Setting Up a Tufting Corner at Home

You do not need a studio to start tufting. You need about two square metres and the right setup.

**The frame.** Build or buy a frame at least 20 cm larger than your biggest planned piece. Carpet gripper strips go on all four sides, teeth facing out and upward. Mount it against a wall at chest height so you can work standing.

**The cloth.** Primary tufting cloth with printed grid lines is worth the small extra cost — it keeps designs square. Stretch it corner to corner, then edge to edge, until it does not flex under a pressed thumb.

**The gun.** A cut-pile gun is the friendlier starting point; loop-pile needs more consistent pressure. Whichever you choose, learn its speed on a scrap panel before touching a real design.

**Light and sound.** Put a bright, even light source in front of the frame, not behind you. Guns are loud — ear protection is not optional, and neither is a dust mask when shearing.

**Cleanup.** Fibres travel. A washable mat under the frame and a small shop vacuum will save your floors and your patience.

Start with a 30 x 30 cm piece. Finish it completely, including backing, before scaling up.