Who invented the tufting gun?

The Tufting Gun, also known as a "tufting gun," is an essential tool in the art of tufting, conceptualized in the 1930s by Catherine Evans Peringer, an American textile innovator. 

Born on a Whitfield County farm in 1880, in rural Georgia, Catherine displayed an intelligence and curiosity that far outstripped her formal education. She would become a leading figure in the northwest Georgia carpet industry. By the end of her career, this quiet but passionate woman had made significant contributions to the state's economy.

Her fascinating journey began in 1892, at the age of twelve. While visiting a cousin in McCuthey, Georgia, Catherine discovered an old tufted bedspread that was considered a family heirloom. Fascinated by the craftsmanship of the piece, she set out to reproduce it so she could own one like it. The bedspread was made using the technique of candle wicking. Thus began her journey into rug making in 1895, using quilt-inspired designs and a hand-tufting method.

In 1917, Catherine founded the Evans Manufacturing Company, which flourished until it was sold in 1963. The very first tufting machine, a Singer 31-15, originally designed for sewing heavy textiles, was specially adapted for tufting.

Although several inventors have claimed credit for the first practical machine, Catherine's invention revolutionized the field of weaving and textiles. With the Tufting Gun, the process of creating rugs became faster and more efficient, paving the way for more practical and precise designs.

The evolution of the Tufting Gun, exemplified by modern models such as the AK DUO since the 2000s, marks the advent of this technique. Rudimentary prototypes from the 20th century paved the way for more sophisticated versions. The commercialization and constant improvement of Tufting Guns have greatly increased efficiency for artisans and rug makers, expanding the possibilities in the field of textile design and interior decoration.