Rug Tufting Techniques

Rug Tufting Tool

• Using the speed tufting tool allows a rug maker to make perfect loops in the rug in record time. The tool is set for the correct distance into the rug to make uniform loops throughout the rug. The tool also helps users leave the same distance between each loop, making the finished rug nice and tight but not bulky as when loops are uneven and unevenly spaced. The rug tufting tool will make loops instead of the usual cut ends that you end up with when making a rug using a hook and short pieces of yarn.

Yarn

• The type of yarn is one of the greatest factors in having perfect rug tufting technique. Use a heavier yarn, such as heavy wool yarn, for best results. Other yarns are not always thick enough and will not hold up in your rug over time. This is especially important if you plan on actually using the rug as a rug and allowing people to walk on it.

Sealing

• Sealing is one of the most important techniques to finishing tufted rugs. Once you complete the entire rug from the front, flip the rug over and lightly brush on a liquid latex. Foam brushes, such as those used in painting, work well for this step. The latex helps to hold all the yarn tufting in place and gives your rug a longer life. After the latex is fully dry, after about 12 hours, it will still be pliable, allowing you to roll up the rug when necessary for cleaning the floors or moving the rug to another location.

Hemming

• Hemming the edges of tufted rugs is a necessary technique to keep the edges from fraying. After the latex process, turn the edges of your rug under about 1 inch. Glue the edges down to permanently hold them in place. Regular household glue will work, and using clothespins or binder clips will help hold the fabric of the rug down until the glue dries.