Tufting Gun Settings: Pile Height, Speed & Clean Corners (Cheatsheet)
Quick reference for dialing in your gun—pile height, speed, and corners that don't skip.
Settings Cheatsheet
| Setting | Beginner Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pile Height (Cut) | 10–14 mm | Start conservative; increase after tension check |
| Pile Height (Loop) | 8–12 mm | Shorter = tighter loops; adjust for yarn weight |
| Speed | Slow–Medium | Increase speed once consistent; slow for corners |
| Angle | Perpendicular (90°) | Critical for clean penetration |
See the full gun specs guide for deeper settings.
3 Common Mistakes
- Too-high pile at first pass: Loops fall out; drop 1–2 mm and retry.
- Speed mismatch: Fast + shaky hand = skips; slow down or brace your arm (tension test).
- Corners without pause: Lift, reposition, resume; don't drag the gun around sharp angles (yarn tips).
60-Second Troubleshooting
If loops skip or fall out:
- Check fabric tension (pinch test: 1–2 cm rebound).
- Drop pile height by 1–2 mm.
- Slow speed and confirm 90° angle.
- If still skipping: check blade sharpness or yarn-needle match.
Full troubleshooting: gun guide.
💡 Pro Tip: These settings work for most setups, but a structured course shows you how to dial in your gun for different yarn weights and designs. See the complete gun setup system