Abstract: Conventional multi-needle tufting machines may be modified and provided with the special looper element of the present invention so that without backdrawing or robbing from a previous loop a row of stitching is formed to provide a pattern of any number of high cut loops and low cut loops. The looper element is reciprocated by the conventional mechanism and the loops are cut by long and short knives reciprocated by the conventional knifebar on the machine. The looper element may be made from flat plate in one plane to provide a support portion and a closed end, like a nose with an internal space, which enters the loop. A bottom member like a finger on the nose and a top member defines the internal space which is substantially closed by means of the bottom member except for an offset entrance having a small angular configuration. The small angular entrance leads to the space in the looper element in which a short loop supplied by a pattern control means is confined until cut.