You put down the tufting gun, finished the gluing process, and removed the rug from the frame. But wait a minute... Doesn't your rug look like one of those smooth, razor-sharp, three-dimensional rugs you see on Instagram? The secret is in the "Finishing" : Carving and Shaving.
In this guide, we at GG Tufting explain in detail how to add depth to your carpets and achieve that famous "3D look".
1. Why Should You Do Carving?
When working with a tufting gun, the threads pop side by side, creating a "fuzzy" look as if the colors are blended together. We call this a "raw image". The carving process provides the following:
- 🎨 Color Separation: Clarifies the boundaries where colors blend together.
- 🗻 Depth (3D): Creates shadow effects by generating level differences on the carpet surface.
- ✨ Clean Surface: Brings uneven yarn lengths to a perfectly smooth level (velvet texture).
2 "Surgeon" Equipment
For a successful carving process, the right tools are just as important as skill.
For leveling large surfaces and rough carving. Speed control is essential.
Thanks to its curved mouth (Duckbill), it smooths the surface flawlessly.
Immediately removing the dust from the cuts will allow you to spot any errors.
3 Step-by-Step Techniques
- 1. On-Frame Engraving: The secret of professionals! Before applying the second color, slightly angle the edges of the first color with scissors. This makes your job 50% easier.
- 2. Surface Shearing: After finishing the carpet, hold the razor parallel to the surface and smooth the entire carpet "like a razor." Do not press down, just slide the machine.
★ V-CUT TECHNIQUE (3D EFFECT) ★
Create a "channel" by cutting the line where the two colors meet at a 45-degree angle .
4 Key Tips
When carving, carpet dust (micro-dust) gets trapped between the lines and prevents you from clearly seeing the cut you're making. Clean the area with a brush or broom every 2 minutes. Don't fly blind!
Tufting is an art where you can add line, but you can't recreate line once it's cut. Always run your reel at the lowest speed and cut little by little. Don't dive deep all at once.
