Guns · Troubleshooting

Why is my tufting gun skipping stitches or tearing cloth?

Stop before changing a machine setting. Check whether the cloth has shifted, yarn is feeding freely, and you are following the setup for your exact gun model. A model-specific manual should guide any adjustment inside the machine.

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.

Start with the symptom

What you see	Check before changing the gun
The cloth moves or tears	Stop and check whether the cloth is held evenly and the frame or grippers have shifted.
A stitch forms, then the yarn pulls out	Switch the gun off and inspect the yarn path for a snag; re-thread it as shown in the model manual.
Stitches skip repeatedly	Confirm the cloth stays in place, yarn feeds without resistance, and the machine is set for the pile style you are using.
Loops remain uncut	Use the separate gun-not-cutting guide; cutting systems vary by model.

These checks help separate a frame or feed problem from a machine adjustment. They do not replace the instructions for a particular gun.

Check the setup in this order

Stop the machine. Switch it off and disconnect it before inspecting or re-threading.
Look at the cloth. Check for visible slack, a bowed guide grid, a tear, or fabric slipping from the grippers. If the mount shifted, use the frame and tack strip guide.
Follow the yarn path. Check the cone or skein, frame guide, and gun threading points for snags. Re-thread using the sequence in the manual for your exact model.
Check the working direction and pile mode. Use the model's guide for stroke direction and cut or loop settings. Do not force a running gun through cloth when its foot or needle is catching.
Leave internal adjustments for the manual. If the same issue continues after the cloth and feed checks, consult the model-specific manual or seller support before moving a bracket, screw, needle, or scissor.

What should I do if the cloth tears?

Stop rather than tufting over the damaged area. Check the frame grip, cloth condition, and the movement that caused the tear. If the tear sits in the working area, use sound cloth instead of relying on an unverified patch method; a raised or loose repair can interfere with the gun.

For cloth choice and visible tension checks, read the primary cloth guide. If a tear returns after the cloth is mounted correctly, pause and ask the gun maker or seller for model-specific help.

Why the exact gun manual matters

Adjustment instructions are not universal. TuftingShop's AK-I manual gives instructions for that AK-I model, while its manuals page separates guidance by machine. Use the maker's or seller's instructions that match the gun in your hand; do not copy measurements or settings from another model.

If the feed still catches after re-threading, compare the yarn and feed guide. For routine care, use the instructions on gun oiling.

Listing held

Primary tufting cloth

Product link withheld. The watched marketplace cloth listing and its maker details do not substantiate fiber, weave density, continuous-cut size, or electric tufting-gun suitability across variants. Buy cloth only when the listing states those details for the exact piece.

Acrylic yarn · color variant

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, Lavender

Yarnspirations lists solid Super Saver as 100% acrylic, worsted weight, 198 g / 7 oz. Confirm the color and package on the live listing.

Check before buying: This is one color variant, not a feed setup. Winder purchase links stay off this page until a current listing confirms capacity and a buyable offer.

See the current Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, Lavender listing

Yarn winder links are withheld until a current listing confirms capacity and a buyable offer.

What should you read next?

Tufting gun troubleshooting FAQ

Why is my tufting gun tearing the cloth?

Stop and check whether the cloth or frame moved, then consult the exact gun manual for working direction and setup. Do not keep running the gun against a tear or a slipping mount.

Why does yarn pull out after the needle passes?

Switch the gun off and check for a snag in the yarn path. Re-thread according to the manual for your model; if the yarn still pulls out, pause before changing machine settings.

Should I adjust the screws when my gun skips stitches?

Not as a first step. Check the cloth and yarn feed, then use the exact model manual or maker support for any internal adjustment.