Introduction to Tufting
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Tufting is a textile manufacturing technique that involves inserting wool or acrylic threads into a stretched canvas using a tool called a tufting gun. This process creates raised patterns and adds volume to various creations.
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Tufting is primarily used to create rugs, but it can also be used to make tufted mirrors, cushions, textile paintings, and even clothing by adapting the techniques.
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Yes! Tufting is accessible to beginners from the age of 15. With a little practice, you can create your first creations in just a few hours. We offer several resources to help you:
Tufting initiation workshops
Detailed tutorials in our Helpcenter
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It all depends on the size and complexity of the design. For a beginner, a 60 cm x 60 cm rug takes about two days, including tufting, cutting, and finishing.
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We recommend starting tufting from the age of 15, as using the tufting gun requires dexterity and caution.
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Here is the essential material to get started:
- A tufting gun ( cut, loop or cut and loop model)
- A tufting frame with a stretched canvas
- Thread (wool or acrylic)
- Carpet glue
- A tufting fabric and a secondary fabric for the back of the rug
- A finishing mower
- A lawnmower guide
- A needle threader
All equipment is available in our online store.
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Tufting requires some initial investment. To get you started, we offer an intermediate kit that includes the materials you need to get started in the best possible conditions.
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Grippers are bars with small nails that securely attach the tufting fabric to the frame. They ensure even tension on the fabric, making tufting easier and preventing the fabric from sagging during tufting.
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No, stapling the fabric to the frame is not recommended, as this does not allow for tension adjustment while tufting. Grippers are a much more effective solution.
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- Projection: project your design onto the canvas and trace it.
- Freehand drawing : If you are proficient in drawing, you can trace the design directly onto the canvas.
Payments and Security
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All direct payment gateways adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS, managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
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Yes, we accept online payments via Paypal or by credit card. You can also pay for your purchases by bank transfer.
How the Tufting Gun Works
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The choice of tufting gun depends on the type of finish you want to achieve: cut, loop or cut and loop.
AK-1 CUT : Most popular model, perfect for beginners and professionals who want to make rugs in cut mode (fluffy effect).
AK-V CUT : Improved version of the AK-1, with noise reduction and a built-in LED light, ideal for projects requiring increased precision.
AK-II LOOP : Designed to create only continuous loops in loop mode for a textured effect.
AK-DUO CUT & LOOP : Allows you to switch between cut mode and loop mode , ideal for those who want to combine both styles in the same project.
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It is recommended to set the speed to the lowest setting, especially at the beginning, because even then, it will still feel fast. Once you are comfortable with the tufting gun, you can increase the speed slightly, but never exceed half the setting on the speed dial.
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The spacing between tufted rows depends on the yarn used. Too tight a spacing will make the rug too dense, while too wide a spacing will leave visible holes. We recommend experimenting with different spacings to achieve the desired look.
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You will need a needle threader to insert the thread into the tufting gun needle.
Steps:
- Insert the needle threader into the tufting gun needle (from bottom to top).
- Pass the thread through the end of the needle threader.
- Pull down to pass the wire through.
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- Check the thread tension and make sure it is not caught under your feet or on the frame.
- Make sure the thread follows the needle path correctly.
- Check that the spool is properly installed and unwinds the line without resistance.
Materials and Finishes
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No, it is essential to use a fabric specifically designed for tufting. An unsuitable fabric may tear under the pressure of the needle and will not hold the threads properly, rendering your project unusable.
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- Yellow line fabric : Made of 70% polyester and 30% cotton , it is more flexible and has lines every 5 cm for easier cutting.
- Premium fabric : 100% polyester, stiffer and providing excellent support for professional projects.
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No, burlap is too stiff and may tear under the pressure of the tufting gun. It is best to use a fabric specifically designed for tufting.
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Secondary fabric is a fabric added to the back of a tufted carpet after the glue has been applied. It allows for:
- Protect the threads and glue to prevent them from becoming damaged over time.
- Give the carpet a clean and professional finish .
- Improve the strength and durability of the carpet.
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We recommend our acrylic yarn , specially designed for tufting. This yarn is quite thick, allowing you to use a single strand instead of several. It comes ready to use on a cone, providing ideal tension and avoiding knots.
Acrylic is a great choice for beginners: economical, available in a variety of colors, and easy to work with.
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A bobbin winder allows the thread to be wound evenly onto a bobbin, making it easier to use with a tufting gun by avoiding knots and ensuring even tension.
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If you're using balls of yarn, it's recommended to wind the yarn onto a spool to make it easier to unwind. Our acrylic yarn on a cone , on the other hand, comes ready to use and doesn't require any additional winding.
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- Small rug (50x50 cm) : Approximately 500g to 1kg of yarn.
- Medium rug (1m x 1m) : Between 1.5 and 2.5 kg of yarn.
- Large rug (2m x 2m) : Up to 8 kg of yarn or more.
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We recommend using carpet glue to ensure the threads are securely attached to the back of your carpet. Neoprene glue spray can also be used to glue the fabric before applying the carpet glue.
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For neat finishes, here are the essential tools:
- A finishing trimmer, to even out the threads.
- A trimmer guide for a consistent finish.
- A pair of PELICAN scissors for precise and clean cuts.
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No, it is strongly recommended not to machine wash a tufted rug, as this may dissolve the glue applied to the back of the rug, compromising its durability. Check out our complete guide to cleaning your rug. ([Link to the guide])
Maintenance and Safety
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- Never touch the moving metal part.
- Do not put your fingers near the needle.
- Tie your hair up and avoid wearing jewelry
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To ensure the longevity of your tufting gun, clean it after each tufting session. Remove any trapped wool fibers using a brush and a can of compressed air. For more details, see our complete guide to tufting gun maintenance.
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With proper care, a genuine tufting gun can last for several years.
Payments and Security
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All direct payment gateways adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS, managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
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Yes, we accept online payments via Paypal or by credit card. You can also pay for your purchases by bank transfer.
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For more information, you can also read our terms of use or our privacy statement.
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We accept payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express), by bank transfer and via the PayPal application.
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Yes, our site accepts payment by bank transfer. During the validation of your order, choose the option "Bank transfer" as a means of payment.
Once your order has been confirmed, you will receive an e-mail containing our bank details (IBAN and BIC) as well as the exact amount to be transferred.
Please note that your order will only be dispatched after receipt of the transfer.
Bank transfer processing times can vary between banks, usually between 2 and 5 working days.
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Customs charges are calculated according to the country of destination and the amount of your order. If charges are applicable, they will be your responsibility.
However, if you receive your order in the European Union, you will not be charged customs fees.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding customs charges for your order, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team for assistance.
My command
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To track your order, you can log into your account on our website and access the “ order tracking ” section. Here you will find all the necessary information regarding the status of your order, including its shipping status and tracking number.
We will also send you follow-up emails at each important stage of the shipping process.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team for assistance.
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If you find that an item is missing from your order, please contact our customer service as soon as possible.
Although we take great care in preparing and packing your order, it may happen that an item is missing.
As soon as we have carried out the necessary checks, we will contact you by e-mail to offer you options such as refunding or shipping the missing item.
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We pay particular attention to the quality control and packaging of our products. If, despite all our precautions, you receive a damaged or defective product, we apologize and invite you to contact us with the following information:
- Your order number
- Description of the problem you are having
- Photographs and/or videos illustrating the inconvenience.
When we receive your photographs, we will carry out checks and we will get back to you quickly to keep you informed of the processing of your request.
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We invite you to check the delivery of your order using your tracking number or to contact your carrier, they will be able to provide you with precise information.
In case you have difficulty reaching them, please contact us by e-mail at contact@letufting.fr . We will check the status of your order and take action to resolve the issue.
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As soon as your order is dispatched, you will receive an invoice by e-mail, including all the details thereof. If you can't find this email, check your spam or junk folder. You can also find your invoice by going to the "My purchases" section of your customer account.
Gift cards
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The LeTufting gift card is non-personal and non-rechargeable. It can be used in several times on our online store. The beneficiary may complete the missing balance with another means of payment, in the event that the use of the Gift Card does not allow him to pay the full price of the item(s) ordered.
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Your gift card is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. At the end of the period of use, the gift card is closed and the balance lost.
Shipping and Delivery
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We currently deliver to the following countries: France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, DOM-TOM, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Poland.
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Orders are processed for preparation and shipment within 24-48 business hours, unless otherwise specified on the product page.
After dispatch, the arrival of your order is expected within 2 to 5 working days in metropolitan France, but this may vary depending on the place of delivery and the choice of shipping method. It is important to note that these times are estimated and may be influenced by external factors related to transport. LeTufting is not responsible for late deliveries and delivery charges will not be refunded.
Please take into account the date of the order, as those placed the day before or during the weekend will be prepared and dispatched the following working day. This additional time will not be considered a delay.
Delivery times with Colissimo are estimated as follows:
- Home delivery in Metropolitan France: 2-3 working days
- Delivery to a Relay Point: 2-3 working days
- Overseas Expert home delivery: 10-12 days
- Delivery in Europe: 10-12 working days
It should be noted that the delivery times indicated on the site are estimates based on the average processing and delivery times observed.
For more details on prices and delivery times in France and Europe, please click here.
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Free shipping is available in the following situations:
By placing an order for an amount greater than 150 euros in standard home delivery or to a pick-up point.
By choosing the Click & Collect option and collecting your order by appointment in Nice.
Warranty and repair
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We offer a six-month commercial warranty on tufting guns purchased on our site.
This warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials under normal use.
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If your tufting gun develops a defect in workmanship or materials within six months of the date of purchase, please contact our customer service department.
We will assess the problem and, if necessary, arrange repair or replacement of your faulty product.
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If your tufting gun fails during the six-month commercial warranty period, contact our customer service with a detailed description of the problem and, if possible, photos or videos showing the defect. We'll walk you through the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
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The commercial warranty does not cover accidental damage or normal wear and tear. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the reasons why the commercial warranty could not be covered on:
- Accidental damage: any damage caused by a fall, shock, crushing, etc.
- Normal wear: natural deterioration of components and materials over time and use.
- Misuse: Using the device improperly or contrary to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Unauthorized repairs: any attempted repair or modification made by an unauthorized person.
- Liquid Damage: Any damage caused by exposure to liquids, submersion or condensation.
- Environmental damage: damage caused by environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, etc.
- Electrical overload: Damage caused by overvoltage or poor power supply.
- Use of non-compatible parts or accessories: use of accessories or parts not approved by the manufacturer, which may damage the device.
- Negligence: damage caused by the lack of proper care and maintenance of the appliance.
- Force majeure: damage caused by events beyond human control, such as natural disasters, fires, floods, etc.
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To qualify for a repair or replacement under warranty, first contact our customer service.
After assessing the problem, we will instruct you on how to return the defective product to us for repair or replacement, if necessary.
Returns and Refunds
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Our return policy allows you to return purchased items within 14 days of receipt of your order, in accordance with French regulations for online sales.
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To return an item, it must be in perfect condition, unused, in its original packaging and accompanied by all the accessories and documents provided. Damaged, soiled or incomplete products will not be accepted.
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If you wish to return or exchange an item, we recommend that you contact our customer service. We will email you instructions and the return address where you should ship the products. Items must be returned in their original packaging and in new condition, within 14 days from the date of receipt.
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Return costs are the responsibility of the customer, except in the case of a defective product or an error on our part when sending the order. In these cases, we will bear the return costs.
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The refund of your order will be made as soon as we have received the returned items. Following receipt and verification of the items, the refund will be made within 10 working days, using only the original payment method. Shipping charges are non-refundable. When calculating the refund, only the price charged for each item when ordering will be taken into account.
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Packages are available at Point Relais® and/or Lockers for 8 calendar days, after which time the packages are automatically returned to us. If your package is returned to our warehouse, we will contact you and offer you a refund (excluding shipping costs) or resend your order. If you opt for reshipment, you will have to pay the shipping costs again. Without a response from you within 10 days, we will automatically cancel your order and issue the refund.