Make it yourself! How to make a tufting frame

\Get the materials you need at a home improvement store and make the frame that's perfect for you!/

Hello! I'm Chris, the manager of RUGMATAG, a tufting specialty store in Osaka.

We often get asked by customers, "Can I make a tufting frame myself?" When you start tufting, you'll want several frames, such as small and large frames, to suit your environment.

This time, RUGMATAG staff will show you how to make a DIY tufting frame! Even if you're a beginner, it's okay. We've put together an easy-to-understand guide, from the materials you need to tips on how to make it.

Having a few frames will help you work more efficiently, so be sure to check them out!

Before making your own tufting frame, check out the basic points!

First, let's start with some basic knowledge you should know before making a frame.

🧵 How to determine size

The frame needs to be 10cm larger than the size of the rug you want to make. For example, if your rug is 60x60cm, make a frame with an inner dimension of 70x70cm or more.

Regarding the length of the board

The key is to make the top and bottom boards about 5 to 6 cm longer than the left and right boards so that you can secure them to the desk with a vice and attach metal fittings to pass the guide thread through!

Nail spacing

The wallpaper can be firmly fixed by driving the panel nails at equal intervals of 3 to 3.5 cm.

How to choose wood

Smaller frame: 1x4 lumber (right image below/approx. 89x19mm)

Large size frame (over 1m): 2x4 lumber (left image below/approx. 89x38mm)

For smaller frames, we recommend using 1x4 lumber, which is easy to handle. For larger frames with external dimensions of 1x1m or more, using thicker 2x4 lumber will create a more stable frame.

Step 1: Decide the size you want to make

First, decide the size of the rug you want to make. Then work backwards to determine the "inner dimensions" of the frame.

The frame I am making this time is a small one that can accommodate rugs up to about 40 x 40 cm, so the inner dimensions of the frame need to be at least 50 x 50 cm.

The length of 1x4 lumber to be used seems to be 8F (2430mm), so this time I designed it so that there would be as little waste as possible.

Timber dimensions:

・Upper and lower board: 70cm x 2 pieces

・Left and right boards: 50cm x 2 pieces

Step 2: List the materials and tools you need

Materials List

・4 pieces of wood

・Panel nails

For 1x4 lumber, we use panel nails of [1.7 x 32 mm], and for 2x4 lumber, we use panel nails of [2.1 x 45 mm].

We especially recommend nailing the four corners of the frame. Because a lot of pressure will be applied when you stretch the fabric, even if you use 1x4 lumber, using 2.1x45mm nails at the corners will make them more secure and safe.

・L-shaped metal fittings (for thread guide)

・Carabiner (for hooking the string)

-Screws (to match the thickness of the wood)

Tool List

・Electric screwdriver or Phillips head screwdriver

·hammer

・Measuring tape/ruler

·pencil

Step 3: Cut the wood at a hardware store

Once you have a design, head to a hardware store! They will often cut the wood for you on the spot, so make sure to note down the dimensions you need and bring them with you. The key is to avoid crooked wood and choose wood that is as straight as possible.

Step 4 | Assemble the wood

Assemble the cut pieces of wood to form a square frame. Use an electric screwdriver to fasten them together easily and securely!

You will be hammering in nails later, so when you screw them in, make sure to leave enough slack to accommodate the length of the nails.

Tip: For larger sizes, it's a good idea to add reinforcing brackets to the corners.

Step 5 | Hammer panel nails at equal intervals

First, use a pencil to draw a straight line down the center of the frame, then mark the positions where you will hammer nails at intervals of 3 to 3.5 cm .

Drive panel nails into the panels at equal intervals according to the marked positions.

The trick to getting the most even finish possible is to use a 1.5cm thick wooden board or a hard book that you don't mind getting dirty as a guide. If you use this as a guide while hammering in the nails, it will be easier to get the depth and angle even, resulting in a neat finish.

Step 6 | Attaching the thread guide

Attach an L-shaped bracket to the top left of the frame and attach a carabiner there.

If you hook the yarn here, you can easily tuft it with the tufting gun!

Completed!

Congratulations! Your DIY tufting frame is now complete!

The biggest appeal of DIY is that you can prepare a frame to fit the size you want to make. It's perfect for people who want to start at an affordable price or want to make something in their preferred size!

For those who want to work more comfortably

For those who plan to use it for a long time or who prioritize stability during work, we also recommend Ragmatag's Assembled Aluminum Frame.

Adjustable size, lightweight and durable, professional grade → Product page here → View aluminum frame

Conclusion

Anyone can easily make a tufting frame as a DIY project with just a few tools and the basics! I hope this article will be helpful for those who want to start tufting or those who want to try making their own frame.

RUGMATAG's blog will continue to deliver content that will answer your questions about tufting and make you want to try it!

Please look forward to the next update! When it comes to tufting, RUGMATAG is the place to go. We will continue to provide our full support so that you will think so!