Your tufting frame decides the biggest rug you can make, how much room you need at home, and how comfortable long sessions feel. Buy too small and you outgrow it after a couple of rugs. Buy too big and it takes over the room.
We stock two aluminium frames: a 50cm frame (£150) and a 90cm frame (£180). This guide explains how to choose between them, based on the rugs we see makers produce in our Hackney Wick studio.
Quick answer
- Choose 50cm if you are new to tufting, short on space, or want to make wall hangings, mug rugs and small mats
- Choose 90cm if you want floor rugs, already know you will tuft regularly, or have a spare room or studio to work in
- The usable area is always smaller than the frame, so plan your design with a margin
Frame size vs finished rug size
The number on a frame describes its outer size, not the rug you can make. You lose some space around the edges to the gripper strips that hold the cloth, and to the margin you need so the gun does not hit the frame.
As a rule of thumb, leave around 5cm clear on every side between your design and the frame edge.
| Frame | Comfortable design area | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 50cm | About 40cm x 40cm | Wall hangings, coasters, mug rugs, small bath and door mats, first projects |
| 90cm | About 80cm x 80cm | Bedside rugs, floor rugs, larger wall pieces, commissions |
Want something bigger than the frame? You can make a rug in sections and join them, or move the cloth across the frame between sessions, but both take experience. Most makers get a better result by matching the frame to the rug they actually want to make.
When a 50cm frame is the right choice
A 50cm frame suits most beginners. Small projects finish faster, so you get through the whole process (tufting, sealing, backing, trimming) several times while you learn, instead of spending weeks on one large rug.
- Space: it fits on a desk or table and stores easily
- Cost: smaller rugs use less yarn and cloth, so practice is cheaper
- Comfort: you can reach every part of the design without stretching
The trade-off is size. If you already know you want floor rugs, you will probably want a bigger frame soon.
When a 90cm frame is the right choice
A 90cm frame opens up proper floor rugs. It is the size we recommend for makers who already know tufting is for them.
- Bigger rugs: room for bedside rugs, statement wall pieces and commissions
- Fewer joins: you can tuft a sizeable design in one go
- Still works small: you can tuft a small design in the middle of a large frame, but not the other way round
Plan the space. A 90cm frame needs to be fixed securely to a sturdy table or stand, with room to sit or stand comfortably in front of it. It also takes more cloth, though one 2m x 2m sheet of lined primary tufting cloth (£25) is enough for a 90cm frame with some to spare.
What to check before you buy any frame
Rigidity
The frame takes force with every stitch. A frame that flexes makes the cloth bounce, which leads to uneven pile and missed stitches. Aluminium stays rigid without the weight of thick timber.
Gripper strips
Carpet gripper strips around the edge hold the cloth drum-tight. Tight cloth is the single biggest factor in clean tufting, so check the strips run around the whole frame.
How it fixes to a table
The frame must not move while you tuft. Clamps that hold it firmly to a table edge make a big difference to accuracy, and to how safe the setup feels.
Once your frame arrives, follow our guide to setting up a tufting frame step by step.
Buy a frame on its own, or in a kit?
If you do not have a tufting gun yet, a kit usually works out cheaper than buying each piece separately. Both of our Pro kits include a frame:
The two kits are only £20 apart, which makes the 90cm version good value if you have the room. Our guide to which tufting starter kit is right for you compares every kit side by side, and you can see both frames on the tufting frames page.
Frequently asked questions
What size tufting frame is best for beginners?
For most beginners, 50cm. It is easier to set up, cheaper to fill, and lets you finish more projects while you learn. If you have the space and know you want floor rugs, starting on 90cm is fine.
Can I make a big rug on a small frame?
Yes, by tufting in sections and moving or joining the cloth, but it is harder to keep lines and pile even across the joins. It is a technique for later, not for a first project.
Can I build my own tufting frame?
You can, using timber and carpet gripper strips. The most common problems with homemade frames are flex and loose cloth, which is why many makers move to a ready-made aluminium frame once they tuft regularly.
Does a bigger frame need a different tufting gun?
No. Any tufting gun works on any frame size. A bigger frame just gives you a bigger working area.