What's Tufting?
What is Tufting?
Tufting is a modern, three-dimensional textile art technique. You use a tufting machine to punch yarn through a stretched fabric base. If you know punch needling – the manual version – tufting works similarly, but it's electric, faster, and lets you go bigger.
You've probably seen it on social media: people making their own rugs with a tufting gun. It's not only fun to watch – it's also a lot of fun to do!
Is Tufting Beginner-Friendly?
Yes, it is. With a bit of patience and the right tools, your first tufting project will work out just fine.
Start with a simple design and build your skills from there.
All of our workshop participants – in the studio and online – came in with no prior tufting experience and still made their very first rugs without a fuss.
A Glimpse into Our Tufting Workshops
See how beginners make their first rugs – hands-on, guided, and full of creative energy.
What Do You Need to Start Tufting?
Here's a quick overview of the essentials – all available at Tuftinglove:
- Tufting Frame - Sturdy wooden frame for stretching your fabric
- Tufting Cloth - Special backing fabric (not Monk's Cloth!)
- Tufting Machine - The AK-V is our favourite
- Yarn - High-quality yarn for even results
- Rug Glue - To secure the back of your rug
- Backing Fabric - Optional finishing layer for a clean underside
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Carving Machine - For 3D finishing and sculpting details
Tip: Our Starter Bundles include all of the above – at a better price.
How does it work?
Our favourite machine for this? The AK-V – smooth, quiet, and easy to handle.
It's the one we recommend for beginners, and you'll find it in all our Starter Sets.
Explore our AK-V Starter Bundles
Cut vs. Loop Pile
Tufting gives you full control over texture and depth. With cut pile, you get soft, fluffy surfaces – great for bold shapes, gradients, and cosy rugs.
Loop pile creates clean lines and structured patterns – great for graphic designs and flat, tactile elements.
Which Tufting Machine Should I Choose?
Never Tufted Before? We've Got You.
Join one of our in-person workshops for direct, guided learning.
Or start from home with our Online Workshop:
Learn at your own pace
Includes materials knowledge & technique videos
A friendly intro for beginners
Lifetime access to all content