The Best Tufting Guns
If the arduous grind of traditional rugmaking has kept you from experimenting with the craft until now, a tufting gun could be just what you need. These mechanical devices make rug piling easy, and they can deliver lightning-fast results compared to manual methods. They're relatively affordable, too. For a fairly low price, you could have your hands on a reliable tufting gun capable of taking on small-scale, professional-tier projects.
What to Look For
Choosing between seemingly similar models can be challenging if you’re new to the craft. Simple designs that only support cut pile tufting are a great choice for beginners, but advanced tufters might also want an option with loop pile functionality. Be mindful of the pile height adjustment range as this can limit your options when creating new designs. Lastly, if you’re buying a gun for a total beginner, you might want to consider a set with other materials included so that they can get started right away. Our favorite gun overall is Artufting’s Original AK-I thanks to its intuitive design that will help new tufters along the way. But if you’re looking for a full package including materials, don’t miss GBgeffy’s great-value set, which comes with yarn and base cloth. Don’t keep your designs in your head — read on below and you could be making your own rugs in no time.
Artufting Original AK-I Tufting Gun
Precision ergonomics
With an intuitive design that will appeal to beginners and seasoned tufters alike, the Original AK-I steals the top spot on our list. This device specializes in cut pile tufting and can deliver up to 43 stitches a second, helping you to find your flow as you work through designs. It feels comfortable in the hand, too, thanks to the 360-degree rotating auxiliary handle and humble weight of just three pounds.
Pros:
- Nylon gears reduce operational noise
- Wear-resistant hard chrome linear shafts
- Short circuit and overvoltage protection systems
Cons:
- Limited to cut pile tufting
Vehipa Cut Pile Rug Tufting Gun
Speed through rug-making operations with this nimble tufting gun from Vehipa. The powerful 70-watt motor delivers a range of speeds that can be seamlessly adjusted as you work using the twisting knob at the base of the grip. With a range of 5 to 40 stitches per second, this versatile gun will excel at tufting large areas and fine details alike.
Pros:
- Convenient thumb-operated power switch
- Free-spinning handle for easy orientation at any working angle
- Power indicator light for extra safety
Cons:
- No additional accessories included
BLBO Tufting Gun Kit
Every detail counts
This value bundle from BLBO pairs a versatile gun with a handful of useful starter accessories, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Due to the easy-to-operate threading mechanism and the inclusion of several adjustment tools, this machine makes it easy to calibrate the height of your rug piles. Thanks to this control, you’ll be free to experiment with different pile heights in your designs.
Pros:
- Six colored yarns and tufting cloth are included
- Adjustable pinhole for different yarn thicknesses
- Extra-long 250-inch power cable
Cons:
- This exposed motor isn’t as durable as other encased designs
Vehipa 2-in-1 Tufting Gun Kit
Double action
If you’re an experienced tufter, you might be looking for a gun with more functionality than beginner options can offer. This two-in-one design from Vehipa offers immediate access to both cut and loop piles, so you can mix and match these techniques for greater complexity in your designs. Adjusting between the two settings is made easy with a set of tools and additional hardware included, so you’ll be ready to tuft again in just a minute or two.
Pros:
- Durable plastic casing is more resistant to drops and impacts than most
- Built-in gears won’t get in the way as you work
- Standard AC adapter can be swapped out for additional length
Cons:
- No instructions included for beginners
GBgeffy Tufting Gun Kit
Materials at the ready
This affordable set from GBgeffy contains everything you need to get started on your first tufting project right out of the box. This versatile gun doesn’t cut corners either; with its two-in-one cut and loop functionality, it allows beginners to explore a range of techniques. Add to this a detailed manual included in the box and several video tutorials available online and you’ve got the full package. Even if you’ve never used a tufting gun before, with this kit, learning is easy.
Pros:
- Two large tufting cloths included
- The threading needle makes it easy to load a new yarn
- Adjustable presser foot is smooth on a range of fabrics
Cons:
- Button trigger isn’t the most comfortable
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I maintain my tufting gun between uses?
As with any powered tool, taking care to maintain your tufting gun between uses will ensure long service life. Wiping the needle and contact components down with a dry cloth once you’re done working will remove most debris, but a spray of compressed air is sure to get rid of any stubborn fibers that remain. It’s also wise to occasionally oil the moving components to ensure they stay lubricated and don’t wear down.
What’s the difference between cut and loop piles?
These two styles of stitching are the most common tufting techniques and the two processes you’ll find on most tufting guns. Cut pile tufting cuts the yarn at each insert, resulting in single strands with a coarser appearance overall. Loop pile tufting threads each piece of yarn back into the cloth, resulting in an exposed loop that preserves the smooth edge of the yarn at the surface. Each has unique properties that can shine alone or be blended to add depth to a design.
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