If you’ve ever tried tufting, then there’s a really good chance that you’ll have come across CS Osborne tufting needles.
That’s because they are some of the very best tufting needles that you’ll find. What if you’re new to tufting though? If you are then there’s a good chance that you’ll have a host of questions such as:
- What is a tufting needle?
- How do you thread a tufting needle?
- How do you use a tufting needle?
If these are the types of questions that you have then we’re here to help. Read on as we share all that you need to know about tufting needles.
What even is tufting?
Before we look at questions such as “What is a tufting needle?” it’s worth taking a look at just what tufting is. It is a process that is used, on the likes of cushions and mattresses, to stop the stuffing from moving around inside. It is also used to provide a decorative touch to both cushions and furniture.
When it comes to examples of where tufting is used, the most obvious is that of a mattress. Before we had coils in mattresses they were stuffed with cotton or feathers. This meant that they required turning and, without tufting, the contents would be displaced. Now that we have the likes of coils and springs, tufting is used more as a decorative feature on mattresses.
The different types of tufting
When it comes to considering the question “How do you use a tufting needle?”, it’s worth considering the fact that there are different types of tufting. Those to be aware of are button tufting and stitch tufting. Let’s take a look at these in turn:
Button tufting
This technique is accomplished by using button forms. These are metal button blanks which are covered with either contrasting or the same fabric of the object that you’re wanting to tuft. You’ll find that the buttons tend to be shank-style. This means that they have a plastic, metal or wire loop to feed the thread through. When it comes to button tufting and something like a mattress, you need to ensure that your tufting needle is long enough to go through the thickness of it.
Stitch tufting
This relates to tufting in its traditional form. The likes of twine, washed thread or industrial thread are used with a tufting needed. The needle is inserted into the object that is being tufted ensuring that the spacing is even. The stitches are made so tight that they ensure that any stuffing within the object is unable to move or bunch up inside. While your choice of tufting needle is important you also need to carefully consider the thread that you’re using. This needs to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of washing etc.
How do you thread a tufting needle?
One of the biggest questions that people have when faced with tufting is “How do you thread a tufting needle?”. Fortunately, this is something that is relatively simple to do and once you’ve done this a few times you’ll quickly master it.
When you look at your tufting needle, you’ll notice that there is an indention, or hollow. This is the area that’s used to thread the needle. Firstly, you’ll need to get hold of a tufting clasp. This is where you thread your twine. Once your clasp has the twine/thread inside, you simply take the clasp and insert it into the indent in the tufting needle.
How do you use a tufting needle?
Now that you know how to thread your needle, the next question tends to be “How do you use a tufting needle?”. We’re going to break that down for you next:
- Select a tufting needle that’s long enough. You need to be sure that your tufting needle is able to pass all the way through the object that you're tufting and that there is still a little spare. to do this, simply line your needle up with one of the marked spots on your object and gently press the needle until it goes all the way through. Generally, you’ll find that 10” and 12” tufting needles are suitable for most projects.
- Thread your tufting needle. Once you know that you have the right tufting needle for the job the next step is to thread your needle. As we’ve already seen, as well as your tufting needle, you’re also going to need thread and a clasp. You’ll find that clasps come in large quantities but as you get into tufting you’ll soon realise why - these are needed on a regular basis and that large pack won’t last as long as you first thought.
- Push the needle into the fabric. With your needle threaded, you now need to insert this into the fabric that you’re tufting. You need to push this all the way through and then pull it out of the other side. This ensures that the twine/thread is passed all the way through. At this stage, you have two loose ends on one side of the fabric while a button stays in place on the top.
- Tie a slip knot. When you make your slip knot you need to ensure that you pull it tight enough so that it forms the tuffs. The tighter that you make your knot the deeper tufts will become.
- Make a square knot. As soon as you’ve done this, and it’s tight, you need to cut the twine. This knot helps to keep the tufts tight and also assists in keeping the button in place.
A look at CS Osborne tufting needles
Just like most things in life, not all tufting needles are created equal. At Tacura, we like to ensure that we only stock the very best. That’s why we carry the CS Osborne tufting needle range. The company dates back to 1826 and has long been known for producing nothing but top-quality tools.
These tufting needles provide superior performance and we’re sure that, if you’ve ever used any other tufting needle, you’ll instantly recognise the difference.
C.S. Osborne No. 417 Spring - Loaded Tufting Needle
C.S. Osborne Tufting Clasps
C.S. Osborne No. 418 Tufting Clasps (for No 417)
C.S. Osborne 505 12" Double Round Point, Button Tufting Needles
C.S. Osborne 505 Double Round Point Button Tufting Needles - 12" 13 Gauge. Light Gauge Double Round Point Button Tufting Needles – Used heavily in the upholstery and mattress trade.
C.S Osborne 10" 12 Gauge Double Round Point Tufting Needles
Double Round Point Button Tufting Needles - Heavy Gauge
Want to try an alternative brand? Try Ports of Marlborough
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40cm Tufting Needle for LL Tapes
If you would like to speak to one of our dedicated team members to discuss your manufacturing business needs, please contact us via email: hello@tacura.com or call 0330 123 1950.
Image source: https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-tufting-explained/