Tufted Tree Skirt

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• We R Memory Keepers® Easy Tuft Supplies:
• Tufting frame
• Tufting tool
• Tufting carving shears
• Tufting adhesive
• Putty knife
• Two tufting cloth
• Two project backing
• Twill tape


• Eight skeins Big Twist™ Value Worsted yarn, colors of your choice
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun/glue sticks
• Spray adhesive
• Tape
• Marker (for tracing pattern onto tufting cloth)
• Needle & Thread

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preparing the Pattern:

• Download and print the pattern from the "GET PATTERNS" tab. Remember to mirror the image since tufting will be worked from the back of the project. Since this is a larger design, tape printed pages together to form complete pattern.



2. Setting Up:

• Assemble frame matching letters on poles to letters on corner pieces.
• Clamp frame to table.
• Stretch Tufting Cloth on assembled frame and secure at the corners using frame pegs. Stretch cloth tight.
• Snap frame rods onto the poles to continue securing Tufting Cloth. Pull cloth as tight as possible.
• Tape design to cloth (on back side of the frame which is front of project). Trace image onto tufting cloth with marker. Remove pattern after tracing. (You can also freehand draw a pattern or use a projector to project a pattern onto the cloth.)



3. Making the Tree Skirt:

• Thread yarn into Easy Tuft Tool using threader included with tool. Thread through two strands at a time for faster, thicker tufting.
• Start at bottom of project. Press Easy Tuft Tool firmly against prepared tufting cloth so needle is through cloth and front plate is flush with cloth. Hold down start switch, apply pressure, and move tool up the project. Release start switch to stop tufting. Return to bottom of design and tuft again working in rows, moving from bottom to top. Change yarn colors and continue tufting until design is fully tufted.
• Once tufting is complete, pull any stray threads from project.
• Spread Tufting Adhesive over entire back of rug using an Easy Tuft Putty Knife. Allow to dry completely, until no longer tacky (about 8 hours).


• Remove project from frame and repeat steps 3-12 for the second half of the tree skirt.


• Trim around design leaving a 2" border of tufting cloth around rainbow.
• With a needle and thread, stitch together the sides of the tree skirt where the yarn colors match.
• Cut reliefs at corners and curves for easier folding. Fold border toward back of rug and secure with hot glue. Continue until all excess is folded and secured to back.
• Trim a piece of Easy Tuft Backing to fit rainbow shape and adhere to back of rug using spray adhesive.
• To give a clean, finished look, cover edges with Easy Tuft Twill Tape using hot glue.
• Use Easy Tuft Rug Carving Shears to trim and smooth top and edges of the tree skirt. You can also use trimmers to create dimension and grooves if desired.
• Vacuum to remove any excess yarn scraps.