A tufting frame is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your tufting set up.
A great frame will hold your fabric super tight as your tufting machine punches the fabric hundreds of times in just a few seconds!
If you’re new to tufting, building a frame might seem intimidating but this guide will give you some top tips and break down the most important things you should consider before you get started on the build.
What is a Tufting Frame?
A tufting frame is a vital piece of equipment used in the manufacture of hand-tufted rugs. It is designed to hold the primary tufting fabric taut. Tufting frames are generally constructed of wood, with carpet grippers around the edge of the frame. The carpet grippers have sharp angled nails, pins or tacks that hook into the fabric enabling the primary tufting fabric to be stretched tightly across the frame and held vertically in place.
Is it easy to build a tufting frame?
If you have some experience of woodworking and you know how to use power tools safely, it can be super simple to DIY a tufting frame! If you’ve not used a saw or drill before, definitely ask an experienced friend or loved one to help you with constructing your frame.
How do I build a tufting frame?
Building your own tufting frame is a great option for tufters that are DIY savvy and know how to use power tools safely.
The first step to building a frame is to decide what size tufting frame you’d like to build. Here are the top things to consider when deciding what type of frame is best for you:
1. Are you a first time tufter? If it’s your first time using a tufting gun we strongly recommend that you start with a small frame of 1 x 1m or less. The Tuftbox Starter Kit comes with a frame that is perfectly-sized for beginners. The frame is easy to assemble at home and designed to clamp to the edge of a standard tabletop. The kit also comes with enough primary tufting fabric to fill your frame up 4 times so plenty of fabric to start your tufting journey.
2. Where do you plan to tuft? How much space do you have in your home, garage or studio to set up a tufting frame? Remember for safe tufting you need to pick a space that’s well-ventilated, well-lit, clutter free and not accessible to any children or pets. Tufted rugs are not usually finished in a day so you need to think about whether your space is suitable for storing your frame, fabric, yarn and tools over a longer period of time.
3. What is your budget? The bigger your frame the more you will spend on construction materials e.g. wood! A bigger frame will also mean you’ll need to pay more for a larger piece of fabric. Although it can be cheaper per square metre to buy larger cuts of fabric, if you are planning a side hustle or rug business, think about whether you can afford the up-front investment to pay for the fabric before you sell your rugs.
4. Where are you buying your tufting fabric? Different manufacturers and retailers will have different cuts of primary tufting fabric available. Make sure your tufting frame size aligns with the cuts of fabric that you are looking to buy. When factoring in your fabric size you’ll need at least 5-10 cm of excess fabric on each side of your frame to allow you to stretch your fabric over your carpet grippers. Tuftbox's premium primary tufting fabric comes in sizes; 1 x 1 m, 1 x 2 m, 1 x 4m, 2 x 4m and 4 x 4m.
5. What do you want to tuft? What size rugs would you like to make? Different sized frames can accommodate different project dimensions. If you are planning on turning your tufting hobby into a side hustle or your main business, think about what size products your target customers will want. Are you making wall hangings, desk rugs, pillows, area rugs? Consider what kinds of art or designs you would like to create, be mindful that it can be challenging to tuft intricate details on smaller rugs. And lastly, think about your production needs, fitting fabric onto your frame, tufting your piece and then waiting for your tufting adhesive to dry is time consuming. You could save time and money by ensuring your frame is big enough for a production volume or 2 or more of your tufted designs at a time, helping you get your rugs out to your customers even faster!
Where can i buy materials for a tufting frame?
You can buy materials for your tufting frame at any standard hardware store. For UK tufters this could be Wickes or B&Q.
Once you’ve decided on the size of frame you need, here’s a shopping list of the things you’ll need to DIY your own tufting frame:
Materials
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Tools
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PPE
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You should only attempt construction of a tufting frame if you are familiar with the above tools and how to use them safely. You can find some helpful guides on youtube from other tufters who have constructed their own frames.
How can i build a tufting frame on a budget?
Choosing to build your own tufting frame is a great start to reducing the cost of your set up. To reduce the cost of a DIY tufting frame further - consider building your frame using local reclaimed or recycled wood. Also try searching for the materials you need on local marketplaces, you might be able to grab a bargain! Try borrowing or hiring the tools you need rather than buying brand new. Finally, ask around to see if anyone in your circle has any spare screws or fixings. You'll be surprised by the sizeable collections of spare parts some DIY enthusiasts tend to accumulate!
Where can i buy a tufting frame in the UK?
The Tuftbox Rug Tufting Starter Kit includes a frame that is perfectly sized for beginners. The frame is constructed in the UK using premium redwood pine. In the kit you’ll find detailed instructions for easy home assembly and everything you’ll need to clamp the frame to the edge of a standard tabletop.
Happy Tufting!
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