Tufting Academy


  A Beginner’s Guide






Tufting Your First Piece: A Beginner’s Guide



Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you start tufting, make sure you have the following essentials:
  • ClawLab Tufting Gun
  • Regulator of Gun（Optional)
  • Threading Apparatus 
  • Tufting Cloth 
  • Backing Fabric 
  • Scissors 
  • Tpu Powder 
  • Silicone Release Paper 
  • Heating Press Machine
  • Pen
  • Hot Glue Gun 
  • Brush
  • Cotton Webbing 
     
What is Silicone Release Paper?
Silicone release paper is a smooth, non-stick paper coated with a thin layer of silicone, commonly used for protecting adhesive surfaces.

Function of Silicone Release Paper
Protects the surface, prevents sticking, and ensures even heat press results.



Step 2: Set Up Your Tufting Frame
Step 3: Transfer Your Design
  • Draw or trace your design onto the backing fabric using a marker or chalk.
  • Keep the design simple and bold for your first project.
  • Use contrasting colors to make the design lines easy to follow.




Step 4: Prepare Your ClawLab Tufting Gun
  • Thread your yarn through the tufting tool. 
  • Test the tool on a small piece of fabric to ensure it’s working smoothly.


Step 5: Start Tufting
  • Hold the tufting gun firmly and align it with your design.     
        See How to Control Your Tufting Gun Quickly and Effectively
  • Begin tufting along the design lines, applying even pressure.
  • Start by tufting the outer edges first, then fill in the inside areas. 
  • Work section by section, ensuring the yarn stays securely in the fabric.







Step 6: Secure Your Work
  • Once the tufting is complete, apply adhesive to the back of your project to secure the yarn.

               We recommend using the TPU powder bonding methodwith heat press, and it’s faster than white glue and provides a strong hold.

  • Trim 2cm from the Edge and Cut from the Frame.

              Note: All operations should be done on the frame. Only trim after the                       adhesive is fully dry, or the pattern may deform.




  • Attach a secondary backing fabric to protect the back        




      • Add the silicone paper on top to prevent it from sticking to the heat press base.




      • No need to apply TPU powder again—just heat press for 30–40 seconds.




      • Wait about 1 minute, then peel off the release paper.
      • The backing is done! Now it’s ready for trimming.


        •

        Step 6: Trim and Finish

        Flip your piece to the front and use scissors to trim excess yarn, ensuring a clean, polished look.