What is Speed Tufting?

Rug making techniques historically have included weaving, braiding, hooking, knitting, crocheting, and knotting. Rug  hooking was one of the more popular techniques using leftover strips of cloth, yarn, ribbons, and string. Hooked rugs are made by pulling yarn through a cloth backing.
A major improvement of rug making was the development of the punch needle which pushed the yarn through the backing to form the loops and was faster than pulling each loop through individually and adjusting each one for height and position.
	The Speed Tufting Tool controls the length of each loop and the size and spacing of the stitches which can make dozens of perfect loops in minutes.
It is a simple tool that requires very little maintenance except periodic lubrication with a heavy lubricant. If Rug Crafters lubricant is not available, petroleum jelly may be substituted. Other household lubricants are too light and should not be used.
What is needed in addition to the Speed Tufting tool?
Rug Fabric: a cloth backing that must have a weave that will separate, rather than tear when the needle is inserted. The first Rug Crafters fabrics were "jute"-the backing that many commercial carpets have. Later, a poly fabric was created. The design is drawn on the back of this fabric (in reverse) as a pattern.
Frame: the backing must be stretched over a frame for tautness. For larger pieces, the fabric can be removed and re-attached for working another section.
Yarn: A thick skeined (uncut) yarn is needed for best results. The original Rug Crafters Yarn was 100% polyester, but some have used 100 % wool. If this yarn is not available, a heavy smooth knitting yarn may be used. (should be thicker than knitting worsted weight for best results)
When the tufting process is complete, liquid latex is spread over the back to seal the stitches in place and give body to the finished product. This latex cures in about 12 hours and becomes pliable. Edges are hemmed in place with an adhesive such as Elmer's glue.