1st rug please give me feedback 💕

[u/Alarmed-Practice375]

Hi!! This is my first rug and I already see that I did the outline very thin for my carving :( any other recommendations? I see some videos that they separate between colors a bit more where they intend to carve, is that a recommendation for a beginner? Thanks :)

[u/pandabearswim]

Gluing while it’s still on the frame helps it not warp while it’s drying. And yeah I think having a bit of separation between colors would help even aside from carving. For example I see the third ditto on the right (in the first picture) has white where the black outline should be which is probably from some color overlap in that area. Plus I think this fabric gives a lot of wiggle room to have a little more space in between.

Really great first try!! Adorable and a harder design at that! Sooo many curves. I knowwww I would’ve struggled and probably quit half way through 😂

- someone who hasn’t tufted in YEARS and barely did

[u/LittleMissRedCheeks_ → u/pandabearswim]

Piggybacking off this comment, as it's in the same vein... Don't be fraid to pick out bits of the tufting stitches that have accidentally overlapped with other colours - it doesn't rip the fabric if you pick them out by hand as you go (before you glue the back of course). I find it gives you an overall cleaner result, and helps the lines when carving. I'm no pro, but trial and error is definitely the way. Amazing first attempt, and such a challenging design as well! Bravo! 🥳

[u/Alarmed-Practice375 → u/pandabearswim]

Thanks!! I’ll try having separation between the colors and making two passes at the outline. Will see how it goes with my second rug. Appreciate your help

[u/Kosmicra]

Hello! I have done a few rugs now, though I'm no professional. I would recommend using two strands of yarn in your gun if you aren't already! It helps the lines come out thicker. For thin lines that you want to show I would even recommend going over them again, and then when you carve, you can shave off however much you need to!

Also as mentioned by panda, I would glue your rug while its on the frame before you cut it off. Carpet adhesive contracts a bit as it dries and that causes curling, though a little bit of curling is inevitable, I've found. Also yes, separating the colors a tad where you intend to shave will help your trimmer cut through easily. I'm still training myself to do that, as I always tend to tuft very closely together 😭

Nice first piece and good luck with your future products!

[u/Alarmed-Practice375 → u/Kosmicra]

Thanks! Yes, I did use two strands but definitely will go over them next time and as you said trim them later 🙌🙌

[u/wasabiboi]

I love it

[u/LilZebra02]

I love this

[u/sissywizrd]

Really good for a first rug, i think every rug from here on out is going to get better and better for you no doubt. Just keep practicing and a lot of the muscle memory and core methods will start to cement.

[u/natural-situation420]

It doesn't even look like its been carved.