TUFTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS | my advice for your rug making journey

Hi there! Here's a video with a bit of a different format than usual. Sit down with me as I share my (subjective) tufting advice for beginners.
TIMESTAMPS 🎥
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00:32 My experience getting into tufting
Part 1: Mentality 🙇‍♀️
3:15 Have patience
3:45 Be in your body
5:43 Don't put too much pressure on yourself
Part 2: Practical Tufting Tips ✔️
7:09 Use cheap supplies while learning
9:26 Start with a cut pile machine
10:26 Guide the gun, don’t force it
11:53 Modify your frame
12:33 Feed your yarn from your LEFT side
14:21 Get clamps to secure frame to table (if using starter kit)
15:58 Join the online community! tufting-community.mn.co
** One thing I forgot to include that I've mentioned in other videos is the importance of proper yarn feeding. You will need an efficient way to feed your yarn that avoids potential snags, which will pull the yarn out of your gun. Check out this video for more info on that: • HOW TO USE A TUFTING G...
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[@sergiov3282]

I'm using burlap right now to tuft my first rug! So far so good but I'm finding that it doesn't handle curves very well. It could be that I need to practice some more but the curves are tufting looser than the straight lines. But the price difference is worth it to deal with that little issue.

[@AJMAKES137]

Great to know! And yeah that makes sense considering there are less fibers in burlap vs tufting fabric. I’m sure it’s something you can get used to 😊

[@BorisArthur]

I heard in a video somewhere that it helps going slow on curves

[@ariannagarza4457]

I would love to see a video on how you would package these rugs to mail out!!! I really loved the video and all the advice you gave. I can't wait to purchase my first tufting gun!!!

[@thalesfm]

I'll be honest: I actually have no intention of ever tufting anything, I just really enjoy watching these videos :P

[@Angibbabee]

No same!!

[@sidistired]

i love what you said about taking care of yourself when doing rugs! i use cannabis medically and i find that taking edibles and starting a rug project can be really calming. it is a very nice feeling, i could compare it to sipping on a glass of wine while working! but i find that being faded while working on something really hard allows me to focus in 100% and be 100% fine with the process :-) if that makes sense! i totally agree with what you said about feeling satisfied once you finish a rug, its the best feeling tbh! love the video aj

[@WindsweptMilk7]

I’m a firefighter but this interest me so much. I’m very into random things and I’m ordering a gun tomorrow. This looks relaxing

[@patienceadaramola7783]

This is so me 😂😂😂. I'm a child Educator by profession , aspiring food photographer, wannabe financial advisor, and now I think tufting might be my calling🤣🤣

[@guaponeela]

Me too, I am a computer technologist (developer, writer, coder, etc) but I like pursuing other areas as well.. good at making leather bags, embroidery stuffs, art, sketching, cooking and now going to try this some day. Who knows this may become passion too

[@guaponeela]

Thanks for your tips, It helps me decide whether I can try this tufting rugging. I know to do crochet, aari embroidery, leather bag stitching so looking forward to try this as well.

[@madyestromboli]

Loving your mindset going in, helpful to hear ! Thank you!

[@FutureMercifulNerd]

I learned about tufting a few weeks ago and I actually looked at one of your videos when I first looked further into it, but omg watching this one is so comforting because how you described in the beginning about finding it yourself is EXACTLY how im feeling rn. I'm hoping I have as good an experience as you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and info with us

[@bkwa6493]

So many good points! Thanks for all the help!

[@bohobrain]

Your advice about full embodiment//getting into your craft//doing alittle dance really hit me. Sometimes you just gotta SHAKE IT OUT!! Great video :)

[@lilybear-mcguinness2263]

Such genuine great advice! Needed to hear this after feeling like giving up after running into difficulties with tufting, Thankyou !!

[@AJMAKES137]

I’m glad it helps! Just remember that there’s probably someone out there who has faced the same difficulties and posted about it in Tuft the World! It’s so helpful

[@flowerp1944]

Totally appreciate you for making these videos.

[@jesscx7181]

so grateful for your videos! such great insight for someone who is weeks away from leaping in

[@kenjames4769]

Glad I found you!! Great advice! Thanks!

[@crisjuarex]

Thank you for share your experience 💕

[@thekynartfam]

This is a great video! Thanks for sharing your experience it’s super helpful!!!

[@SamSandovals]

because of you i just placed an order on my tufting gun after wanting one for sooo long and punch needling!!! 😆 hopefully can create a rug community in my country!! can't wait to see more from you

[@wandakowalski7063]

Just want to tell you that I got my gun last week and all your tips have been enormously helpful. It's SO fun! Ok, so the yarn fell out at first but then it stayed in and made a lovely thick tufted line. Thank you so very much for taking the time in presenting these lovely, quiet practical advice.

[@lavanyasnigdha]

This is such a helpful video! Thank you!

[@briannamolina394]

I can't wait to start !!!!

[@AshEliz]

I bought my gun last month and I’m so excited for it to arrive!! I started with needle punching and I’ve learnt so much from that alone!! I got the gun just so I can work faster because needle punching honestly kills my wrist lmao but such useful info on this video!! Feeding from the left side makes sense, I’ve also seen people feed from the top that way there’s no yarn going across their work! I’m so happy to be a part of this community now. I’ve been an artist forever but stuck in a rut with my technical skills when it comes to illustration and painting, and now I’m so excited to be using another medium that I feel super connected to!

[@xmoneysignx3514]

amazing tips thank you so much! I can't wait to try tufting!

[@randomstuffilookup2384]

Probably the most money I’ve saved with a promo code. Thank you 🙏

[@devinlake6680]

amazing advice! i've learned a couple of these things through trial and error myself, i definitely agree about the starter kit frame!!

[@defense360]

Same, I’m struggling with my starter frame 😬

[@ohfilips5834]

You’re awesome 🤩❤️ thank you so much! I can’t wait to start tufting. Hugs and good vibes from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@jaydinpeters7396]

Such an amazing video!! Thank you

[@Kariniweeni]

I feel like this video is a sign!! I received my gun yesterday (used your code btw

[@AJMAKES137]

Aww I love that! You can do it!!

[@flowerp1944]

I got mine because of her as well. It's on its way instead of February as they initially said

[@CamilaGonzalez-gs4cs]

Heyyy, i just want you to know that you are helping me a lot and i'm so happy to start tufting, thank you for all the advise and all the videos about tufting

[@defense360]

Insanely helpful video. I have been dealing with my yarn getting caught in the gears and had no idea it’s because it was feeding from right hand side. Please keep making these videos! Beginners appreciate!

[@AJMAKES137]

Ugh it used to happen soo much for me! There's a sneaky moving part near the nose on the right side of the gun... once the yarn get's caught under that, you're basically doomed haha. Glad you find them helpful!!

[@ryerscruff]

Word up, speaking truths babes. Thanks for the advice.

[@Boobi23]

I love this. Planning on getting a tufting gun

[@milowe1771]

Your so creative🥰

[@colinwhite4710]

I've done collage and screenprinting, and have done it well, but I'm interested in this medium now. Thanks for the tips!

[@shellylong2158]

Great Video. Thanks👍

[@kristenasha3911]

Thank you so much for this -appreciated

[@mathitha]

hi really easy to understand video I am seriously thinking of taking this rug making up other videos make it look quite hard, i know it’s not as easy as you make it look but with a little practice!,!!!! thanks June

[@gabe910]

i LOVE your videos !!!

[@manuelhuguenin9087]

I love what you do and I must say that I started thanks to you (and using your code) ! It's a little bit tricky for me because I'm french and there isn't a lot of videos like yours in french, but you make it easier ! THANK YOU 🙏

[@AJMAKES137]

Aww I'm glad! Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help :)

[@dishapatel3424]

Thanks for the info very helpful 👍

[@KaiEL_Nkosana]

THANK YOU SO MUCH ive been struggling with my yarn falling off the gun and having to retread it every 3 mins! feeding from the left has reduced this significantly !! thank you

[@malorie5746]

Just ordered my first gun!! Cant wait to start!!!

[@nauticaholdip9771]

Agreed!! I got a loop pile because it was the only one available and I started playing around with it today and I'm soooo soo incredibly challenged!

[@AJMAKES137]

Oof I’m sorry! I’m hoping to get the loop pile down and work on it in the coming weeks-so hopefully I will have some tips to share! Keep at it and try out the Tuft the World page for help if you haven’t already.

[@tangonolucresse3825]

Did i tell you you're my number one tufting teacher... Now you know😊

[@christinac.4145]

Thank you so much for this and your other videos! Very helpful, approachable and informative!! Also, thanks for the heads up about the frame from the kit and its feeding system. I just got my loop gun kit from Tim Eads website (holiday promo) today and watched your videos (and others) and had a lot of fun!! Dance, sing and yes, so true, have joy while creating! Thank you again! Looking forward to more from you!!

[@AJMAKES137]

You're so welcome! I'm excited for you 😊 Cheers 💓

[@BennyFlaco]

i love your videos 💚 keep going

[@danielagiron2534]

Eres todo lo que necesitabaaaa

[@leahredon52]

Omg I love you. Thank you 😘

[@zackmoody656]

excellent video:) cheers very much xx

[@lonijenkins6206]

I can’t wait to receive my tufting gun 🙌🏽

[@lime.seltzer]

I ordered my tufting gun today! It's cut pile and loop pile I'm so excited to get started!

[@panicatthecircus1231]

What website ?

[@lime.seltzer]

@@panicatthecircus1231 I ordered my gun from www.imakerugs.com

[@seesone8035]

I pulled the trigger...getting mine around March but worth the wait. Soon I’ll be pulling the tufting gun trigger 💨 💨 thank you!

[@AJMAKES137]

Wooo!

[@CookieSmut]

I've been thinking about getting a tufting gun for months now and this video + the discount code + black Friday sale + my business doing pretty well this holiday season finally got me to go for it! Apparently it won't get here until Feb/March but still pretty excited about it

[@AJMAKES137]

I'm excited for you!

[@AugustLady77]

Getting into rug tufting. Thanks for your video! It’s the dog for me though! ☺️🥰

[@HayleyNicole]

Hey that’s me! Thanks for teaching me sis🤗 also Georgie is the BEST BOY!🥰

[@laurenburleigh285]

I just built a frame (with lots of help from my dad) and started using the loop pile machine this week. It definitely seems hard to hide any mistakes but hoping more practice makes for less mistakes. I'd love to hear what the struggles are that you've found with it and another tips video when you feel like you've finally got the hang of it

[@AJMAKES137]

Yeah I'm looking forward to working with it more and I'll let you know how it goes and what I learn!

[@babytoy2371]

Im just a new subscriber I searched a lot of tufting tutorials. I found your videos are more informative and interesting 😊 actually I watched most of them before commenting Greetings from Philippines 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@gabbyarcos7692]

I just order my tufting gun excited to use it

[@phichayathidarungruang1999]

You have the same eyes color as your dog!!! that's dope. Anyway, love your works, and thanks for sharing!

[@jadeyndubourt5335]

AJ! You are so well-spoken and inspirational. Thank you for your helpful videos :)

[@ellenlong7176]

I'm venturing into tufting. As I have been waiting for supplies to arrive I've watched all of your videos. Great tutorials & beautiful rugs! There is one subject I & probably others would be interested in is yarn usage; ie what types are out there, sizes, when to use what type, 1 strand vs. 2, et cetera. I myself am a life long crafter and don't need all the in/outs of yarn but am wanting to know about average amount used when making rugs & how you yarn plan for rugs.

[@ryajean4584]

Just got my first tuft gun!!

[@lukefresolone6726]

I built a frame and it saved SO MUCH money. Mine is 3x3, with and 6” legs! lumber cost about $12 and carpet tack was $4. I got the gun on Alibaba for $160!! Some Walmart’s also carry monks cloth in the fabric section!! Lmk if anyone needs plans for the frame, and thank you for the code!!🤝

[@Megan10yes]

Hey AJ! Thanks for making this! 10/10 advice to drop into your body with dancing. My favorite mood hack. I wish I could get coffee with you lol I'm also a graphic designer (+animator/video editor), but have been looking for new outlets to create away from a screen. I have felt so pulled to rug making with an obsessive draw that I haven't felt in a long time. I'm just stoked for my tufting gun to arrive so I can begin learning this new craft. Very grateful for the kindness and care from you and others in the tufting community so far who have already done so much to help get me started. I used to make a satirical makeup vlog series, and never felt embraced by the makeup community. Lots of competition...but i mean, i guess it was a satire show so I can see why I wasn't embraced ;) ANYWAY. Long winded way of saying- THANKS.

[@AJMAKES137]

Hi! I'm so glad you're here and feel welcome 💓 Aww it sounds like we have some things in common 😊 I totally know that feeling and I'm excited to see your creativity merge with tufting and what you'll do with it!

[@fejirojoy3458]

thank you so much

[@hannahfyy]

thank you for making so many super helpful videos! I was wondering, what is the size of your frame? and how many yards of fabric do you use to cover it completely?

[@baileybrunk8795]

when i tell you i just bought a tufting gun with your code im not lying. Im lowkey stingy with my money so i played some mental games with myself but id really love to make my sister and mom a cute rug. Cant wait to see the different rugs i make:) thank you

[@kylamastersmith6066]

i kept seeing videos of people tufting on pinterest and i decided to see if there were any videos on youtube about it - so happy to find your channel!! i also have the same circle tattoo on my thumb that you do - so it feels like a sign haha

[@AJMAKES137]

Aw I love that! Sounds like a great sign :D

[@liliadworak2075]

Your dog is in love with you 😭😭

[@AJMAKES137]

I think obsessed is the more accurate word 😂 but it's okay cuz I'm mildly obsessed with him too

[@msmathis8878]

I would love a video on you using burlap

[@SimplySergMX_arts]

Just got my tufting gun today and started to use it , I got so frustrated at first , first I ripped my cloth while carving my rug , then my yarn kept getting pulled my gun and then my gun started smelling funny , but I noticed it was oil so not sure when that smell was from , guess that’s normal friction. Anyways , love your videos and I’ve learned so much from them. Wish I could take a class from you , but me being in montebello and not having a vehicle kinda sucks 😂 will be patching that slit tomorrow. Keep up with the amazing videos 🩵

[@eo4767]

Thank youuu🇳🇬

[@john34365]

Yes! thanks for the info! hey i do have one question! i would like to see more about your feeding system for the yarn! my partner and I built our own frame and have been figuring that out and im working on some 3D printable idea's for the feeding system for the yarn but i have noooooo idea what the normal approach is...? Also your video's have been some of the most explanatory and easy to follow for Tufting so far! thank you!

[@AJMAKES137]

ooo 3D printing, how intriguing! Someone else recommended I do a video tour of my tufting space-I can show how I feed my yarn in that. I'll be honest, it's not fancy. I'd love to build a "proper" feeder at some point. but I'm basically using pieces from the starter kit and leaning up against my large frame. The most important part is that you have a hook that you thread the yarn through directly on top of where the yarn cone sits, about 8-12 inches up. That causes the least amount of snags, from my experience.

[@StillMatic93]

Thanks you for this video it was very informative ♥️🧶

[@defense360]

You should make a video on your tufting set up!

[@christinac.4145]

I agree!

[@AJMAKES137]

Great idea, thanks!

[@glendyllcasia3475]

I am so grateful that you are sharing your experience with us newbies! I’m so excited to get mine :3 the biggest question that I have is about using different weights of yarn. If you have any info/tips on the best thickness of yarn I really appreciate ya love 💌

[@AJMAKES137]

This is a question I get a ton, so I’ll likely cover it in another video. But I use 3-ply wool yarn and thread two pieces into my gun at a time. The yarn is too thin to only use one piece in my opinion. I haven’t experimented a ton with different weights, but I’ve never tried yarn that didn’t work. In most cases, you may just need to double up on it if it’s too thin.

[@glendyllcasia3475]

@@AJMAKES137 thank you!!! that’s helpful to know and if you make a video i know it’ll be greatly appreciated by many others! I feel like there aren’t enough videos out there on tufting so you are truly a huge help and inspiration! I adore your art and perspective v much 😁

[@bea3guima]

please a video on how the custumer can clean the rug at home!! specially ppl with pets

[@daniyaalkhalaf437]

Hey AJ! Do you have any idea on how to control the length of my finished tufted yarn? Is it related to adjusting something on my tufting gun? thank you💗

[@luisbarros11]

KZbin recomended me your channel and now I'm obsessed with the idea of making rugs myself. I don't have the money to buy a tufting gun so I will start with a punch needle. Will you ever make a video making a rug with a punch needle? Continue the awesome work!!! :)))

[@AJMAKES137]

Thanks for the encouragement 😊 yeah, that’s something I’m open to doing! I like the idea of making a video that demonstrates the cheapest/most accessible way to make a rug. So maybe that’s something I can do in the future

[@luisbarros11]

@@AJMAKES137 I'll be waiting :) thanks!!

[@riansmith5393]

getting my tufting gun for christmas! dad is building my frame!

[@AJMAKES137]

Thanks dad!! Happy for you :)

[@burn1down249]

Hi from Tasmania, Australia. I am a carpet layer and I would like to learn how to inlay custom made rugs into carpets, after seeing you videos I think it can be done. Thanks

[@ronnetteharvey2002]

I would like to know how that works out

[@erikagoldberg4085]

I have been buying recycled acrylic yarn recently! Big Twist makes 100% recycled yarn that I get at Joann's.

[@howenhiem4536]

the legend uploaded again! another super helpful video, but i aint suprised.

[@polderfest]

Hi AJ , Thanks for all your information! It's great. I bought a tufting gun for my sweet girlfriend. She is just starting and we struggle to find good and cheap yarn for the learning process. do you have any tips where we can find some ;).

[@444lovanna]

Just ordered my tufting gun! but starting with punch needle today!!

[@Kiara-he9jw]

Where did you get your gun?

[@444lovanna]

Kiara I got mine from amazon! I was on the main tufting gun site, but they won’t have any until feb/march. from amazon it’ll be here by mid january.

[@michelleyork8808]

Love you sister omg

[@michelleyork8808]

Yessssss

[@justinetherize6409]

Hi loved the video btw :) can you do a video where you sourced for your yarn etc! and the costs ! thank u

[@AJMAKES137]

I have a video of this on my channel 😊 it’s the ULTIMATE TUFTING STARTER GUIDE

[@McJaews]

Well done on the advice given in this video. I'm eventually going to make rugs, even if I never sell a single one. It just looks so cool :D Also, you're gorgeous! Hug your dog from me!

[@elle.roiproductions]

Hi AJ! You inspired me to get a tufting gun. I ordered mines recently but won’t be receiving it until late winter because of back order which is fine. In the mean time do you have any suggestions on what supplies to get in preparation? Also how loud is the gun? I live in a converted loft and the walls are pretty thin. I was thinking about tufting in my walk in closet and try to sound proof the walls as much as I can. Thank you for introducing me to such a dope creative medium ❤️

[@AJMAKES137]

Hi! Congrats, I’m excited for you 😊 it will be worth the wait. The gun is a bit loud, to be honest. You can hear it from the room over. My tufting room is between my living room and bedroom, which helps. Plus I’m conscious of the hours I’m tufting and am sure to not tuft late in the evenings.

[@elle.roiproductions]

@@AJMAKES137 Good to know. Thank you for responding. Looking forward to seeing what you'll make next!

[@KL-wk6sx]

Perfect advice! Just one more question 🙋‍♀️ Do you suggest the high or low pile option? (So sorry if this was mentioned and I missed it)

[@AJMAKES137]

I use a low pile cut pile gun :)

[@jahloves6002]

I have chiweenie also, Chuey!

[@labinaninaa]

This was sooo useful! Thank you!!! Where do you buy the yarn from?

[@AJMAKES137]

I'm glad!

[@thevipartysociety1030]

Hey! I love your videos! My son is 6 years old and has been asking me to make rugs. Any suggestions on where I can start with him. He has so many ideas and I want to honor that but I don’t want to spend tons of money and he doesn’t want to do it long term. Thanks

[@angelaw9092]

I've been watching a lot of your videos and theyve helped me a bunch. I'm on day two of using my tufting gun and doing a little better than yesterday but still have issues. I definitely need more practice but I was wondering how do you know if your gun needs adjustments? Thank you.

[@AJMAKES137]

Glad to hear it! If you're running into issues consistently, you'll have to troubleshoot until you figure out what's wrong. Are there specific issues happening that make you think the gun needs adjusted?

[@angelaw9092]

@@AJMAKES137 thats what I was thinking too at first but I made a better frame and that helped a lot. I have nicer lines now the only issue seems to be fabric tearing a little. I bought some tufting fabric I need to try soon. Thank you for replying.

[@hobiz325]

Can you please make a video on the best tufting cloth or just a video about tufting cloths and what you recommend?

[@AJMAKES137]

Sure, I can include that in another video. I recommend tufting fabric - like the stuff the sell at tuftinggun.com. I’ve also seen it being sold on Etsy

[@bete_noire8478]

Hello! I just found out about tufting and is really interested in learning. However because of covid There arent any classes available and tuftinggun.com is all sold out of their starter kit:( I wanted to see If I can get things separately instead... but my question was... for the frame.. since I have not really seen the real frame would it be easy to make your own? I wonder if I can just order everything as I find online and get it started... thank you so much!

[@lalalady12341]

Any suggestions on what type of gun to buy...cut or loop. Pro/con list?

[@whosatboogie4208]

Any suggestions on alternatives to AAT-1132? What adhesive works for you that you recommend?

[@AJMAKES137]

The only other adhesive I've used is Roberts carpet adhesive, which works fine in my opinion. AAT-1132 is the greatest strength though. Nothing budges with that stuff

[@omarfarookomarfarook9216]

I'm also carpet tufter 20 years experience till working on qatar Nice one

[@VSSLVALENTINO]

Hey AJ I used your code and bought a starter kit recently. Now that I have everything set up my only delay is getting the image to fill the frame. The starter kit frame is 30 x 30 how could I project an image to fill the entire frame and not just half? Could you possibly make a video for us that may be struggling with this?

[@hebamosbah2889]

رائع جدا واستفدت منك أشياء ومعلومات جميله