[Let's make it with tufting! #6] Life-size cat cushion
Hello, we are Tufting studio & shop RUGMATAG, a tufting workshop and equipment/materials specialty store in Osaka.
The possibilities of tufting are not limited to just laying things down. Depending on how you use it, the range of your creations can be endless, including three-dimensional cushions. This time, staff member Tsuji will be revealing the production flow of how he created a life-size cushion using his beloved cat as a model! We hope that those with experience in tufting will learn about ideas for three-dimensional expression, and that those just starting out will learn about the freedom of tufting!
This article provides detailed information on tips for creating three-dimensional shapes using tufting guns with different pile lengths (10mm, 16mm, and 45mm), cushion finishing methods, and the necessary equipment and materials. All of the equipment and materials used in the article can be purchased at RUGMATAG stores or online.
The appeal of creating three-dimensional works with tufting
When you think of tufting, the classic use is "rug making," but that's not all. By changing the pile length and experimenting with finishing methods, you can also create three-dimensional cushions. By using different tufting guns, you can create a wider range of textures and pile patterns, giving your work a much richer impression.
Tufted cushions can brighten up any room. If you make a life-size cushion of your beloved pet or original character, you can make a one-of-a-kind special gift.
STEP 1 | How to create a design for a life-size cushion
The model for this project is my cat. First, I measured the cat's body size to create a life-size model. This time, I designed it to be about 40cm tall.
This time, I created each side of the cushion using tufting. One side had a cat back pattern, and the other had a star pattern, so each had a different pattern, and then I sewed the two together to create a reversible cushion. Reversible cushions are a recommended production method because you can enjoy changing the design to suit your mood!
Design Tip: Feel free to deform the design as much as you like!
You don't have to aim for an exact replica. If you boldly deform the silhouette or pattern, it will make the finishing process much easier, and it will be easier to create a cute, rounded shape when you're finished. A rounded shape is especially perfect for three-dimensional works such as cushions and stuffed toys!
STEP 2 | Upholstery and draft
Let's start preparing the base fabric. This time we will use 100% cotton hessian (a base fabric for tufting) .
Upholstery tips
If the fabric is loose or distorted, it will be difficult to weave the yarn and may cause distortion in the finished product. The key is to give the fabric a sense of firmness and hang it with the grain aligned.
Next, the prepared design is projected onto the base fabric using a projector.
Projected at actual size (approx. 40cm)
Carefully trace the projected design using a marker pen or chalk pen.
STEP 3 | Tips for choosing yarn
The final look and texture will vary greatly depending on the type of yarn used . We used MB210 acrylic tufting yarn, which is characterized by its softness and ease of color mixing.
The reason I chose this yarn to make this cat cushion is that
Easy to mix and you can be particular about the color
It is recommended to use 4 to 6 strands of MB210, and you can combine different colors to create mixed colors and natural gradations. In this example, we mixed several shades of brown to represent the color of cat fur.
A soft texture that makes you want to touch it
The acrylic material is light, smooth, and soft, making it perfect for creating tactile items such as cushions and stuffed toys.
STEP 4 | Using different tufting guns to create a three-dimensional texture
Next is the process using a tufting gun. This time, we use three types of guns: 10mm, 16mm, and 45mm, to create a three-dimensional piece with bumps.
Tuft the base color with a 10mm tufting gun
First, we tufted the base color (white) using a 10mm pile length cut pile tufting gun . We used a slightly yellowish white for the back to contrast it with the front.
After tufting the short pile sections, smoothing the surface with a trimmer will make the final finishing process easier.
Tuft the patterned area with a 16mm tufting gun
Next, switch to a tufting gun with a pile length of 16mm and tuft the patterns and outlines. The height difference from the 10mm base creates distinct bumps and grooves, creating a three-dimensional effect. This height difference creates a finished product that is both visually and tactilely appealing!
Tuft the tail with a 45mm tufting gun
Finally, we use a 45mm pile tufting gun to create the fluffy tail. The long pile created by this tufting gun gives the fabric a distinctive volume and softness!
STEP 5 | Gluing, drying, sewing and stuffing
Next comes the finishing and sewing of the backside.
This time, we used anti-mite adhesive for rugs . Projects made with adhesive containing anti-mite ingredients can be used safely even in environments with pets.
Once dry, cut out the outline, leaving a 3cm seam allowance, and sew together.
Finally, stuff it with cotton to create a three-dimensional effect.
STEP 6 | Surface finishing and completion
Once the sewing and stuffing is complete, the surface fur is trimmed using a carpet trimmer (rug clippers) .
We want to keep the fluffy texture of the tail, so we don't cut too much, but only cut off the part that extends beyond the outline with rug scissors .
The tail is a separate part that is attached later.
The tail part has enough volume even though it is hollow, so we decided not to fill it.
Summary & Next Challenge
In addition to being used as rugs, tufting can also be used to create a variety of three-dimensional objects such as cushions and stuffed animals, depending on the pile length and combination.
The "life-size cushion" introduced this time is a special project that allows you to preserve affection and memories of a moment in a tangible form.
In this production, A total of 381g of tufting acrylic yarn MB210 was used.
The following nine colors were used, each of which was used in five strips.
861 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
KY Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
KG Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
500 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
M4 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
Bulky Acrylic Tufting Yarn - 250g
22 Acrylic Yarn (for tufting) - 250g
115 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
905 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
If you plan to create a similar three-dimensional piece in the future, please use this as a guide to choosing yarns according to pile length and size.
Why not try tufting to create a memory of your precious affection or a special moment?
The detailed production process of the "life-size cat cushion" we created this time is also available on YouTube, so be sure to check it out!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading to the end!
Whether you're already enjoying tufting or are looking to give it a try, I hope this article will give you some inspiration and inspiration for your next project!
RUGMATAG's stores and online shop sell all of the yarn and tufting guns used in this project, as well as other equipment and materials.
The latest workshop information and production tips are also posted on Instagram ( @rugmatag )!
We welcome your questions and sharing of your work!
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