Rug tufting is a craft where your material choices matter just as much as your creativity. The yarn you select impacts everything from texture and durability to color vibrancy and ease of use. Choosing the best yarn for rug tufting would ultimately depend on skill level, project and budget. Whether you’re making a wall hanging or a floor rug, here’s how to choose the right tufting yarn for your project—without getting lost in endless lists.
Understanding Yarn Types: Wool, Cotton, and Acrylic
When it comes to rug tufting yarn, the three most common types are wool, cotton, acrylic and blends. Each has its unique characteristics, and your choice will depend on your project’s requirements.
1. Wool Yarn
Natural wool is often considered the gold standard for tufted rugs due to its exceptional durability, luxurious softness, and natural resilience. As a biodegradable and renewable resource, it’s also a great choice for the environmentally conscious. Its inherent strength makes it perfect for high-traffic areas, where it can withstand significant wear and tear while maintaining its shape and appearance.
Choosing a 100% Wool Yarn specifically made for rug tufting ensures a smooth and consistent feed into your tufting gun, leading to excellent tufting results without skipping. You can also expect your gun to make clean cuts through this yarn, simplifying the trimming process, and the high quality of the wool means fibers don’t shed excessively.
However, these premium qualities come at a cost. Wool is generally more expensive than other yarn options, making it a potentially better investment for more advanced projects or commissioned pieces. These environmental and quality factors contribute to wool generally being a more expensive option.
You can also explore my article Wool Yarn for Rug Tufting: The Ultimate Guide to Natural Fiber Yarns for further reading.
2. Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is an environmentally friendly and more affordable option than wool. It’s versatile for making both wall hangings and rugs. Cotton is moderately soft and handles water well. However, it’s not as durable as wool and doesn’t bounce back as well. This makes it less ideal for areas with a lot of foot traffic. Also, cotton yarn doesn’t carve as crisply as wool and tends to crush easily.
Some tufters prefer mercerized cotton. This treated cotton has extra shine and brighter colors. The treatment also makes the yarn stronger and helps the color last longer. For a step up from regular cotton with better looks and some added strength, try mercerized cotton for lighter-use rugs or wall hangings. Keep in mind that even mercerized cotton is not as tough as wool for busy areas. Many tufters find cotton a great value for its price and how easy it is to use.
3. Acrylic Yarn
Yes, that’s a great and practical tip to add! It addresses the environmental concern by suggesting a way to reduce waste. You can easily integrate it into the paragraph about acrylic yarn, perhaps right after you mention that it’s plastic and not good for the environment.
Here’s how you could add it to the revised paragraph:
3. Acrylic Yarn
For those just starting out with rug tufting, acrylic yarn is often the most beginner-friendly option. It’s incredibly affordable and comes in a vast array of bright and vibrant colors, making it ideal for practice and experimenting with different designs.
While it may not offer the same luxurious feel as wool, acrylic is a durable and easy-to-clean choice, perfect for creating colorful and eye-catching pieces. Its lighter weight also makes it a good option for wall hangings.
However, it’s important to remember that acrylic is a plastic-based material and therefore not the most environmentally sustainable choice. Consider collecting your acrylic shavings from carving and using them as stuffing for crochet projects or other crafts to minimize waste.
Additionally, the plastic fibers can sometimes split or become fuzzy quickly when cut, which is why acrylic yarn is often considered a better option for novelty items and less suitable for high-traffic floor rugs.
Yarn Comparison Table
| Yarn Name | Best For | Durability | Suitability for Wall Art/Low-Traffic | Best for Poofs/Other | Amazon Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUG TUFTING WOOL 100% New Zealand Wool | High-traffic rugs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (Too thick for delicate wall art) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Great for poofs) | Buy Here |
| 30% Wool + 70% Acrylic Blend | Wall art, low-traffic rugs | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Soft, lightweight, great for art) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good for poofs) | Buy Here |
| Knit Picks Wool of the Andes | Medium-traffic rugs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good for wall art) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Great for poofs) | Buy Here |
Yarn Comparison Chart
| Criteria | 100% New Zealand Wool | 30% Wool + 70% Acrylic | Knit Picks Wool of the Andes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Suitability for Wall Art | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best for Poofs/Other Projects | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Yarn Weight: What You Need to Know
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn and plays a crucial role in the texture and density of your tufted rug. For rug tufting, the most commonly used yarn weights are worsted weight (4) and bulky weight (5).
- Worsted Weight (4): This is the standard choice for tufting rugs. It’s versatile, easy to work with, and creates a balanced texture.
- Bulky Weight (5): Thicker than worsted weight, bulky yarn is ideal for creating plush, dense rugs with a cozy feel.
Avoid lightweight or super bulky yarns, as they can be challenging to work with and may not produce the desired results.
Choosing the Right Colors
Color selection is where your creativity truly shines! When choosing colors for your rug tufting yarn, consider the following tips:
- Start with a Color Palette: Decide on a color scheme that complements your space or design vision. Use tools like Adobe Color or Pinterest for inspiration.
- Contrast is Key: Use contrasting colors to make your design pop. For example, pair dark colors with light ones to create depth and dimension.
- Neutral Basics: Stock up on neutral colors like white, black, gray, and beige. These are versatile and can be used in almost any project.
- Experiment with Variegated Yarn: Variegated yarns have multiple colors in one strand, creating a unique, blended effect in your rug.
Where to Buy Yarn for Rug Tufting?
Finding high-quality tufting yarn is essential for creating beautiful, long-lasting rugs. Here are some trusted suppliers and retailers:
- Local Craft Stores: Stores like Michael’s and JOANN offer a wide selection of acrylic and cotton yarns at affordable prices. They often have sales and discounts, making them a great option for beginners.
- Online Retailers: LoveCrafts offer a vast range of yarn types, including wool, cotton, and acrylic.
- Bulk Suppliers: If you’re working on large projects, consider buying yarn in bulk from suppliers like Ice Yarns to save money.
Pro Tips for Buying and Using Tufting Yarn
- Buy Extra Yarn: Always purchase 15% more yarn than you think you’ll need to account for mistakes and practice rows.
- Match Dye Lots: If you’re buying multiple skeins of the same color, ensure they’re from the same dye lot to avoid color inconsistencies.
- Store Yarn Properly: Keep your yarn in a cool, dry place to prevent damage and tangling.
- Experiment with Blends: Try blending different yarn types (e.g., wool and acrylic) to create unique textures and effects.
Video Tutorials and Additional Resources
To help you get started, check out our video tutorials on rug tufting yarn selection and techniques:
- Check out these informative videos by:
The Rug Maker Co Yarn you can use to make rugs with a tufting gun - Also, That Rug Maker’s short Tufting Rug From Start to Finish
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect tufting yarn is a blend of art and science. By understanding the different types, weights, and colors available, you can create stunning rugs that reflect your unique style and vision. Whether you’re a beginner starting with acrylic or an experienced tufter experimenting with wool, the right yarn will elevate your projects to the next level.
Ready to dive in? Check out our Beginner’s Tufting Supply Guide for a comprehensive list of everything you need to get started. Happy tufting!
