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February 19, 2026
The specific size and sharpness of a tufting machine needle requires tufting into specifically designed fabrics, like the Primary Tufting Cloth we sell. Monk’s cloth, which is generally used for punch-needle rug making, and Burlap or Hessian are also a possibility, though we’ve used both with mixed results (high-quality varieties often work well, but lower-quality options can shred easily, especially when attempting to make curves).
What is most important is finding a cloth that is primarily polyester and has a weft count of 14 or more. The weave of the fabric needs to be loose enough to accommodate the tufting machine needle without tearing.
Canvas, muslin, and other woven fabrics cannot be tufted into. The weave on these fabrics is often too dense for the tufting needle, or the fabric is too lightweight, tears, or can’t hold tufts.
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Fabric Types
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Straight Lines
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Curved Lines
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Diagonal Lines
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Tears Easily
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Primary Tufting Cloth
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yes
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yes
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yes
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no
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Monk's Cloth
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yes
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risky
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risky
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yes
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Burlap (or Hessian)
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yes
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risky
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risky
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yes
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Plastic Tarp
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yes
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no
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no
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yes
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Shade Cloth
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not compatible
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Primitive Linen
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not compatible
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Canvas
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not compatible
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Muslin
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not compatible
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Denim
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not compatible
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The size of fabric you’ll need to purchase depends greatly on the size of the tufted piece you have in mind and the dimensions of your tufting frame. We recommend building your frame based on the size of tufting cloth you plan to use most often. This will allow you to maximize your fabric and prevent waste.
The chart below is based on the measurements of our Primary Tufting Cloth and a number of sample frame sizes. It's designed to help you decide which yardage size to purchase based on the number of tufted pieces you'd like to get out of it.
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Cloth size |
Example frame sizes |
Number of tufted pieces from cloth based on frame size |
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1 yard, 36” x 157” (91 cm x 4 m) |
30” x 30” (76 cm x 76 cm)* |
4 |
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48” x 30” (122 cm x 76 cm) |
3 |
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2 yards, 72” x 157” (182 cm x 4m) |
66” x 30” (167 cm x 76 cm) |
4 |
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66” x 44” (167 cm x 111 cm) |
3 |
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3 yards, 108” x 157” (274 cm x 4m) |
96” x 44” (244 cm x 111 cm) |
3 |
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96” x 72” (244 cm x 183 cm) |
2 |
June 23, 2026
Before you start tufting, you need to get your design onto the cloth. There are several methods, from freehand drawing to light-table tracing to projectors. Here's how to do it.
June 23, 2026
One of the most common questions we get at Tuft the World: how much yarn do I need? The answer depends on your pile height, project size, and how many strands you're running at once. Here's a practical guide.
June 23, 2026
Rug tufting is a textile craft where yarn is punched through a backing fabric to create a looped or cut-pile surface. It's one of the fastest-growing fiber arts, beloved for how quickly beginners can create professional-looking rugs, wall hangings, and home décor.