The tufting gun is the single biggest purchase when you start rug tufting, and prices online range from under £100 to several hundred pounds. The cheapest listings and the guns sold by UK stockists can look almost identical in photos, so it is fair to ask what the difference actually is.
This guide breaks down what a tufting gun costs in the UK, what you get for the money, and what else you need to budget for.
Quick answer
- A dependable electric tufting gun from a UK stockist costs roughly £170 to £200
- Cut pile guns are usually the cheapest, cut and loop (2-in-1) guns cost a little more, and long pile guns cost the most
- Very cheap guns often arrive without a UK plug, spare parts or anyone to ask for help
- Budget for a frame, cloth and yarn on top of the gun
UK Tufting gun prices
| Gun | Type | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-2 Cut Pile | Cut pile | £170 | Soft, plush rugs and a simple learning curve |
| AK-V 2-in-1 | Cut and loop | £180 | Beginners who want both textures in one tool |
| AK-2 Long Pile (40mm) | Long pile | £200 | Deep pile and carving |
All three are electric, come with a UK plug, and are tested in our London studio before they are sold. You can compare them on the tufting guns page.
Why tufting gun prices vary so much
Pile type
Cut pile guns cut every loop as they stitch, giving a soft, carpet-like surface. Loop pile guns leave the loops intact for a tighter, textured finish. A 2-in-1 gun does both at the flick of a switch, which is why it costs slightly more. Long pile guns use a longer needle for deep pile and need a stronger mechanism. If you are deciding between pile types, read cut pile vs loop pile tufting guns.
Build quality and motor
A tufting gun drives a needle back and forth very fast for hours at a time. Cheaper guns tend to save money on the motor and internal parts, which can show up as overheating, inconsistent stitching or parts that wear out quickly.
What arrives in the box
The lowest prices online often leave things out: a UK plug, a power adapter, spare needles, a threader or clear instructions. Adding those back narrows the price gap.
Support and spare parts
When a gun jams or a part wears, you need someone who knows the model. Buying from a UK stockist means help in your own time zone and parts that are actually in stock, instead of waiting weeks for a replacement to ship. If yours ever gives you trouble, our tufting gun troubleshooting guide covers the most common fixes.
Is a cheap tufting gun worth it?
A cheap gun can work, and some makers are happy with one. The risk is that it fails or underperforms just as you are learning, which makes it hard to tell whether a problem is your technique or the tool. For a first gun, a dependable mid-range model usually saves money over time, because you only buy once.
It helps to decide how serious you are first. If you only want to try tufting, a tufting workshop lets you use professional equipment before you buy anything. If you know you will keep going, buy a gun you will not outgrow.
What else to budget for
The gun is only part of the cost. To make your first rug you will also need:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Tufting frame | £150 (50cm) or £180 (90cm) |
| Primary tufting cloth | £25 per 2m x 2m sheet |
| Yarn | Depends on rug size, see how much yarn you need |
| Finishing supplies (backing, adhesive, sealer) | £42 as a bundle |
| Trimmer (optional, but recommended) | £45 |
For a full breakdown, see what it costs to start tufting in the UK.
Buy the gun on its own, or in a kit?
If you are starting from scratch, a starter kit is usually cheaper than buying the gun, frame and supplies separately:
- Trimmer Starter Kit (gun, trimmer and fabric): £225
- Pro Starter Kit with 50cm frame: £375
- Pro Starter Kit with 90cm frame: £395
- Studio Kit (with 90cm frame, projector, trimmer and yarn): £519
Frequently asked questions
How much is a tufting gun in the UK?
Expect to pay around £170 to £200 for a dependable electric tufting gun from a UK stockist. Cheaper guns exist, but often leave out a UK plug, spare parts and support.
What is the cheapest type of tufting gun?
Cut pile guns are usually the cheapest. Our AK-2 Cut Pile is £170.
Is a 2-in-1 tufting gun worth the extra?
For most beginners, yes. A cut and loop gun costs only a little more than a cut pile gun and lets you try both textures without buying a second gun. Our AK-V tufting gun review takes a closer look.
Do I need a pneumatic tufting gun?
No. Pneumatic guns need an air compressor, which adds cost and noise. Electric guns are simpler to set up at home and are what most makers start with.