I know choosing the right Cricut mat for your cardstock projects can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. When picking a Cricut mat for your cardstock, you need to consider both the type and weight of the material you’re using.
It can seem confusing, but I’ve personally tested all the different Cricut mat options available. And in this post, I’ll break down the different Cricut mats available in the market and their features, so you can choose the one that’s just right for your cardstock project. Let’s get started!
Different Types of Cricut Mats
One of the most important tools you will need when using a Cricut machine is a Cricut mat.
There are four types of Cricut mats that are designed to work with different kinds of material.
StandardGrip is the most versatile and is great for most kinds of cardstock and vinyl.
LightGrip is ideal for lightweight cardstock, vellum, and all kinds of paper.
And StrongGrip is designed to handle heavier cardstock, cardboard, foam board, wood, and leather.
There is also the pink FabricGrip mat for cutting bonded fabric and crêpe paper, but it’s not used for cardstock.
Each type of mat has an adhesive surface that ensures the material you are using stays in place while the machine is cutting it.
Consider cardstock weight
Cardstock weight is an important factor to consider when deciding which Cricut mat to use.
The weight of cardstock is usually measured in pounds per 1000 sheets (lb).
The higher the lb value, the thicker the material is.
Cardstock thickness typically ranges from 65 lb to 110 lb.
65 lb cardstock is the thinnest and is ideal for everyday printing needs, such as flyers and postcards.
80 lb cardstock provides a bit more durability and is suitable for letterhead, business cards, and invitations.
For a higher level of durability and a more luxurious feel, 100-110 lb cardstock is the best choice.
This weight is often used for wedding and event invitations, business cards, and menus.
When considering a cardstock thickness, it is important to take into account the end use of the product.
The right choice will ensure that your project looks great and stands up to the intended use.
Generally, StandardGrip mat is the best choice for most kinds of cardstock, including textured and glitter ones, while LightGrip mat is ideal for light cardstock and paper, and StrongGrip mats are best for heavy cardstock and thick glitter cardstock.
Consider cardstock finish
When selecting a cutting mat for cardstock, don’t forget to think about the finish of the cardstock as well! That will help you make sure you get the perfect mat for your project.
For example, glitter and embossed cardstock will require a stronger grip than traditional cardstock of the same weight.
This is because the texture of these cardstock types makes the material thicker and can cause the paper to move easier during the cutting process.
Plus, the added texture can cause the blade to snag, tear, or cut inaccurately.
So when you’re cutting specialty cardstocks, try using a cutting mat that has a higher grip for making a cleaner cut.
Generally it’s best to use the StandardGrip mat with embossed cardstock and the StandardGrip or StrongGrip mat with glitter cardstock.
Use the StandardGrip Mat for most types of cardstock and embossed cardstock
The green StandardGrip Mat is the perfect mat for most cardstock types, embossed cardstock and thinner glitter cardstock.
This mat has a medium-strong adhesive.
It’s designed to hold your cardstock in place while you’re cutting it.
But will not leave any residue on the cardstock and will release it easily with no damage.
This mat is durable and can be reused many times, making it a great choice for all of your cardstock projects.
The StandardGrip Mat is great for cardstock weights from 65-80lb and will work with all Cricut cutting machines.
Use the LightGrip Mat for lightweight and thin cardstock
If you’re looking for a mat to use for thin and lightweight cardstock, the LightGrip Mat is your best bet.
This mat is perfect for cardstock weights of up to 80 lbs.
It has a light grip to keep thin cardstock in place and then release it without tearing.
The LightGrip Mat is also ideal for delicate paper projects.
With this mat, you’ll get a precise cut on the tiniest details every time.
So you can use it to create intricate paper crafts with ease.
Plus, this mat is also compatible with all Cricut cutting machines.
Use the StrongGrip Mat for heavyweight and thick glitter Cardstock
The Cricut StrongGrip Mat is the optimal choice for heavier cardstock weights, such as the 110 lb one, and materials with special finishes like glitter cardstock.
This mat has a super-strong adhesive that is capable of securely holding even the heaviest materials in place.
This eliminates shifting that can occur with other mats, and thus allows for more precise cutting.
The StrongGrip mat is also durable, easy to use, and works with all Cricut units.
Mat sizes and cardstock sizes
Cricut mats, used for cutting and crafting using the Explore and Maker machines, are available in 12″ x 12″ and 12″ x 24″ sizes.
Standard and most popular cardstock sizes include the letter size (8.5″ x 11″), A4 size (8.27″ x 11.69″), and 12″ x12″ scrapbook sheet size.
Cardstock also comes in 12″ x 24″ sized sheets.
You can use both mat sizes for scrapbook, letter and a4-sized sheets.
And if you’ve got 12″ x 24″ sheets, use the larger mat or cut your cardstock down to size to place it on the smaller one.
Cricut Joy mats come in 4.5″ x 6.5″ and 4″ x 6″ x 12″ sizes, which are great for making cards.
Select the size of cardstock that would fit your Cricut mat and would be suitable for the craft project you’re working on.
Tips for choosing the right Cricut mat for cardstock
Here are several tips to help you choose the right Cricut mat for your project:
- Know the weight of your cardstock.
Different Cricut mats are designed to hold different cardstock weights.
Again, StandardGrip mats are designed for most kinds of cardstock, whereas LightGrip holds lightweight cardstock and StrongGrip holds heavier cardstock and special finish cardstock.
- Consider the size of your project.
If you’re working on a smaller project, you’ll want to use a 12″ x 12″ mat.
For larger projects, use a 12″ x 24″ mat.
And if you own the Cricut Joy machine, use a Joy-sized mat.
- Consider the type of project you’re working on.
For example, use the 12″ x 12″ mat for scrapbooking projects with scrapbook-sized sheets.
For banners, tile your design across several letter-sized sheets using a 12″ x 24″ mat.
If you’re creating a card, or you’ll want to use the special card mat for Cricut Joy.
Buy some useful tools
When cutting cardstock with a Cricut, you may need to have a few useful tools on hand to make the job easier.
A scraper is a great tool for smoothing out cardstock before cutting.
A spatula is also useful for lifting cardstock from the adhesive surface of the mat.
You can also get tweezers for picking small pieces from the mat.
If you want to get the most out of your cardstock and mats, having these tools on hand is essential.
How to place cardstock on a Cricut mat
When using a Cricut mat, make sure that the cardstock is firmly attached to the mat for cutting accuracy.
- To place cardstock on a Cricut mat, start by applying it to the adhesive side of the mat and aligning it to the top left corner.
- Then, use a brayer to press the cardstock firmly to the surface of the mat and to smooth out any air bubbles.
- This will secure the cardstock to the mat, helping to ensure a clean cut.
- Then double-check the alignment before proceeding with the cutting.
How to remove cardstock from a mat
Removing cardstock from a Cricut mat can be look difficult, but with the right technique it can be done quickly and easily.
- To start, turn the mat over so that the cardstock is facing down.
- Then, gently bend the mat away from the cardstock.
- If the cardstock is being stubborn, lift the edges and small details with a spatula.
- Avoid the temptation to pull the cardstock off by the corner, as this will only tear it.
- When the cardstock has been removed, the mat will be ready for the next project.
With a little practice, removing cardstock from a Cricut mat will be really easy.
The type of mat you choose for your cardstock depends on the weight of the cardstock you are using. For most kinds of cardstock, the StandardGrip mat will work the best. If you are using lightweight cardstock, then the LightGrip mat is a better choice. Finally, if you are using a heavier cardstock, you’ll want to pick the StrongGrip mat. By taking just a few moments to figure out which mat works best for your project, you can ensure that your cardstock is well-supported, and your final product looks amazing!
