Abstract: The invention concerns an improved tufting machine which comprises a tufting head translatable within said tufting machine in X- and Y-directions with respect to backing fabric by means of a movement system. The tufting head comprises a tufting mechanism having a cyclic mode of operation, a hollow needle mounted in the tufting mechanism that is moveable relative to a cooperating foot in a reciprocating manner to insert a tuft of yarn into backing fabric in each cycle, a yarn supply mechanism mounted in the tufting mechanism and operable to supply a length of yarn to the hollow needle in each cycle, a yarn cutter mounted in the tufting head that is selectively operable to cut the length of yarn in selected cycles to produce loop or cut pile, and a computer-operated motion control system.

Abstract: A method of producing tufted products is disclosed. The method includes the steps of installing a second set of reed fingers (8) relative to a tufting machine, feeding a pair of backing sheets (7,9) to the tufting machine with the second set of reed fingers (8) positioned between the backing sheets (7,9); operating the tufting machine in a normal manner to form a face-to-face structure through the backing sheets; and cutting or dividing the face-to-face structure to form two separate tufted products. No additional or extra backing stitch is included in the face-to-face structure formed through the backing sheets. Also disclosed is the installation of an optional lower presser foot (5) which, if present, temporarily holds the yarn during needle retraction.