How to choose the right thread for tufting
Hello, we are Tufting studio & shop RUGMATAG, a tufting workshop and equipment/materials specialty store in Osaka .
Have you ever started tufting but wondered, "Which thread is best for tufting?" or "I bought some to try, but I can't get it to work properly..."? This time, we'll introduce how to choose the right thread for tufting and the different winding methods.
Types of yarn
When making rugs using a mainstream household tufting gun (e.g., AK-1), acrylic or wool yarn is suitable. Cotton and synthetic fiber yarns tend to be difficult to cut with household tufting guns and may cause the tufting gun to malfunction, so care must be taken. Instead of purchasing a large amount at once, purchase small amounts to check compatibility with your tufting gun.
We recommend using yarn sold as "tufting yarn," but it is not impossible to substitute it with other yarns, such as those for crafts. However, depending on the product, you may not be able to sew it properly or cut it properly, which may cause the tufting gun to break down.
Additionally, the thickness of the yarn needs to match the size of the eyelet on the tufting gun. The number of strands of yarn used at one time also needs to be adjusted depending on the thickness; for example, for medium-weight yarn, two strands is suitable for a typical household tufting gun. Adjust the number of strands to match the thickness of the yarn you are using.
*The yarn we sell is the same yarn used by rug companies for rugs. Wool is best woven in 2-ply yarn, while the acrylic used in MIYOSHI RUGs is best woven in 4-6-ply yarn (we use 5-ply yarn).
The difference between acrylic and wool
Acrylic and wool are commonly used materials for rugs. Each has its own charm, so we will briefly explain them.
acrylic
Good color development, softness, easy to store yarn for a long time
wool
Natural fibers, luxurious feel, durable
The difference between thin and thick yarn
Thick yarn, 1 to 3 strands
Since only a small number of strands of yarn are used at a time, preparation and handling are easy. Also, by processing with clippers or scissors, it is easy to clearly express the boundaries of the colors. Depending on the material and the length of the pile, you may need to pack the yarn a little tightly together to avoid gaps.
Thin yarn (4 to 6 strands)
Since a large number of yarns are used at once, it is difficult to prepare them. By gradually mixing different colors, it becomes easier to create gradations. Although it depends on the material and the length of the pile, gaps are less noticeable even if the yarn is not packed too tightly.
Types of wrapping
There are various winding methods, such as bale winding, ball winding, and cone winding. We will explain the characteristics and differences of each. Some winding methods are suitable for tufting, so please use them as a reference.
bale wrapping
The rice ball spools that are commonly sold for handicrafts are difficult to use as they do not allow the thread to come out smoothly, so we recommend using a ball spooler to spool the thread into a ball.
*We recommend the Daruma ball winder, which we also sell in our store.
Rolled balls
When you have a small amount of yarn in a ball, it tends to roll around when you use it, so it's easier to handle if you put it in a small basket. Please note that balls of yarn cannot be used in a cone stand.
Cone roll
Cone winding is ideal for tufting. Tufting uses a large amount of yarn, so if you wind it in bales or balls, it will run out quickly and it will inevitably be more work. Cone winding eliminates this work, so cone winding is recommended for those who want to work more efficiently. When winding in cones, it will be easier to use if you have a cone stand.
Please choose the option that suits your environment.
summary
This time, we explained the different types of yarn and how to wind them. We hope that by choosing the right yarn for tufting, you can enjoy trouble-free tufting and make your life just a little easier.
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.
