Do I have to tuft on Primary Tufting Cloth, or can I use something else?

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. 

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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