Tufting

The method we know today as "Tufting" is in principle similar to embroidery or stitching in accordance to the sewing machine principle. The pile producing thread (nap) is inserted into a backing material with needles and anchored with a secondary backing.

The material that forms the surface is thus only needle punched, not woven or knotted into place. Needles that are controlled by cams and carry the pile yarn are punched through the backing (fibre fleece) whereby the grippers hold the pile yarn below the bed plate at the set height until the needles move up again. In cut pile machines each gripper also has a cutter that cuts open the loops that are formed.