With your tufting gun, you need to have several accessories. When you're just starting out, having the right equipment is essential. As you make more creations, you realize how important certain accessories are and sometimes wonder how you managed without them. In this article, we'll go over the essential additional accessories for your workshop. If you're a beginner looking for a complete list of the equipment you need to get started with tufting, see the article: What do I need to get started with tufting
1. Yarn threader
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The yarn threader, sometimes called a needle threader, is a small tool designed to make it easier to thread yarn through the eye of your tufting gun. Without it, threading the yarn can feel like an impossible task.
How do you use a yarn threader?
Hold the yarn threader and insert it through the eyelet of your tufting gun from below, moving upward until you reach the tufting gun's swirl. Then place the yarn in the needle threader and gently pull it through the swirl and the eyelet of your tufting machine. You're now ready to tuft.
2. Manual yarn winder
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The manual yarn winder is important if you use balls of yarn; it lets you turn them into yarn cakes. Your tufting gun needs the yarn to feed smoothly and quickly. A simple ball of yarn can cause tension, slow down the process, and even make the yarn slip out of your tufting gun. With a yarn winder, you won't have to deal with interruptions caused by tension problems or broken yarn.
How do you use a yarn winder?
- Attach it to the edge of a table.
- Pass the yarn through the yarn guide, then secure it in the notches.
- Turn the handle to operate the yarn winder, making sure the yarn is evenly distributed across the bobbin.
3. Pelican scissors
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These pelican scissors, with their curved blade, are designed to deliver a clean, precise cut. They’re perfect for finishing tufted pieces, allowing you to cut excess yarn or adjust the length of the strands.
Why use a pair of pelican scissors?
- They let you cut between each color row to define the shapes in your design.
- They’re quick and efficient to use.
How do you use pelican scissors?
After inserting the yarn into the fabric, it’s common to have strands sticking out or unevenly long. When using pelican scissors, make sure the curved blade is as close to the fabric as possible. This will ensure a clean, even finish on your rug without risking damage to nearby strands or the fabric, especially when changing colors.
4. Trimmer guide
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This accessory, to which the trimmer is attached, will ensure your rug is trimmed evenly. It also helps prevent potential accidents, such as making holes in your creation.
Why and how should you use a trimmer guide?
- It ensures an even cut and prevents mistakes.
- Attach the trimmer to the guide, switch it on, then trim slowly for an even finish.
5. Thread-cutting scissors
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The thread-cutting scissors are small, sharp tools designed specifically for cutting yarn precisely. They’re particularly useful for tufting, whether you’re removing excess yarn sticking out of your piece or cutting the yarn on the tufting gun at the end of each row, especially in loop pile mode.
To conclude, getting started in the art of tufting is a rewarding experience, but like any craft, it requires the right tools to fully master your practice. With these accessories at your side, you’ll have everything you need to create high-quality pieces while maximizing your comfort and efficiency. So, get ready, gear up, and let your creativity run free!
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