[Beginner's Must-See/Pre-Purchase Guide] How to Choose a Tufting Gun and the Types
(Updated August 3, 2024)
Hello. We are Tufting studio & shop RUGMATAG, a tufting workshop and equipment/materials specialist store in Morinomiya, Osaka .
For those who are thinking about starting tufting, there are many types of tufting guns and many websites selling them, so I think many people are confused about what to buy. This time, we will introduce how to choose a tufting gun and the key points to consider when choosing a type for those who are thinking about starting tufting.
How to Choose a Tufting Gun
When choosing a tufting gun, there are three things to consider:
① Can I consult with the seller?
Tufting guns are motor-driven machines. Although they are built to be sturdy, they can sometimes break down or have problems. If they do break down, it is often difficult to fix them yourself. In the unlikely event that something does happen, it is very important to be able to consult the seller .
Generally, when it comes to products that are directly imported and sold at major online shopping malls, even if you consult with the seller, they are not experts, so they may not be able to solve the problem, or they may not even be able to provide any advice at all. In addition, when it comes to second-hand products sold on auction sites, the seller rarely deals with malfunctions, and in most cases they are not experts. Therefore, if you are purchasing a tufting gun for the first time, we strongly recommend that you purchase it from a specialty store where you can receive advice even after purchase.
At Ragmatag , we have dedicated repair staff, so you can rest assured about after-sales support.
*We do not accept repairs for products purchased from other stores.
② Appearance preferences
First, do you prefer a cut pile or loop pile surface for the final rug? Check which look you prefer by looking at rugs that are actually for sale or rugs that you are using. If you know which look you prefer, we recommend a dedicated machine for either the cut pile or loop pile model (AK-1 or AK-2 at our store). If you like both and can't choose, or if you want to try making both, we recommend a 2-in-One model (AK-DUO at our store).
③How to make and use
Cut pile often has the surface treated with clippers or scissors (although this is not always necessary), but loop pile does not generally require surface treatment. Loop pile types that do not require surface treatment may seem easier at first glance, but with a loop pile tufting gun you need to cut the yarn yourself with scissors every time you pull the gun out of the fabric. Ease of use like this (where the effort is required) can also be used as a guide when choosing your first tufting gun.
Types of tufting guns
There are three main types of tufting guns commonly sold.
Cut pile model ( AK-1 available in our store)
When the wool is sewn into the fabric, the wool is cut with the scissors attached to the end. The finished rug has the wool cut on the surface. In most cases, the surface is smoothed with clippers. (Some people say that the surface is not smoothed.)
Loop pile model ( AK-2 available in our store)
This model does not come with scissors, and the yarn is sewn into loops without being cut. There is no need to smooth the surface with clippers, but the yarn is not automatically cut during production (when sewn), so you will need to cut the yarn yourself with scissors when removing the needle.
Cut Loop 2-in-One model ( AK-DUO in our store)
By changing the settings, you can achieve both cut pile and loop pile. At first glance, this may seem like a better deal, but it is not an all-purpose machine that can do anything, and dedicated machines are superior in terms of the uniformity of the pile and the adjustable range of pile length.
summary
The thickness of the yarn will depend on the material, but if you want fine detail and a soft, comfortable feel, cut pile is recommended. If you want a design with clearly defined boundaries, a firm feel underfoot, and a durable rug, loop pile is recommended.
For those who want to try making both, we recommend the 2-in-One AK-DUO.
And the most important thing is that tufting guns can break down. If you are worried, we recommend that you buy one that comes with a warranty or from a seller that provides maintenance.
This time, we have summarized "How to choose a tufting gun and the types available". If you are just starting out with tufting, we hope you will use this as a reference for choosing your first gun and 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.
