Many people have started rug tufting as their new hobby because of how fun and rewarding it can be. They not only can create a useful and functional product but can also learn new knowledge and skills and express their artistry and creativity.
If you are interested in getting into tufting, there are some things that you should avoid to ensure your first tufted rug project is successful. Below are examples of mistakes some tufting beginners make that you should avoid:
Choosing the wrong kind of backing cloth
There are several kinds of backing fabric used to make tufted rugs, and the most popular options are monks cloth and burlap. Monks cloth is lightweight and soft but expensive, while burlap is coarse and harsh but cheap. To make the right choice of backing fabric, consider what your rug will be used for, how much your budget is, and other factors.
Choosing the wrong kind of yarn
There are also many types of yarn you can choose from. Acrylic is affordable, available in various colors, and resistant to fading, mildew, and dirt. However, it is soft, tends to shed and get fuzzy, and is not very sturdy. Nylon is quite durable, low-maintenance, and highly resistant to heat, fading, and mold growth. Cotton is soft, cozy, and comfortable, but prone to matting and staining. Wool has great resistance to crushing and is fire-retardant and highly durable. However, it is much more expensive.
Not using a tufting gun
You can make tufted rugs manually or with the help of a tufting gun. However, between the two, having a tufting gun is the easier and faster option. If you decide to tuft manually, it will take a long time. On the other hand, if you use a tufting gun, the process will be significantly quicker.
Not using proper adhesive
You don’t want your yarn strands to fall out or become loose, so you need tufting adhesive to keep them in place. Examples of commonly used adhesives for tufting are PVA glue, carpet adhesive, and liquid latex adhesive. For beginners, PVA glue is often recommended as it is affordable and works well. Just apply it to the back of your tufted rug after you are finished tufting and leave it to dry.
Not using a tufting frame
A tufting frame holds and stretches your tufting fabric in place, ensuring that the yarn is properly punched through the holes of the tufting fabric. You can make it yourself by cutting wood pieces and attaching them together to make a square or rectangle, depending on the size of your rug, or you can get pre-made tufting frames from craft shops. To use one, you just need to staple your tufting fabric to it or use tacks to secure the fabric in place.
Not having other materials, such as scissors, pliers, and permanent markers at the ready
There are a few other important materials that you need to complete your first tufted rug. Scissors are necessary for cutting the yarn and fabric and trimming at the end. Pliers help you pull out yarn that you mistakenly attach. Permanent markers are used to draw your selected design or pattern onto the backing cloth.
