Here's everything you need to know before buying a tufting gun
If you love punch needle embroidery, creating pieces by punching thread through canvas, then you should also try tufting. Tufting is a larger version of punch needle – instead of using a small handheld needle, you use a tufting gun to force the thread through the canvas.
A tufting gun allows you to create beautiful rugs and textile art for your home – it's an investment, but if you've tried a rug-making kit and want to learn more about the process, it's so worth it!
What is a tufting gun?
A tufting gun is the essential piece of kit for tufting and creating your own rugs. A tufting gun works by feeding the yarn through the barrel and forcing it into the canvas, forming the base of your rug.
How do you use a tufting gun? You move the tufting gun across the canvas to insert the yarn into all the areas you'd like covered. You can work different coloured yarns through your gun to create a multi-coloured design on your rug.
Each tufting gun comes with a power brick and cord and a speed regulator, to make sure that you don't run the yarn through the canvas too quickly and rip it.
This is a specialist piece of kit – you should have a clear space when using your tufting gun and wear goggles, as well as ear protectors, as it can get noisy. Always keep your tufting gun away from children.
Which tufting gun should I buy?
There are lots of tufting guns on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one to go for. It's worth mentioning that this is an expensive piece of kit – most tufting guns cost at least £100.
We've rounded up our favourite tufting guns available to buy online – you can also buy one from a specialised hardware store, if you would prefer to feel the piece of kit before you make the investment.
Best rug tufting workshops
If you're new to tufting and rug making, why try it out at a workshop? The instructor will provide everything you need and take you through how to make a rug step-by-step using a tufting gun.
It's a great way to discover if you love the craft, before investing in all the kit. Check out our guide to the best rug tufting workshops in London to find one to suit you.
Do you love crafting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!
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