Tufting Guns
The gun punches yarn through the cloth, so it’s the heart of your setup. If you’re unsure, start with the AK-V: it handles both cut and loop pile, and it’s the gun we use in our own Amsterdam studio workshops. The AK-1N Duo is the lower-priced way to try the craft, and the AK-1H is built for one job: deep pile up to 40mm. Every gun ships from our EU warehouse with a 2-year warranty and 14-day returns.
How to choose a tufting gun
Most people starting their first rug want a machine that does both cut and loop pile, so they can try both textures without buying a second gun. That flexibility is why the AK-V suits most makers. If you are working with deep, plush pile, a dedicated long-pile machine reaches lengths a standard gun cannot. If you are still testing whether tufting is for you, a lower-priced machine gets you going. The right gun comes down to the pile you want and how far into tufting you are, not to paying more.
How does a tufting gun work
A tufting gun pushes yarn through a stretched primary cloth using a motorised needle. As you move the gun across the cloth, it feeds and punches the yarn in a continuous line, building the pile stitch by stitch. The mechanism decides whether the yarn is left as loops or cut at the tip, which is the difference between the two main pile types.
Cut pile vs loop pile
Cut pile gives a soft, dense surface where the yarn is trimmed at the tip. Loop pile leaves the loops whole for a flatter, harder-wearing finish. A cut-and-loop gun switches between both, so you are not locked into one look.
How to look after your tufting gun
A tufting gun has moving parts that need a few drops of oil to run smoothly and last. Oil it regularly, keep it free of yarn dust, and store it dry. Good upkeep is most of what keeps a gun running for years, and it is far cheaper than a repair.