How to Use a Tufting Needle
Tufting is a type of textile weaving that is typically used to make winter garments or to add buttons to upholstery. A tufting needle is brought in at the end of a stitch to add additional yarn or to fully secure a button to the item you are working on.
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Assembly
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Before using your tufting needle, properly attach it to thread to get a stable and smooth stitch. Take a tufting clip, which will not be attached to the needle, in one hand. Place a piece of yarn or twine through the hole in the clip and tie it off. Place the clip firmly onto the needle itself, sliding it down through the hole in the middle of the clip to the base of the needle. From here you should be ready to tuft.
Tufting
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Once you have properly threaded the needle, push down into the fabric with the needle, forcing it down as deep as you want the button or diamond tuft to go. Once it is at an appropriate depth, withdraw the needle, allowing the clip to fall into the place where the needle indented the fabric. The clip will act as an anchor in this position for the twine, leaving a perfect indent for a button or other item to be stitched into the fabric.
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Fastening The Button
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After you have removed the tufting needle directly from the fabric and secured the clip, the loose end of the twine that is hanging from the clip will be attached to a button. Tie it securely to the button using a slip not at the base of the button. From here, tighten the yarn or thread until the button or diamond tuft is pushed down to your preferred depth.
Caution
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The act of tufting requires using a sharp and long needle, roughly 30cm to 36cm in length. Caution must be utilized when using your tufting needle. If you are pushing your tufting needle down through layers of thick fabric, keep your other hand safely away from the point of entry. Push down on the fabric with your free hand to keep your body stable and your push accurate.
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References
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