Cut Pile vs. Loop Pile: Which Tufting Machine Should You Choose?

When you’re just starting out with tufting — or even when you’ve been at it for a while — one of the first big questions that comes up is:

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the style you want to achieve with your rugs or textile art.

But based on our experience at TuftingLove — including hundreds of workshop participants and customers — 99% of tufters end up preferring cut pile machines.

Let’s explore why.

Cut pile machines create that iconic fluffy, velvety surface you probably associate with hand-tufted rugs. The yarn is inserted and then snipped clean, resulting in open, upright strands.

What many people don’t know:
With a simple trick, you can even use most cut pile machines for loop pile work — making them a more flexible option.

Here are a few reasons why cut pile is usually the go-to choice for beginners and pros alike:

• Less manual work – You don’t need to cut the yarn yourself after each line like you do with loop pile.
• More forgiving – Slight imperfections or wonky lines? The open yarn texture often hides those little mistakes beautifully.
• Softer, fuller texture – If your goal is that plush, cozy finish, cut pile delivers.
• 3D Carving - you can bring your tufted piece to the next level.

Loop pile creates a completely different aesthetic — more structured and textured, with loops of yarn sitting uncut on the surface. It’s beautiful, but:

• Precision matters – Each loop must be evenly formed for a clean finish.
• Less forgiving – Mistakes or wobbly lines are more visible.
• Manual cutting – After each tufted row, you often need to cut by hand, which can slow things down.

Loop pile machines are a great choice if you love graphic patterns, defined lines, or want to achieve a tighter, more durable texture (think: high-traffic areas or intricate designs).

🧶 So… Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s our honest advice:

• If you’re just getting started, go with a cut pile machine.
• If you want flexibility and want to combinge these alot, check out our Bundle deal below.
• If you’re aiming for detail-rich or hardwearing rugs, loop pile is your Machine — but expect a steeper learning curve.

In the end, both styles have their place in the tufting world. It’s all about what texture and finish you’re dreaming of creating.

Whether you're tufting for fun, for art, or for business — choosing the right machine can make all the difference in your creative journey.

Still unsure which is right for you?
Get in touch or visit one of our workshops — we’ll help you find the perfect match.