Commencer le tufting : quel matériel pour débuter le tufting ?

Getting started with tufting: what equipment do you need to start tufting?

Tufting is a creative and captivating form of textile art that is gaining popularity among DIY (Do It Yourself) enthusiasts and textile artists. If you have been enchanted by the beauty of handmade tufted rugs and are interested in embarking on this artistic journey, you are probably wondering where to start in terms of equipment. In this article, I will guide you through the essentials to start your tufting journey.

Before you make an investment, I highly recommend looking for tufting workshops in your area. This is a great way to test whether you really enjoy the activity. It would be a shame to buy all the materials and let them gather dust after only a few uses!

For people residing in southern Quebec, Atelier AVA offers introductory workshops in Saint-Sauveur and Montreal. Don't hesitate to reserve your place.

See availability here: Tufting initiation workshops by Atelier AVA .

BONUS: At the end of this article, discover a surprise to equip yourself at a lower cost !

 

What you will need to get started:

  1. The tufting gun or tufting machine

Tufting guns are differentiated based on their operating mechanism. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Manual Tufting Gun: This type of tufting gun is manually operated, meaning that you have to manually operate the mechanism to insert the tufting threads through the backing. This is similar to punch needle. If you are very very very patient and you are working on small areas this may be suitable for you.
  • Electric tufting gun: Electric tufting guns are powered by an electrical source, which makes the tufting process faster and more efficient. For my part, I only use electric tufting guns and I am very satisfied with them. I mainly use the AK-1 from Tufting Nation, it is a reliable and easy to use machine. For my workshops, students who are new to tufting use the TN-1, which is also very reliable and a little lighter. Perfect for getting started in tufting.
  • Pneumatic Tufting Gun: These tufting guns use compressed air to propel the threads through the media. They offer additional power over electric models and are often used in industrial or commercial applications.

 

Tufting guns are also categorized according to the finish obtained. There are two types:

  • Cut finish (shaved)
  • Loop finish

Within each of these categories, there are tufting gun sizes that allow you to obtain short-pile or long-pile carpets or tapestries.

 

  1. Wool

Choosing the right tufting yarns is essential to achieve the desired result. Opt for good quality yarns that are suitable for making a rug .

After several tests, I quickly realized that real sheep's wool is the best option for durable rugs.

This wool is strong and does not sag like acrylic wools can.

Moreover, real sheep wool contains hidden virtues that are an asset for our interiors. A blog article dedicated to the virtues of sheep wool will soon be published here. Don't hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter to discover more 😊

I get my yarn from TuftingNation. They have an incredible range of colors. In addition to being specially designed for rug making, this yarn is eco-friendly, anti-static and mothproof.

  1. The tufting support, the frame

A good tufting board is necessary to keep your canvas taut while you tuft. You can use a board specifically designed for tufting or build your own using 2x4 or 4x4 pieces of wood depending on the size of your frame.

A little background: When building my very first large frame (8' x 5'), I used 2x4 pieces. However, I forgot to factor in the weight of the yarn and the tension it would exert once the frame was fully filled. As a result, my frame ended up with a nice bow, which can distort your creations. For larger frames, I recommend using 4x4 pieces to ensure better stability.

  1. The canvas

There are three types of "primary" canvas, the canvas in which you weave your wool. Of these three, I will recommend two, because it is important to have a good quality fabric that is dense enough to keep your tufted work in place and make it easier to weave the wool.

- Burlap or linen, economical but in my opinion not strong enough

- cotton and polyester blend canvas, strong and less expensive canvas than our last option

- 100% polyester canvas, there are two sub-types, the standard canvas and the premium canvas which with a tighter mesh allows us to make lines and curves with more ease.

For tighter budgets I recommend the cotton/polyester blend canvas and for those who can afford it the premium canvas, I assure you you will see the difference.

  1. Finishing tools

Once your tufted rug is complete, you will need finishing tools such as upholstery scissors, trimmers, glue to secure the threads and attach the backing of the rug, and finishing canvas and strips.

 

Bonus: Enjoy 10% off your first gear order at TuftingNation using the link below:

https://tuftingnation.com/atelierava

 

Or use one of these links for a specific article:

Here are all the links to get the materials and start tufting at home:

  • For beginners, Tufting Nation offers a starter kit with the tufting gun and all the accessories (threader, scissors, etc.), the frame and C-clamps to hold the frame, the canvas:

 

 

 

 

By following these tips and equipping yourself with the right tools, you will be ready to begin your adventure in the fascinating world of tufting. Let your creativity run wild and create unique and beautiful pieces that you will be proud to display in your home or share with your loved ones.

 

Alexandra

Atelier AVA

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