[Let's try making something with tufting! #6] Life-size cat cushion | Creating three-dimensional works
Hello. We are Tufting studio & shop RUGMATAG, which runs a tufting workshop and a shop specializing in equipment and supplies in Morinomiya, Osaka.
The possibilities of tufting are not limited to just "laying it down". Depending on how you use it, the range of works you can make is infinite, including three-dimensional cushions. This time, our staff member Tsuji will reveal the production flow of how he made a life-sized cushion using his beloved cat as a model! We hope that those with experience in tufting will get some "ideas for three-dimensional expression", and those just starting out will get to know the "freedom of tufting"!
This article provides a detailed explanation of tips for creating three-dimensional shapes using tufting guns with different pile lengths (10 mm, 16 mm, and 45 mm), cushion finishing methods, and the necessary equipment and materials. All of the equipment and materials used in this article can be purchased at RUGMATAG stores or online shops.
The appeal of creating three-dimensional works with tufting
When you think of tufting, the standard use is "rug making," but that's not all. By changing the length of the pile and devising a finishing method, you can also create three-dimensional cushions. By using different tufting guns, you can expand the range of expression of unevenness and fur, making the impression of your work much richer.
Tufted cushions can brighten up any room. If you make a life-size cushion of your beloved pet or an original character, you can give it as a one-of-a-kind gift.
STEP 1 | How to create a design for a life-size cushion
The model this time is my cat. First, I measured the size of his body in order to create a life-size model. This time, I designed it to be about 40cm.
This time, I created the cushion by tufting each side. One side had a cat back pattern, and the other had a star pattern, so I sewed the two together to make a reversible cushion. Reversible cushions are a great way to make them, as 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 in a simple way, it will make the finishing process much easier and it will tend to have a rounded, cute shape when completed. A rounded shape is especially perfect for three-dimensional works such as cushions and stuffed toys!
STEP 2 | Upholstery and sketch
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 through and may cause the finished product to be distorted. 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 with a marker pen or chalk pen.
STEP 3 | Tips for choosing yarn
The atmosphere and texture of the finished product will change greatly depending on the type of yarn used . We used MB210 acrylic tufting yarn , which is soft and easy to mix with other colors.
The reason I chose this yarn to make the cat cushion is because
Easy to mix and you can be particular about the color
It is recommended to use MB210 with 4 to 6 strands, and you can combine different colors to create mixed colors and natural gradations. This time, I mixed several kinds of brown tones to express the color of cat fur.
The soft texture creates a finish you'll want to touch.
The acrylic material is smooth, light, and soft, making it perfect for creating tactile items such as cushions and stuffed animals.
STEP 4 | Using different tufting guns to create a three-dimensional texture
Next is the process with the tufting gun. This time, we use three types of guns, 10mm, 16mm, and 45mm, to create a three-dimensional piece with bumps and grooves.
Tuft the base color with a 10mm tufting gun
First, we tufted the base color (white) with a 10mm pile length cut pile tufting gun . We used a slightly yellowish white for the back to differentiate it from the front.
After tufting the short pile length sections, use a trimmer to smooth the surface to make final finishing easier.
Tuft the pattern with a 16mm tufting gun.
Next, switch to a tufting gun with a pile length of 16mm and tuft the pattern and outlines. The height difference from the 10mm base creates clear bumps and three-dimensional expression. This height difference makes the finished product visually and tactilely appealing!
Tuft the tail with a 45mm tufting gun
Finally, we use a tufting gun with a pile length of 45mm to create a fluffy tail. The long pile length created by this tufting gun gives the fabric a sense of volume and softness!
STEP 5 | Gluing, drying, sewing and stuffing
Next comes the finishing and sewing of the back side.
This time, we used anti-mite rug adhesive . Projects that use adhesives with anti-mite ingredients can be used safely even in environments with pets.
Once dry, cut out the outline and sew together, leaving about 3cm for a seam.
Finally, stuff it with cotton to create a three-dimensional effect.
STEP 6 | Surface finishing and completion
Once sewing and stuffing are complete, the surface fur is smoothed out with a carpet trimmer (rug clippers) .
You want to keep the fluffy texture of the tail, so don't cut too much off, just cut off the parts that extend beyond the outline with rug scissors .
The tail part is a separate part that is attached later.
The tail part has plenty of volume even though it is hollow, so we decided not to fill it with anything.
Summary and the next challenge
In addition to being used as floor coverings, tufting can also be used to create a wide 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 moments in a tangible form.
In this production,
A total of 381g of MB210 acrylic tufting yarn was used.
The following nine colors were used, with five of each used.
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 Yarn for Tufting - 250g
22 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
115 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
905 Acrylic Yarn (for Tufting) - 250g
For those who plan to attempt similar three-dimensional works in the future, please use this as a guide to choosing yarn according to pile length and size.
Why not try tufting to give shape to your precious affections and memories?
The detailed production process of the "life-size cat cushion" we created this time is also introduced on YouTube, so please check it out!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading to the end!
Whether you're already enjoying tufting or want to try it for the first time, I hope this article will give you some ideas 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 can also be found on Instagram ( @rugmatag )!
We welcome your questions and sharing of your work!
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