Four kits. Four prices. Different combinations of gun, frame, fabric and tools.
If you're staring at the options wondering which one you actually need, this guide is for you. No upselling just a clear breakdown of what's in each and who it genuinely suits.
Quick Answer
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Trimmer Starter Kit (£225) gun + trimmer + fabric. No frame. For people who already have a frame or plan to build one
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Essential Starter Kit (£299) gun + frame. The core setup, nothing extra
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Standard Starter Kit (£319) gun + frame + fabric. The most popular choice and the one we recommend most
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Pro Starter Kit (£375) gun + frame + trimmer + full bundle. Everything, including finishing tools
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All kits include the AK-V 2-in-1 tufting gun with UK plug
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Yarn and adhesive are not included in any kit budget separately
What Every Kit Includes
Before the differences, here's what's common to all four:
The AK-V 2-in-1 Tufting Gun. Our bestselling machine cut pile and loop pile in one body, UK plug included, beginner-friendly and genuinely versatile. This is the most important component of any kit and it's the same across all four.
If you want to know more about the gun itself, read our full AK-V review.
The Four Kits Compared
|
Trimmer £225 |
Essential £299 |
Standard £319 |
Pro £375 |
|
|
AK-V Tufting Gun |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Aluminium Frame |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Tufting Cloth |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Trimmer + Shearing Guide |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Backing Fabric |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Scissors |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Threaders |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
Which Kit Should You Buy?
Standard Starter Kit £225 → £319
Buy this if: you're starting from nothing and want the sensible complete core.
Gun, frame, and fabric are the three things you genuinely cannot tuft without. This is the kit we recommend to most beginners because it covers the essentials without paying for extras you may not need yet.
You'll also need: yarn (£25/cone), PVA adhesive (£13), backing fabric (£20), scissors, threaders (£5).
Best for: most first-time buyers.
Pro Starter Kit £375
Buy this if: you want everything in one purchase and you know you're serious.
The Pro adds the trimmer, backing fabric, scissors and threaders on top of the Standard. Essentially everything except yarn and adhesive.
The trimmer alone is the reason to consider that it's the tool that most improves your finished result, and bundling it here costs less than buying it separately later.
You'll also need: yarn and PVA adhesive.
Best for: people who know they'll stick with tufting, anyone making pieces to sell, gift buyers who want to give a complete setup.
Essential Starter Kit £299
Buy this if: you want the absolute core and prefer to source fabric yourself.
Gun and frame only. Cheaper than the Standard, but you'll need to buy tufting cloth separately (£25), which brings you to roughly the same total.
Honest advice: unless you have a specific reason to source your own fabric, the Standard Kit is better value for £20 more.
Best for: people who already have tufting cloth, or are buying fabric in bulk.
Trimmer Starter Kit £225
Buy this if: you already have a frame.
Gun, trimmer and fabric no frame included. It's the cheapest entry point, but only makes sense if you've already got a frame or you're building one yourself.
Frames are one of the easier things to DIY if you're handy, so this kit suits makers who'd rather build than buy.
You'll also need: a frame, yarn, adhesive, backing fabric.
Best for: makers with an existing frame, or DIY-inclined beginners.
What's Not in Any Kit
Worth being clear about this so there are no surprises:
|
Item |
Cost |
Needed? |
|
Yarn |
£25/cone |
Yes budget 1–2 cones per rug |
|
PVA adhesive |
£13 |
Yes seals the rug |
|
Spray adhesive |
£10.99 |
Yes bonds the backing |
|
Backing fabric |
£20 |
Yes (included in Pro) |
Budget roughly £50–70 on top of any kit for your first rug's consumables.
Still Not Sure?
The honest default: if you're starting from scratch and don't have specific reasons to choose otherwise, get the Standard Kit.
It's the most popular for a reason: it covers what you actually can't do without, at a price that doesn't require overthinking, and leaves room in the budget for yarn and finishing supplies.
If you know you're serious and want to skip a second order later, the Pro is the better long-term value.
Try Before You Buy
If you're in London, you don't have to decide from photos.
We're the official supply shop of Cheeky Studio in Hackney Wick, and you're welcome to visit the studio to see the equipment, hold the gun, and ask questions before you order.
Shop tufting starter kits at UK Tufting from £225, fast UK delivery, Click & Collect available Mon–Fri.
Pick your kit. Start your rug.