How to Use Clawlab Tufting Kit for Custom Rug Making

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How to Use Clawlab Tufting Kit for Custom Rug Making!

Clawlab has revolutionized tufting and rug making!

Learn how to make a tufted rug using the Clawlab Tufting Kit H1 easily.

The user-friendly design makes rug making a breeze.

Key Features of Clawlab Tufting Kit H1:

Frame mounts securely on any table
No nails needed for framing and stretching cloth
Tufting Gun has protective casing
Tufting Gun is lightweight
Tufting Kit is on SALE!

Clawlab Tufting Kit

Clawlab sent me this tufting kit to review. I love it, I've since become an affiliate and highly recommend this kit.

The Clawlab Tufting Kit H1 kit comes with:

Mounting Frame
Tufting Gun (with case and accessories)
Monk Cloth
Felt Rug Backing
Variety of Soft Yarn

*tufting gun available in gray or pink (for US residents)

Clawlab Tufting Kit

Let's check out the Clawlab Tufting Gun, which is also sold separately from the kit.

This is great if you want multiple tufting guns to work on a big rug with someone else.

I was excited to open my tufting gun, wondering if I was sent the gray or the pink tufting gun.

It's gray, and that's great--my husband is super excited to use this too!

They also include a piece of Monk Cloth, you'll need a lot more monk cloth if you intend on making rugs, but this is a good amount to get started.

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO MAKE A TUFTED RUG WITH CLAWLAB TUFTING KIT:

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CLAWLAB TUFTING KIT (includes frame, monk cloth, yarn, and tufting gun)
MONK CLOTH
CARPET ADHESIVE GLUE
CARPET TRIMMERS
PUTTY KNIFE
MUCH MUCH MORE YARN
DESIGN OR PATTERN
PROJECTOR (OPTIONAL)

STEP 1: SETTING UP THE FRAME

The frame set up is very simple, there are instructions for putting the pieces together and all the tools needed.

Then clamping it to a sturdy table is very simple...and it's awesome because you don't need full art studios to work on rug making, any table works!

Roll the monk cloth on the top round rod and then there are simple instructions on running the monk cloth over the frame and stretching it tight.

I was going to make a video of this process, but Clawlab has all the set up videos on youtube, so check those out.

STEP 1: SETTING UP THE FRAME The frame set up is very simple, there are instructions for putting the pieces together and all the tools needed. Then clamping it to a sturdy table is very simple...and it's awesome because you don't need full art studios to work on rug making, any table works! Roll the monk cloth on the top round rod and then there are simple instructions on running the monk cloth over the frame and stretching it tight. I was going to make a video of this process, but Clawlab has all the set up videos on youtube, so check those out.

STEP 2: DRAW RUG PATTERN

Use a projector or paper pattern to draw the pattern right onto the monk cloth.

I knew I was going to upholster my bar stool, so I just made a circle 2 inches bigger than the top of the stool.

I wanted a simple pattern for my first rug.

STEP 2: DRAW RUG PATTERN Use a projector or paper pattern to draw the pattern right onto the monk cloth. I knew I was going to upholster my bar stool, so I just made a circle 2 inches bigger than the top of the stool. I wanted a simple pattern for my first rug.

STEP 3: THREAD THE TUFTING GUN

Threading the tufting gun is simple.

There are 3 needle threaders that come in the Clawlab Tufting Gun kit, use the wire loop and insert the yarn through the loop.

Then thread the wire loop through the hole on the needle of the tufting gun and pull the wire threader off the yarn.

Pull the yarn back in so the tail dangling out of the tufting gun is only a couple inches long.

STEP 3: THREAD THE TUFTING GUN Threading the tufting gun is simple. There are 3 needle threaders that come in the Clawlab Tufting Gun kit, use the wire loop and insert the yarn through the loop. Then thread the wire loop through the hole on the needle of the tufting gun and pull the wire threader off the yarn. Pull the yarn back in so the tail dangling out of the tufting gun is only a couple inches long.

Keep that wire threader handy...you'll use it a lot, especially if you are changing colors.

STEP 4: TUFTING SPEED CONTROL

Now that the yarn is threaded, plug in and turn on the tufting gun.

Rotating the dial on the back end of the gun will either speed up the tufting or slow it down.

Start slow until you get the hang of it and then speed it up a big.

STEP 4: TUFTING SPEED CONTROL Now that the yarn is threaded, plug in and turn on the tufting gun. Rotating the dial on the back end of the gun will either speed up the tufting or slow it down. Start slow until you get the hang of it and then speed it up a big.

STEP 5: BEGIN TUFTING

Now press the tufting gun firmly into the monk cloth and hold the gun horizontally.

Press into the cloth as you begin tufting.

Start at the bottom of the cloth and work your way upwards.

Work the tufting gun from BOTTOM TO TOP.

And from NEAR TO FAR.

HOW DOES A TUFTING GUN WORK?

The tufting gun pokes through the cloth (which has wide holes and holds up pretty well to this piercing), sends the yarn out the other side and cuts it...all in a split second!

Begin with a few bottom to top lines to get the hang of the machine before doing intricate designs.

HOW DOES A TUFTING GUN WORK? The tufting gun pokes through the cloth (which has wide holes and holds up pretty well to this piercing), sends the yarn out the other side and cuts it...all in a split second! Begin with a few bottom to top lines to get the hang of the machine before doing intricate designs.

Rethread the machine with every new color you are using.

I tried to keep my lines tight together and uniform, but you can see some inconsistencies on the back end.

Again, make sure you are applying pressure to the cloth as you glide the machine up the pattern.

Rethread the machine with every new color you are using. I tried to keep my lines tight together and uniform, but you can see some inconsistencies on the back end. Again, make sure you are applying pressure to the cloth as you glide the machine up the pattern.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TUFTING GUN IS MAKING HOLES IN THE MONK CLOTH?

Holes and big tears can happen for a couple of reasons:

The Monk Cloth is not stretched tight enough
The Tufting Gun is not applying enough pressure

If the hole is small enough, use a needle and cotton thread to stitch the hole up a bit and hold the shape together.

If the hole is big enough, you may need to start over.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TUFTING GUN IS MAKING HOLES IN THE MONK CLOTH? Holes and big tears can happen for a couple of reasons: The Monk Cloth is not stretched tight enough The Tufting Gun is not applying enough pressure If the hole is small enough, use a needle and cotton thread to stitch the hole up a bit and hold the shape together. If the hole is big enough, you may need to start over.

It's awesome to peek at the top "right" side of the rug as you switch colors.

It's amazing how thick and full the rug is becoming!

STEP 6: GLUING THE RUG BACK

Now each little piece of yarn is only an inch or 2 long, so the entire backing of the rug needs to be glued in place.

This carpet adhesive stays flexible and rubbery, so it's perfect for a rug that shouldn't be stiff and crumbly.

Use a putty knife to apply the glue all over the back of the yarns.

I found this was a super simple process and the smell of the glue was barely there.

STEP 6: GLUING THE RUG BACK Now each little piece of yarn is only an inch or 2 long, so the entire backing of the rug needs to be glued in place. This carpet adhesive stays flexible and rubbery, so it's perfect for a rug that shouldn't be stiff and crumbly. Use a putty knife to apply the glue all over the back of the yarns. I found this was a super simple process and the smell of the glue was barely there.

Simply spread on a thin and even layer of the adhesive...keep the rug on the frame for the full gluing process.

The adhesive can be easily cleaned up with rubbing alcohol or goo gone.

Then let the adhesive dry for 24 hours, again, it will remain somewhat tacky and rubbery.

Simply spread on a thin and even layer of the adhesive...keep the rug on the frame for the full gluing process. The adhesive can be easily cleaned up with rubbing alcohol or goo gone. Then let the adhesive dry for 24 hours, again, it will remain somewhat tacky and rubbery.

STEP 7: TRIMMING THE RUG

Now release the rug from the frame and cut around the rug, about 1-2 inches.

Use the carpet trimmer to gently shave down the rug and make all the yarns the same length.

This is like trimming hair, you can always make it shorter, but not longer...so take it easy.

STEP 8: UPHOLSTERY WITH A RUG

Once the trimming was complete, I simply turned it over and set my barstool right on the top of the adhesive side, it was tacky enough to hold really well.

Then fold the monk cloth under the stool seat and either staple in place or use small tacks and hammer them in place.

HOW TO BACK A RUG WITH FELT:

If you are making a rug, fold the edges of the monk cloth over onto the back adhesive side, cut a piece of felt the same size as the rug and press them together after spraying with a little adhesive spray.

STEP 8: UPHOLSTERY WITH A RUG Once the trimming was complete, I simply turned it over and set my barstool right on the top of the adhesive side, it was tacky enough to hold really well. Then fold the monk cloth under the stool seat and either staple in place or use small tacks and hammer them in place. HOW TO BACK A RUG WITH FELT: If you are making a rug, fold the edges of the monk cloth over onto the back adhesive side, cut a piece of felt the same size as the rug and press them together after spraying with a little adhesive spray.

Turn the chair right side up and admire your handiwork!

I love how this upholstered barstool turned out with my custom rug.

I can't wait to buy a ton more yarn and make a bunch more rugs!

That's it!

Now you know everything I know about how to use the Clawlab Tufting Kit for custom rug making and using a rug to upholster a bar chair.

I was really impressed at how easy it was to use the Clawlab Tufting Gun and the frame set up was a breeze.

If you are looking for a new small business idea or a side hustle...or just want to create beautiful rugs for the home, the Clawlab Tufting Kit is awesome! Highly recommended!

I made a bunch of water bottle rugs...like little coasters or "mug rugs" that I'll show you soon too!

Thanks!