What equipment do you need for tufting?

(Updated: December 2025)

With a few materials, rug tufting lets you create large, custom art pieces. This popular hobby can be used for home decor, unique gifts, or even starting a small business. First, you’ll need the right equipment. So what do you need for tufting? This guide covers all the essential tufting supplies to get you started!

Before you get started

Rug tufting may seem daunting at first, especially with the popularity of this craft, which can make it a bit challenging to source the necessary supplies. However, don't worry, as we'll provide recommendations on where to find the best tufting supplies.

Tufting is a beginner-friendly process, making it a welcoming creative hobby for novices. The central tool, the tufting gun, might appear intimidating, but it's much easier to use than it looks and offers loads of fun.

An essential tufting supplies list:

Tufting gun

The tufting gun is the cornerstone of your tufting toolkit and your biggest upfront investment. It operates like a handheld sewing machine, pushing yarn into a stretched backing cloth to create piles of various heights and textures.

There are three main types of tufting guns:

• The Duo – capable of both cut pile and loop pile (ideal for beginners)

• AK-1 – cut pile only (gives that classic fluffy carpet look)

• AK-2 – loop pile only (better for structured, patterned textures)

👉 For new tufters, the Duo gun is highly recommended for its versatility.

Tufting yarn

Not all yarn is created equal. The type of yarn you use affects the texture, durability, and appearance of your finished rug.

• Acrylic yarn – affordable and widely available, but not as soft

• Wool yarn – high-quality and super soft, but more expensive

• Cotton yarn – middle ground in both cost and feel

Make sure to use yarn specifically spun for tufting when possible. Yarn can be purchased online, in specialty tufting stores, or from local craft retailers.

Tufting backing cloth

Your backing cloth is what holds your tufted design together. There are a few types of backing fabric used in rug tufting:

• Primary tufting cloth – beginner-friendly, marked with helpful guidelines

• Monk’s cloth – popular for loop pile tufting

• Burlap or linen – sometimes used for specific aesthetics or tighter weaves

👉 For best results, use cotton/polyester primary tufting cloth, especially when starting out.

Tufting frame

A tufting frame keeps your backing cloth stretched and tensioned during the tufting process. Without a stable frame, your fabric may shift, sag, or even get tangled with yarn.

You can build a DIY frame from wood (many use repurposed lumber), or purchase a ready-made tufting frame online. Many frames include gripper strips that help hold your fabric in place.

Rug adhesive

After tufting, you’ll need to secure the yarn from the back of the rug. This is where rug glue or adhesive comes into play. There are different types to choose from:

• Latex-based glue – flexible, beginner-friendly, and popular

• PVC-based glue – more rigid, great for high-traffic rugs

• Vinyl glue – excellent for durability

Choose based on how your rug will be used—decorative wall art vs. high-use floor rug, for example.

Tailoring scissors

Sharp tailoring scissors are essential for trimming yarn ends and shaping your rug precisely. Blunt or standard household scissors can tear yarn or leave frayed edges.

Look for shears that are:

• Heavy-duty

• Comfortable to grip

• Made for fabric cutting

Hot glue gun

While not required for every project, a hot glue gun comes in handy for attaching non-slip backings or reinforcing certain sections of the rug. Look for one with:

• Quick heat-up time

• Comfortable handle

• A set of extra glue sticks

Beginner’s checklist: Don't forget the small things

Buying a tufting gun is just the start. To avoid mid-project frustration, make sure you have these essentials ready:

• Threader: A long wire tool to pull your yarn through the gun's needle.

• Duckbill scissors: Essential for trimming your rug and getting those clean, professional lines.

• Carpet trimmer: For shearing the surface to a uniform height after tufting.

• Backing fabric (final layer): Felt or non-slip material to cover the glue and give your rug a finished look.

• Clamps: To hold your frame firmly to a table.

Other tufting supplies

While we've covered the essential supplies, there are some optional tools that can make your tufting journey smoother:

• Oil: Tufting gun oil is essential for maintenance. 
• Art projector: If you want to replicate specific designs accurately, an art projector can help you project images onto your backing fabric.
• Shears: A good pair of shears is essential for cutting backing fabric and trimming excess yarn.
• Yarn cones or feeders: These help in storing and managing your yarn while tufting.
• Yarn swift: If you purchase skeins of yarn, a yarn swift can turn them into cones for easier feeding.
• Hair trimmer: For precise trimming of your finished rug, a hair trimmer can be handy.

Tufting kit for a simple start

Finally, it’s worth highlighting the value of tufting starter kits. These kits are a smart choice for beginners because they include everything you need to get started—from the tufting gun and cloth to basic tools and sometimes even yarn. Starting with a kit allows you to focus on learning the process without the stress of sourcing each item individually.

Later on, you can always upgrade your tools or expand your materials based on your needs and style. Even more experienced tufters often appreciate the convenience and time-saving nature of an all-in-one package. Another bonus? Starter kits are usually more cost-effective than buying everything separately. If you're unsure where to begin, a starter kit is a great first step into the world of tufting.

Frequently Asked Questions about tufting equipment

To help you get started without any hiccups, we’ve answered the most common questions beginners have when choosing their tufting gear.

1. How much does a basic tufting setup cost?

A complete starter setup typically ranges between $250 and $450 (approx. €230 – €420). The most significant investment is the tufting gun itself. Other costs include building or buying a frame, primary tufting cloth, yarn, and carpet adhesive. While it requires an initial investment, the durability of professional tools pays off in the long run.

2. Can I use regular knitting yarn for tufting?

Yes, you can! However, thickness is key. Most tufters use acrylic or wool yarn. To achieve a dense, high-quality look, we recommend threading two or three strands of yarn through the needle at once. This ensures the primary cloth is fully covered and the rug feels plush.

3. What is the best fabric for tufting?

For the best results and to avoid frustration, use Primary Tufting Cloth (usually a grey or white polyester blend with yellow/green guide lines). It is specifically woven to withstand the high-speed punching of the gun. Avoid cheap alternatives like burlap or monk's cloth for punch needles, as they tend to rip under the pressure of a power tool.

4. Cut Pile vs. Loop Pile: Which gun should I choose?

• Cut Pile: This is the most popular choice. The gun has built-in scissors that automatically cut the yarn, creating the classic "shaggy" rug look.

• Loop Pile: This gun creates continuous loops without cutting them, resulting in a textured, "pebbled" surface similar to a commercial carpet.

• Note: If you want both, look for a 2-in-1 gun (like the AK-DUO) that can switch between modes.

5. How often should I oil my tufting gun?

Maintenance is crucial for a long-lasting machine. You should apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the moving parts (the metal rods and gears) every 2 to 4 hours of active use. This prevents friction, reduces noise, and keeps the motor running smoothly.

6. Which glue is best for the back of the rug?

For floor rugs, use a synthetic latex or specialized carpet adhesive. It needs to remain flexible once dry so the rug doesn't become brittle. For wall hangings, a standard PVA glue or wood glue can work, but professional carpet glue is always the safest bet to lock the fibers in place permanently.

Unleash your creativity

In conclusion, rug tufting is a creative and rewarding craft that allows you to transform yarn and fabric into personalized, functional art. With the right tufting supplies and a bit of imagination, anyone can begin designing unique rugs—whether for home décor, gifts, or even a small business. The process may seem challenging at first, but once you get started, it becomes a relaxing and satisfying hobby. Take time to explore different types of tufting guns, yarns, and backing materials to discover what works best for your style and projects. Experimenting with colors, patterns, and textures can lead to truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Rug tufting not only lets you express yourself artistically, but it also gives you something tangible and lasting to be proud of. So gather your tools, stretch your fabric, and dive into the colorful world of tufting—your next masterpiece is just a few stitches away.