes it easy to smooth the surface of the rug.
Check out our article on how to finish surfaces with a trimmer guide here.
How to finish the surface of a tufted rug
・Tamamaki ware
The ball winder can wind any shape of yarn into a ball.
Yarn wound into a ball does not require twisting, and can be pulled out smoothly from the center. It is also useful when dividing cone-wound yarn into multiple pieces.
It's not necessary if you're only using cone-wound yarn, but it's still useful to have one.
Our store sells DARUMA ball winders, a trusted brand.
・Thread holder
This is a yarn stand that can hold cone-wound yarn in place.
We carry two types, and you should choose one depending on the number of cones you will be using.
*You cannot use balls of yarn. If you use balls of yarn, place them in a basket or similar container to prevent them from rolling around.
Scissors
Scissors are needed for trimming the pile and trimming the edges of the rug.
Any scissors that can cut wool will do. We carry two types of rug scissors .
·projector
This is a projector used to transfer the design of a work onto the base fabric.
Choose one that allows you to mirror with your smartphone or iPad.
This is not necessary for those who draw designs freehand, but it is a useful item to have.
Please refer to this article for information on how to project and transfer images using a projector.
How to draw a design on tufting cloth
·mixer
A hand mixer used to mix adhesives.
The adhesives we sell expand to 2 to 3 times their original size when stirred.
Therefore, prepare a large bucket or bowl and stir it.
*The photo shows a staff member's personal belongings. Purchased second-hand for around 1,000 yen.
We use a commercial mixer that can mix a lot at once.
Materials
・Base fabric
This is the base fabric (tufting cloth) for weaving the yarn into.
In our shop, we have the headshanks that are actually used in MIYOSHI RUG products,
We offer two types of base fabrics : tufting cloth with guide lines .
For beginners, we recommend a tufting cloth with guide lines, but Hessian is made in Japan and is reasonably priced.
It's best to try both and use the one you prefer.
·lining
This is the backing needed for the underside of the rug.
Our store carries three types of lining: the mesh actually used in MIYOSHI RUG products, backing cloth with anti-slip properties, andbacking cloth used in combination with backing tape .
Each one has a different appearance, functionality, and effort required, so it's a good idea to try them out and find the one you like best.
・Yarn
Yarn for weaving into fabric.
When making rugs using a mainstream household tufting gun (e.g., AK-1), acrylic or wool yarns are suitable. Cotton, synthetic fiber yarns, and craft yarns are often difficult to cut with a household tufting gun and can damage scissors.
We recommend using yarn designed for rugs, as yarn other than that intended for rugs is more likely to cause damage to the tufting gun.
This article explains how to choose yarn.
How to choose the right yarn for tufting
·glue
Rug glue is needed to bond the base fabric, yarn, and backing together.
We carry two types of adhesives.
RADITEX (lining glue) can be used in combination with mesh to create a raw edge finish and also provides a stronger anti-slip effect.
This is also a professional material that is actually used by MIYOSHI RUG.
Tufting backing agent (rug adhesive) containing anti-mite ingredients is an adhesive with anti-mite effects (proven and tested) that is also used in rug factories.
Both are mixed in a mixer.
・Oil for tufting guns
Be sure to also prepare the oil needed to maintain your tufting gun.
We use AZ chainsaw oil in our shop.
It can be purchased at home improvement stores.
・Glue gun (for the back edge)
This is required for finishing in combination with backing tape.
・Draft pen
This is necessary when drafting and transferring designs. We recommend using a quick-drying ink.
summary
This time, we have put together a list of the equipment and materials necessary for tufting.
At our store We sell a tufting starter set that allows you to start tufting the day it arrives. It comes with all the tools necessary to make one rug, and an exclusive tufting start manual for purchasers of the starter set that outlines not only the tools but also the basic steps for making a rug and how to use each item, so you can start tufting with confidence.
It can be a little difficult to gather all the equipment, tools, and materials needed for tufting, but once you have them, everything except for consumables like yarn, fabric, and glue will last a long time.
If you are just starting tufting, please use this as a reference for the items you should get first. We hope you can enjoy your tufting life with peace of mind.
Thank you for reading to the end. RUGMATAG plans to continue posting various articles about tufting. We plan to regularly announce the latest information on Instagram , Twitter , our official LINE account , and our email newsletter (see below). If you are interested, please follow us on social media, add us as a friend on our official LINE account, and subscribe to our email newsletter.
