[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 specialist store in Morinomiya, 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 want to start tufting but don't know what to do first, please also take a look at this article, "How to get started with tufting ."
Equipment and tools
・Tufting gun
A tufting gun is essential for weaving 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.
Please see this article for a detailed explanation of the different types of tufting guns and how to choose one.
Types of tufting guns and how to choose them
*We receive many inquiries regarding maintenance and repairs of tufting guns purchased from major online shopping malls, but please note that Ragmatag does not accept inquiries about products from other companies.
Due to the nature of the tufting gun, problems may occur. We recommend purchasing from a specialty store that can provide maintenance and repair services.
・Tufting frame
A tufting frame is required for attaching the fabric.
You can buy prefabricated frames or make your own.
Our store carries prefabricated aluminum frames in three different sizes.
For more information on how to make and install a tufting frame, please see this article.
How to install the tufting frame
・Carpet trimmer
This is a carpet trimmer for finishing.
This is necessary to ensure the rug's pile is neat and tidy, including finishing the edges and surface, and creating a embossed pattern known as carving.
The trimmer guide can be attached to easily 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
・Ball winding machine
The ball winder can wind any shape of yarn into a ball.
Yarn wound into a ball does not require twisting, and the yarn can be pulled out smoothly from the center. It is also useful when dividing cone-wound yarn into multiple pieces.
This isn't necessary if you're only using cone-wound yarn, but it's useful to have one.
Our store sells DARUMA ball winding machines, a trusted brand.
・Thread holder
This is a yarn stand that can hold cone-wound yarn in place.
We carry two types, so you should choose the one that best suits you based on the number of cones you need.
*You cannot use balls of yarn. If you put balls of yarn in a basket or similar, they will not roll around.
Scissors
You will need scissors for trimming the pile and for finishing 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 a base fabric.
Choose one that allows you to mirror with your smartphone, iPad, etc.
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 about 2 to 3 times their size when stirred.
Therefore, prepare a large bucket or bowl and stir the mixture.
*The photo shows a staff member's personal item. Purchased second-hand for around 1,000 yen.
We use a commercial mixer that can mix a large amount at once.
Materials
・Base fabric
This is the base fabric (tufting cloth) into which the wool yarn is woven.
We have the headscrunchies 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 necessary lining for the underside of the rug.
In our store, we carry three types of linings : the mesh actually used in MIYOSHI RUG's products, as well as backing cloth with an anti-slip coating and backing cloth to be 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 or synthetic fiber yarns and craft yarns are often difficult to cut with a household tufting gun and can damage scissors.
We recommend using yarn intended for rugs, as yarn other than that intended for rugs is likely to cause damage to your tufting gun.
This article explains how to choose yarn.
How to choose the right thread for tufting·glue
Rug adhesive is needed to bond the base fabric, yarn, and backing together.
We carry two types of adhesives.
RADITEX (adhesive for lining) can be used in combination with mesh to create a cut-off finish and also provides a stronger anti-slip effect.
This is also a professional material 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 before use.
・Oil for tufting guns
Be sure to also prepare the oil needed to maintain your tufting gun.
We use this chainsaw oil made by AZ Co., Ltd.
It can be purchased at home improvement stores.
・Glue gun (for the back edge)
Required for finishing in combination with backing tape.
・Drafting pen
This is necessary when drafting and transferring designs. We recommend using a quick-drying paper.
summary
This time, we have summarized the equipment and materials necessary for tufting.
At our store We sell tufting starter sets that allow you to start tufting the day they arrive. It includes all the tools necessary to make one rug, and also comes with a tufting start manual exclusively for purchasers of the starter set, which outlines not only the tools but also the basic steps for making a rug and how to use each item, so you can begin 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 all, apart from consumables like yarn, fabric, and glue, you can use them for 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.
