Tufting Materials List: Complete Shopping Guide
This materials list covers everything you need to buy for rug tufting: backing fabric, yarn, adhesive, and finishing supplies. Includes quantities for your first project and budget estimates.
First time tufting? Use this list with our first rug checklist to ensure you have everything before starting.
Essential Materials (Must Have)
1. Backing Fabric
What to buy: Primary tufting cloth or monk's cloth
Quantity for first rug (2x3 ft): 2-3 yards
Cost: $15-40 depending on type and width
Recommendation: Primary tufting cloth (5 oz weight) for durability. Monk's cloth works for practice projects.
- Buy 1-2 yards extra for test patches and mistakes
- Width typically 60" or 72" (wider = fewer seams)
- Avoid burlap or generic canvas (poor loop retention)
2. Tufting Yarn
What to buy: Wool, acrylic, or blend yarn matched to your gun needle
Quantity for first rug (2x3 ft): 400-600 yards total (varies by pile height)
Cost: $40-80 for acrylic, $80-150 for wool
Recommendation: Start with acrylic yarn (budget-friendly) in 3-5 colors. See yarn guide for needle matching.
- Buy 15-20% extra (mistakes, test patches, dye lot consistency)
- Typical weight: 2-4 ply DK or worsted weight
- Check dye lot numbers if buying multiple skeins of same color
3. Adhesive / Rug Glue
What to buy: Synthetic rubber adhesive (Roberts 3095) or latex rug adhesive
Quantity for first rug (2x3 ft): 1 quart (32 oz)
Cost: $15-25 per quart
Recommendation: Roberts 3095 synthetic rubber adhesive. Flexible, strong, and easy to apply.
- Apply thin, even layer to rug back after tufting
- Must dry 24-48 hours before trimming or adding backing
- One quart covers approximately 6-8 sq ft
4. Secondary Backing
What to buy: Felt backing or rubber non-slip backing
Quantity for first rug (2x3 ft): Cut to rug size (2x3 ft piece)
Cost: $10-20 per rug
Recommendation: Felt backing for most rugs. See backing guide for comparison.
- Cut 1-2 inches smaller than rug on all sides
- Glue to rug back after adhesive cures
- Prevents sliding and hides adhesive layer
Optional Materials (Recommended)
5. Rug Binding / Edge Tape
What it's for: Clean, professional edges that won't fray
Cost: $10-20 per rug
Optional but recommended for floor rugs. Can be sewn or glued around edges.
6. Transfer Paper / Markers
What it's for: Transferring designs to backing fabric
Cost: $5-15
Use fabric markers, chalk, or transfer paper. Alternatively, use a projector to trace designs.
7. Yarn Stand / Cone Holder
What it's for: Reduces yarn drag and prevents jams
Cost: $15-30
Not essential but makes tufting smoother. DIY option: use a paper towel holder.
Budget Breakdown
| Material | Budget Option | Quality Option |
|---|---|---|
| Backing fabric (3 yards) | $15-25 (monk's cloth) | $30-40 (primary cloth) |
| Yarn (5 colors) | $40-60 (acrylic) | $80-120 (wool) |
| Adhesive (1 quart) | $15-20 | $20-25 |
| Secondary backing | $10-15 (felt) | $15-25 (rubber) |
| Optional supplies | $10-20 | $30-50 |
| Total (materials only) | $90-140 | $175-260 |
Note: This doesn't include tools (gun, frame, scissors). See tools list for equipment costs.
Shopping Checklist
Print this checklist before shopping:
Where to Buy
Online Retailers
- Amazon (wide selection, fast shipping)
- Specialty tufting suppliers (TuftingSupply, etc.)
- Fabric stores (Joann, Fabric.com)
- Yarn retailers (KnitPicks, LoveCrafts)
Local Stores
- Fabric stores (backing cloth)
- Craft stores (yarn, adhesive)
- Hardware stores (adhesive, tools)
- Carpet suppliers (backing, adhesive)
Common Questions
How much does it cost to make one rug?
Materials for a 2x3 ft rug cost $90-260 depending on quality. This doesn't include tools (gun, frame) which are one-time purchases.
Can I reuse materials?
Backing fabric is single-use. Leftover yarn can be used for future projects. Adhesive lasts for multiple rugs if stored properly.
What if I run out of yarn mid-project?
Always buy 15-20% extra. If you run out, try to match the dye lot number. Color variations between lots can be noticeable.
Do I need all these materials for my first rug?
Yes, the essential materials (backing, yarn, adhesive, secondary backing) are all necessary for a finished, usable rug. Optional materials improve quality but aren't required.
Want Everything in One Package?
Tufting kits bundle materials and tools together. See our guide comparing kits vs buying separately to find the best value.
Tufting Kit Guide (Complete vs Starter Kits) →Ready to start?
Follow our complete beginner guide with step-by-step instructions.
How to Tuft a Rug (Beginner Guide) →