RUG TUFTING TECHNIQUE: how to create clean lines with sculpting, shearing, & other tips

In this video, we'll go through different techniques to get clean and crisp finished rugs using steps like sculpting and shearing ✨
Thank you, Tuft the World, for sponsoring this video! Tuft the World has everything you need to get tufting-machines, rug wool, fabric, and even sculpting clippers (which you'll see used in this video 😉).
🧶 Get 15% off at TUFT THE WORLD with code MAGIC15
tuftinggun.com/discount/MAGIC15
PRODUCTS USED LISTED BELOW 👇
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🎶 MUSIC by my friend PRETTY SLEEPY
/ prettysleepys
📲 TEXT ME! Text "🧶" to [phone] or click my.community.com/magiccarpets to add me to your contacts 😁
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💛 Check out my website! magiccarpets.co
🛠 PRODUCTS USED
Carpet Carving Clippers | tuftinggun.com/collections/fi...
Beetro Sheep Shears | amzn.to/3iUVfGk
Fabric Scissors | amzn.to/3fdwuEn
🎬 TIMESTAMPS
2:10 Intro to sculpting with carpet clippers
5:24 Sculpting Demo
7:15 Choosing a tufting direction
9:25 Intro to shearing
10:18 Using a shearing platform
11:31 Defining lines with clippers & scissors
12:44 Finished results

[@GalaGrinsArt]

Me, who has never made a rug or even interacted with yarn: "This is some quality content right here. "

[@GalaGrinsArt]

I have now purchased a rug gun and will commit war crimes.

[@cincyhockey25]

@@GalaGrinsArt bahhh hahaha the evolution in 4 months

[@Halfwaythere_]

I think so

[@nurtureyournaaturee]

😂 you’re not wrong

[@condjr9979]

all your tips and vids have helped made starting out so easy! keep up the great work

[@jamiebrands2671]

I love your video's! It helped me a lot during tufting! Streaming a lot of your video's on the television here in Holland during tuft breaks for tips. Thank you so much!!! 🥰

[@eduardoimianosky4257]

wow! I really love your rugs, thank you so much for teaching your technique!!

[@abyss-lf6ez]

I've only made a few rugs so far and I had wondered why my lettering wasn't as crisp as others that I've seen. I think sculpting will definitely take my rugs to the next level. Great video.

[@silvinasalassa4254]

this is the video i was waiting for !!!! Thanks a lot ❤️

[@user-gb1jv3bq5l]

Very nice. And thank you for the info about sculpting before doing back ground. And also going in one direction. That makes so much sense.

[@tuftingberlin]

really appreciate your content, thank you for all the hard work you've put into making these videos :)

[@MariaGTexas]

Beautiful work and great explanation. 🌺

[@kerrynfw]

Yay, Thanks so much AJ, that is so helpful. And will definitely be investing in a platform and rug shaping clippers.

[@krystlebrown417]

Thanks for sharing, this video was helpful.

[@kerriebishop7326]

The carving technique tips helped me SO much. Seriously, my rug looked 10x better. Thank you!

[@bsummers1386]

If anyone in the comments who can’t afford tuft the world clippers, the exact same ones are on Amazon, same look, same color and specs, adjustable speeds. It’s literally the same product.😩 They were called “dream reach pet grooming clippers”. Less than 60 bucks!

[@hesh2439]

they’re $157 australian dollars for me 💀

[@bsummers1386]

@@hesh2439 oh no I’m sorry I’m in the US:(

[@kingpremo2341]

thank you for this comment!!! now just the platform for the big shears!

[@pizzac0re]

omg thank you lol

[@Sbregher]

Another great video! Thanks much!

[@meezchef]

Ok but that sheering guard thing would be an absolute game changer 🤩

[@toiasadler4438]

I love it!!! I can see the difference in your rugs and its beautiful

[@AJMAKES137]

Thank you so much 🥺💓

[@davidlasola6560]

I am from Egypt 🇪🇬 Can't found words to thanking 🙏 you really greatest work helpful videos Thank you so much 💓 💗

[@buddhatx9438]

Thanks again AJ 🙏🏽

[@missysmith6299]

Beautiful work.

[@brittanycoyne7518]

AJ, I just want you to know that I have followed every single tip and trick you have posted and I was sooo ready when my tufting kit arrived ! I want to thank you so much ! I’m on rug 5 and getting Better each time , because of you ! Wooo Hoooo !

[@AJMAKES137]

Love to hear it!! So happy for you!

[@jibaritomaker3570]

Great tutorial, even an old guy like me can follow, keep up the great work.

[@indicamberr]

These rugs are so freaking cute and the work is just stunning!

[@AJMAKES137]

thank you so much!

[@johannacruz3609]

I started Tufting for the first time omg you make this look soo easy 😮 my lines are everywhere 🤦‍♀️ beautiful rugs.

[@march7121]

You're amazing. Srsly. You're big big big help 💕 Consider you a big part of my success.

[@haliiims]

Exactly what I need! I’ve been winging it but I finally decided to put the tools down and watch a couple of videos to avoid silly mistakes 😅 On that note, May you share the video for patching up tears (party why I’m here; decided I should learn how to use the shears and not just resort to the toxic mentality of I can figure it out when the information is already out there and accessible😅) Thank you for this 🤗

[@MissterBest]

You rock. Thanks for the vid.

[@houstonstrong2681]

Very informative 🤘🏽🤘🏽💯

[@maryecho9215]

I hella noticed the direction of the loops when doing mine with punch needle, so now I try to go all over the place and avoid straight lines entirely. It really does help!

[@BigfloXOXO]

Thank you for all your videos!! They’re helping me a ton as I start ❤️.

[@abimbolabello5419]

Great vid! 💜

[@OmTherapist]

I’m just getting started on my journey and I’ve found your page to be invaluable. Thank you for sharing your creativity with the world! 💚

[@ej7159]

Same! She’s amazing

[@naterciabarreto7287]

Thank you for the great video. Can you also do the scoping with a loop pile carpet?

[@jimsilva3920]

Nice work

[@LD-dv3qh]

Thank u for this!!!

[@meliibellyxo]

I agree these carpet clippers are a GAME CHANGER! My question is, how do you oil them? where exactly do you distribute it?

[@j.rrichier6098]

Sou inscrito e amo as suas especificações! Estou estudando com vc para adquirir uma máquina.

[@Hasun63]

Love your content but was curious on your backing techniques.I’ve seen your backing techniques with the waterfall edge but with the rugs and this video it looks different would you be able to give us tips on how to get the backing that looks as professional as yours?

[@faelalune]

If you haven't tried them already, I highly recommend spring-loaded scissors! They've been a huge game-changer for me when I have to cut out loads of fabric.

[@AJMAKES137]

Thank you for this suggestion! I just bought some today because of you 💓

[@cln8332]

LOVE your videos and your work! If I didn't know to buy yarn on the spools/cones in the first place, any leads on a machine that helps with winding skeins onto cones? I can find machines that wind skeins into cakes, but not onto cones. Local yarn stores were not helpful. I envy your perfect wall of cones!!

[@Adam_11180]

لا افهم اللغة الانجليزية....لكن أشعق عملك...متقن وراءع ...👍👍

[@suki_channel]

doggy approves!!💯😍

[@lynnejakins9989]

Really neat and beautifully done. Question unrelated is it possible to make a rug out of squares and then join them together like a patchwork and then do the finishing , glue backing etc

[@Purpabary]

Those clippers are also dog grooming clippers their on Amazon as well. They are amazing!

[@conorkirkwood3835]

Hey do you fill each section before shaving or would you do the outline then shave then fill then shave again?

[@brunochinshianchangrodrigu1852]

Hi! I'm new in this, i want to ask you, what kind of tufting gun do you recommend? 🙌🏾

[@yejidebunche481]

Hi AJ, during 0:09 you are loading your yarn on a holder. Where can I get that holder from?

[@Maunt97]

Can you please show me how you setup your yarn? Are they on cones? Or did you cake them?

[@kharasammy123]

Hey AJ what a great video thanks so much for the useful tips! I went to the sponsor’s website to try and purchase one of those shear leveling platforms as that seems game changing but could not find it anywhere on their website. Please tell me how can one acquire such a magnificent tool? Thank you!

[@AJMAKES137]

They should be posting it to the site very soon!

[@Syeda.83]

Hello after completing the rug and backing the rug i noticed there were few placed where was no yarn could you please give some tips on that

[@arifed4341]

I mainly use a loop pile gun and I've always wondered what's the best way to make my rugs look clean post tufting. What methods would you advise? Sculpting as I go will definitely be incorporated moving onwards!

[@bsummers1386]

I don’t think you can use clippers for a loop pile, they would cut the loops

[@arifed4341]

@@bsummers1386 Oh so am I just meant to leave it as it is and focus more on making cleaner lines?

[@AJMAKES137]

When I use the loop pile, I go through with scissors around lines to cut the loops down a little, or cut any loops that are too long. It’s not super noticeable when you cut some loops here and there

[@galloabc]

Hallo, can i ask you where you buy the Yarn? Thanks a lot 🙂

[@graciemac6303]

Hey AJ! This is an off topic question but here we go....I have a lopped pile area rug and I need a tufted pile...Can I just cut the loops to make the tufts? (this is a store bought rug) Thanks!!

[@MariaGarcia-pw7yb]

Can you make a video of you using the yarn winder and how to properly use it

[@cv.designz]

Am I able to use regular clippers?

[@bryanredd9460]

Your backing looks very clean. Any chance you can show your process/ materials for finishing the backing? 🙏🏽

[@toiasadler4438]

Idk if you already found it or not but she has her backing and finishing video on he page

[@danielabellucci6751]

@@toiasadler4438 but she uses a different backing

[@CaptainTibblezOnMC]

Do the other clippers you bought before the new ones still work well on sculpting? Like for making your letters and clouds pop from the background?

[@CaptainTibblezOnMC]

I bought some that were small and they were too small to cut the yarn 😞😞 but I want my lines to look like your s

[@Jacobr316]

What do you use to oil your clippers??

[@jedi1371]

I got those clippers yesterday im.scared to use them theu work way better than my other ones.

[@sergiothekidd344]

Does it matter to sheer before or after glueing ??

[@doloreslunes4676]

Bonjour J’aimerais savoir c’est quoi la plaque que vous avez mis sur la tondeuse ? Ou l’acheter merci ?

[@kimberlyzickefoose3994]

😍 I just recently baught the smaller clippers and they're wonderful. I seen you using them in an earlier video and had to get them. scissors were taking to long. I love the tip of using the corner as a guide. I noticed you were holding paper. Is that to cover your work so it's less mess to clean? I hated having to vacuum on previous work so I grab a big piece of cloth and pinned it over my work. Game changer

[@AJMAKES137]

yeah the paper was meant to guide the yarn away from what was already tufted. I've used masking tape and cardboard, too. Pinning cloth below it is such a good idea!!

[@bryvncvstrx]

Are you using the tuft the world shearing guide with that beetro sheep shears in the description

[@tatjanareithofer1403]

I completed tufting a rug and I wanted to use my shears to sculpt. Is it considered too late to sculpt my rug?

[@meronhailu4085]

Hello Aj...I like your Rugs 💗💓💕❣🖤💜💙💚 I was looking for Tufting Gun and I couldn't find any here in Ethiopia. And am also a bit confused about whether to buy a separate machine or both function machines (cut pile and loop pile together) From online....can you pleaaaaasssss help.....pleassssss🥺

[@ahmedzentar8365]

Hello I'm a beginner what kind of a good weaving gun

[@user-rq8eh8uk7u]

Which shearing platform/guide is compatible with the beetro sheep shears? I can't find one😩😔

[@carolinarestrepo4753]

Hi! Where do i get the orange shaving machine and the acrylic guide? Thanks

[@AJMAKES137]

all tools are linked in the description

[@bieberhater2010]

so then the background doesn't get sculpted right? my first attempt at sculpting, a few rugs ago, didn't quite go as planned and make the words pop so I think ill try not sculpting the background this time

[@sunflowerchild7236]

What guard level is your platform?

[@roxannelevesque4814]

(sorry for my bad english) Ive juste started to make rug with a ''punch pen'', My question : Can you shave loop punch to make them soft like your? I dont think i get the patience to cut all the loop with cisors ...

[@AJMAKES137]

You can try! But I have found that it's not easy to shear loops. It might be because I use wool (acrylic might be easier to shear)

[@j.rrichier6098]

Onde eu compro uma máquina dessa em um site confiável?

[@kornchanokjuraitong7879]

What size of yarn do you use?

[@Vivavidastudios]

I thought you said "clear rugs" at the beginning of the video. Then I saw them finished and was like that makes way more sense cause how would you be able to see through the rug?

[@nicoletorres1504]

LOVE your videos! One question, can you do a video (or link me to a video) of how to do thinner vs thicker lines? Like for your "queer" rugs, how did you get such thin lines?

[@cchai]

I NEED THAT SHEERING PLATFORM

[@AJMAKES137]

Tuft the World just posted it in the shop! They just posted it! tuftinggun.com/collections/finishing-tools/products/shearing-guide Don’t forget you can use code MAGIC15 to save some money

[@ogbranc]

Did u say the sheer platform was on tuff the world? I can’t find it on their site:(

[@AJMAKES137]

They just posted it! tuftinggun.com/collections/finishing-tools/products/shearing-guide Don’t forget you can use code MAGIC15 to save some money 👀

[@jessica-leetang8903]

I want to do this so bad, but its so expensive here in Australia to get started

[@tizianaiannuzzi6345]

La rosa pecore l'hai modificata tu o si trova così in commercio? Se si dove la posso trovare?

[@Greatlakeskyle.]

Is there a video I missed showing how you attached that plexiglass like material to your big shears? So that you get a straight, leveled cut all across the surface of the entire rug as a whole?

[@kellyacosta434]

The one she has is sold by tuft the world, it’s called a shearing guide ! But there are videos out there showing how to DIY them :)

[@kenamayi4107]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jamesbell1863]

I wanna see more loop videos

[@CastanedaPhoto]

Thank you for showing mask wearing when you use the clippers! I'm trying to get in the better habit of using a mask because those teeny tiny fibers are not good to inhale even without noticing them! Protect those lungs! :) Great advice here when it comes to that fine tuning and attention to detail.

[@justuskeaton9532]

How does it take you to complete 1?

[@bsummers1386]

Do they sell the platform on their site?

[@AJMAKES137]

They just posted it! tuftinggun.com/collections/finishing-tools/products/shearing-guide Don’t forget you can use code MAGIC15 to save some money

[@nancylara716]

I notice I leave holes when I remove the gun. What am I doing wrong? I don’t see your rugs with holes and the lines are so close to each other.

[@jswagg1826]

❤

[@spooky_zn6]

Where can I buy the shearing platform? It’s not for sale on that website

[@nisha9227]

Amazon. They are really called pet clippers.

[@AJMAKES137]

Tuft the World just posted it to their shop! tuftinggun.com/collections/finishing-tools/products/shearing-guide Don’t forget you can use code MAGIC15 to save some money 👀

[@spooky_zn6]

@@AJMAKES137 they were out when I first checked but I got one thanks for the link! I’ve watched all the tufting videos on KZbin and yours were the most helpful.

[@spooky_zn6]

Ugh I just tried using it and i feel like I messed up my rug. Do you have any tips to make it cut more evenly? I have to go over it several times and it’s still bad.

[@jayenicoled]

Does tuft the world sale the sheer platform?

[@AJMAKES137]

They will be soon!

[@jessevvs]

My god I need that shearing guide

[@zeky7244]

Can someone please help me! Every time I make a rug the monks cloth starts to show from the front. It isn’t much but it’s very small strands of monks cloth that come out and it is especially noticeable on dark colors. Could someone please give me advice!

[@sergiosanchez561]

Maybe try the cloth she is using I heard its alot better than monks cloth

[@luiscasado1144]

😘😘😘😘

[@lalalady12341]

Could you post a link to the sheering platform? I've seen others use a similar thing but just don't have the time to figure it out.

[@AJMAKES137]

They just posted it! tuftinggun.com/collections/finishing-tools/products/shearing-guide Don’t forget you can use code MAGIC15 to save some money 👀

[@buddhatx9438]

Also what kind of vacuum do you use

[@AJMAKES137]

I use a Bissel pet vacuum I got from Lowes-works great!

[@buddhatx9438]

@@AJMAKES137 thank you

[@Pinzu__]

I keep putting holes in the fabric what am I doing wrong?

[@michaelscott5723]

okay i really need that shaving platform please how do i get one… 🥴😩😭

[@AJMAKES137]

tuftinggun.com/products/shearing-guide

[@AJMAKES137]

use MAGIC15 for 15% off :)

[@patsommer4495]

Very expert work! Consider losing ALL CAPS in gothic script for a more elevated design, less tattoo-ish

[@14blond64]

Guys you can get the clippers on Amazon for 59! They are dog clippers that they are reselling

[@winniec40]

How much is the capital for starting

[@AJMAKES137]

It depends! I have another video about this, but start up costs aren't cheap. Anywhere from a couple hundred to a thousand depending on how many tools you buy and what quality of material you use.

[@boomarie6103]

I spent so much money at a fabric store and I think I bought the wrong rug fabric because it keeps ripping! I've been trying to squint at your fabric to make sure I have the same one lol

[@AJMAKES137]

Yeah fabric is super important to get right. The best option out there is tufting fabric, which you can get online. The cheap alternative is burlap, but that can be prone to tearing sometimes

[@swan1879]

they're on amazon for under $50