A quick, beginner-friendly look at what you actually need — and how much each part costs.

If you’re curious about tufting, one of the first questions that comes up is: “How much does it really cost to start?”

The good news: you don’t need a big budget. Here’s the simple breakdown.

1. What You’ll Need to Start Tufting (Real Costs)

Tufting Gun — $150–$250

Your main tool for every rug. A reliable gun makes learning smoother and helps you get cleaner lines.

Primary Backing Cloth — $20–$40 per rug

Small rugs: $20–$25
Larger rugs: $35–$40
Buying bigger cuts can save money over time.

Yarn — $30–$80

Costs depend on rug size and how many colors you use. A basic starter set works for most beginners.

Tufting Frame — $60–$120

A sturdy frame keeps your cloth tight and makes tufting easier. Ready-made frames save time and give more consistent results than DIY.

Finishing Tools — $25–$80

These small tools make a big difference in results:

• Duckbill scissors
• Lint brush
• Glue spreader
• Electric trimmer

💰 Total Startup Cost: About $300–$600

If you buy everything separately, most beginners end up in this range — depending on gun choice, frame size, and yarn colors.

This is why many people prefer starting with a complete tufting kit instead of piecing items together.

2. A Simpler Way to Start: Choose a Tufting Kit

A full kit removes the guesswork — no hunting for cloth, frames, or small tools. Everything arrives together and is ready to use.
It also keeps your total cost predictable, whether you’re learning for fun or planning custom projects later.

⭐ A Great Starting Point: Tukloom Basic Tufting Kit

Includes:

• AK-1 tufting gun
• Primary & secondary backing cloth (79" × 79")
• Wooden frame (27" × 27")
• Threader
• Glue spreader
• Duckbill scissors
• Lint brush
• Electric trimmer
• Yarn set (8 colors, large cones)

Why beginners love it:
✔ Everything you need from day one
✔ Large cloth sizes for real projects
✔ Yarn cones big enough for multiple rugs
✔ Costs less than buying each item individually
✔ Zero guesswork

👉 Explore the Tukloom Basic Kit

3. Ongoing Costs (If You Continue Tufting)

Everyday costs stay low:

• Backing cloth: $15–$30
• Yarn restocks: $20–$100

Most people only restock when they begin new projects.

Final Thoughts

Starting tufting doesn’t require a huge investment. With the essentials, most people can begin for $300–$600 — or choose a complete kit to make things even easier.

Whether you're tufting for fun, personal projects, or future commissions, having the right setup from the start leads to better results and a more enjoyable experience.

👉 Browse all tufting kits