Cricut machines have completely changed the way people think about arts and crafts. Rather than depending on dangerous paper cutters or the steadiness of your own hand, you can now see amazing cardstock creations come to life with just the press of a button! That said, you can’t just start loading your cardstock into your Cricut machine without knowing a few things first. Most importantly, you’ll need to learn how to use a Cricut mat.
These mats are an integral part of cutting with a Cricut machine. While some people may try to load their cardstock into the machine and start cutting without a mat, this is definitely not the best method. In fact, it could cause harm to your cardstock and your Cricut machine.
But what even is a Cricut mat? What purpose does it serve? What do the different colors of Cricut mats mean? What color Cricut mat should you use for cardstock? How do put cardstock on a Cricut mat and take it back off again? Finally, where can you get high-quality cardstock for your next Cricut project?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more. So, let’s get started!
What Is a Cricut Mat?
A Cricut mat is a cutting mat specifically designed for Cricut machines. The mat has a sticky surface that holds the material in place while the machine does the actual cutting. Various materials work with Cricut mats, including printer paper, vinyl, fabric, and cardstock.
Cricut mats come in different sizes and adhesive strengths to accommodate a wide range of materials and project types. The most common sizes are 12×12 inches and 12×24 inches. The adhesive strength varies depending on the type of mat:
- LightGrip Mat (Blue) – This is designed for lightweight materials such as copy paper, vellum, light cardstock, and some thin vinyl. The LightGrip mat has a low-tack adhesive that holds materials in place without causing damage when they are removed.
- StandardGrip Mat (Green) – This is suitable for medium-weight materials such as cardstock, patterned paper, adhesive vinyl, and iron-on materials. The StandardGrip mat has a medium-tack adhesive to hold these materials securely during the cutting process.
- StrongGrip Mat (Purple) – The purple grip mat is designed for heavyweight materials such as thick cardstock, chipboard, certain fabrics, and leather. It has a high-tack adhesive to keep thicker, heavier materials from moving around.
- FabricGrip Mat (Pink) – This mat is specifically designed for working with fabrics, such as cotton, felt, and denim. The FabricGrip mat has a specially formulated adhesive to hold fabrics in place without leaving residue on the material or damaging the fibers.
Can You Cut Cardstock On A Cricut Without A Mat?
While it is technically possible to cut cardstock on a Cricut without a mat, it is not recommended. The mat is designed to hold the material securely in place while the machine cuts, ensuring precision and preventing the material from slipping out of place. Cutting without a mat increases the risk of damaging the cardstock, ruining your project, or causing potential harm to your machine.
If you attempt to cut cardstock without a mat, be aware that you do so at your own risk. The results may not be as precise or clean as they would be with a mat. Additionally, cutting without a mat may void your Cricut machine’s warranty, so it is essential to consider the consequences before proceeding. Most expert crafters recommend always using a mat, regardless of the material you intend to cut. Not only does this result in a better cut, but it also avoids any potential problems with your machine.
Which Cricut Mat Is Best For Cardstock?
The best Cricut mat for cardstock is the StandardGrip mat (Green). As the name implies, the StandardGrip is the most common Cricut mat and works well with a wide range of materials. However, if you need to cut a particularly thick piece of cardstock (80 lbs and above), you’ll probably want to upgrade to the StrongGrip mat. This will prevent any slippage as the cardstock and mat pass through the machine.
How To Place Cardstock On Cricut Mats
Understanding how Cricut mats work is just the first step. Now it’s time to see how to put cardstock on Cricut mats and then get the cardstock off again. For the best results, simply follow these steps:
- Clean the Mat – Make sure the mat’s surface does not have any dust or debris on it before you get started. If necessary, gently clean it with a baby wipe or a damp cloth and let it air dry.
- Remove the Protective Cover – Peel off the clear protective cover from the mat, exposing the adhesive surface. Set the cover aside, as you’ll need to use it again later.
- Position the Cardstock – Place the cardstock on the mat, aligning it with the top left corner. Ensure the mat and cardstock remain straight and smooth, with no wrinkles or bubbles.
- Press Down Firmly – Use your hand or a brayer tool to press the cardstock onto the mat, making sure it adheres evenly to the surface. Pay special attention to the edges and corners to ensure they stay securely in place.
- Load the Mat – Insert the mat into the Cricut machine, aligning it with the guides on either side of the machine’s opening. Press the Load/Unload button (or the flashing arrow button, depending on the model) to load the mat into the machine.
- Cut Your Design – Once the mat is loaded, proceed with cutting your design according to the Cricut machine’s instructions.
How To Remove Cardstock From Cricut Mats
Once you’re done cutting, you’ll need to carefully remove the cardstock from the Cricut mat and put the protective cover back over the mat. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Prepare the Mat – After pressing the Load/Unload button again, gently place the mat on a flat surface with the cardstock facing up.
- Peel the Mat Off – Instead of peeling the cardstock off the mat, bend the mat slightly and carefully peel it away from the cardstock. This will help prevent the cardstock from curling or tearing. Start at one corner and work your way across the mat, keeping the mat as close to the table surface as possible.
- Try a Spatula – It is not uncommon for the cardstock to get stuck to the Cricut mat. If your cardstock is sticking to the Cricut mat or you have intricate cuts, use a Cricut spatula tool to gently lift the cardstock from the mat. Slide the spatula under the cardstock, but be careful not to damage the cardstock or the mat’s adhesive surface.
- Remove Remaining Pieces – Once you have transferred the main piece cardstock from the Cricut mat, use the spatula or a pair of tweezers to remove any remaining cutouts or negative pieces.
- Clean the Mat – Check the mat again for any debris or leftover paper pieces. If necessary, use a scraper tool to gently remove them.
- Replace the Protective Cover – Place the clear protective cover back onto the mat, making sure it is smooth and free of wrinkles or bubbles. This will help preserve the adhesive and keep the mat clean for future use.
Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!