Proper control of your tufting machine is key to making good rugs. This post explains tufting machine basics – how to move and turn your machine correctly.
Understanding how the machine moves helps you create even lines and smooth designs. We’ll cover basic movements and how to change directions without damaging your cloth.
Check out our article on the Top-of-the-Line Tufting Machines here.
The One-Way Motion Principle
Tufting machines are designed to move in one primary direction, similar to how a car moves forward. Just as you can’t make a car move sideways without turning its wheels, you can’t force a tufting machine to move against its natural direction without proper adjustment.
Basic Movements
Upward Motion: When held upright, the machine naturally moves up the cloth.
Horizontal Motion: To tuft from left to right (or right to left), turn the whole machine so the top faces your desired direction.
Downward Motion: Rotate the machine until fully upside down to tuft downwards.
Proper Technique
Straight Lines: To create a straight vertical line, hold the machine upright and push it into the fabric near the bottom of the frame. The machine will naturally tuft upwards.
Changing Directions: Always rotate the entire machine when changing directions. This ensures the needle and foot maintain proper orientation against the cloth.
Filling Designs: You can either: a) Continuously tuft by rotating the machine as you go, or b) Work in vertical lines, starting from the bottom and moving the machine back down for each new line.
Warning
Failure to rotate the machine when changing directions can result in shredded cloth. Always be mindful of your machine’s orientation relative to your desired tufting direction.
Practice Makes Perfect
- Practice these techniques to improve your rug tufting.
- Getting comfortable with the machine takes time, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect initially.
- You’ll get better at moving and turning the machine as you practice.
- This will help you make more complex designs.
Have you tried these techniques?
Do you have any questions?
Let us know in the comments.
Next Steps:
Ready to start tufting? Check out this 10-part video tufting tutorial from professional Swiss rug maker KRAMIS.
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