Edited: August 26, 2024
Cricut Cardstock is perfect for your paper crafts, cards, décor, and more. Select a link below for information about using Cricut Cardstock
What you need
- Cricut cutting machine
- Design Space app on computer or mobile device
- A Cricut machine mat*
- Fine Point or Premium Fine Point blade (the blade that comes in your machine)
- Cricut Cardstock
- Glue/adhesive to assemble your project (optional)
- Cricut pens or markers (optional)
- Cricut Foil Transfer Tool (optional)
*Machine mats
- Use LightGrip mats with paper or light cardstock, such as Cricut Value Cardstock
- Use StandardGrip mats with medium cardstock
- Use StrongGrip mats with heavy cardstock or glitter cardstock. (StrongGrip Mats available for Cricut Explore machines, Cricut Maker machines, and Cricut Venture. Mats for Cricut Joy machines are LightGrip and StandardGrip only).
- For more info on cutting mats, see: Which mats can I use with my Cricut machine?
Important: Do not use transfer tape with Cardstock.
Design and Cut
- Select and size your design in Design Space. Then, select Make.
- Select your material load style – choose Without Mat for Cricut Smart Materials; for all other materials select On Mat, then confirm your mat size if prompted.
- Select your specific kind of cardstock from the list of materials.
- Place cardstock onto mat.
- Load mat into the machine.
- Press ‘Go’.
- Remove cut design from mat and add to your project.
- For multi-color cardstock projects, repeat steps 2-7.
Tips
- Results may vary, so we recommend doing a test cut to verify your selected setting is right for your specific material. If cardstock did not cut all the way through, or the cut was too deep, try using the More or Less settings in the pressure dropdown on the Make It page.
- To prevent curling when removing material from the mat after cutting, flip mat over and peel it away from cardstock, rather than peeling cardstock away from the mat.
- Create clean creases for easy folding with Cricut Scoring Tools. For information on scoring tools compatible with your machine, visit: All About Cricut Blades and Machine Tools.
- Create dimension for your projects by layering patterns and prints!
FAQ
What’s the difference between cardstock and paper?
Papers and cardstocks are categorized by the weight of the paper. Weight is measured by pounds per 500 sheets in the US (lbs), or by how many grams per square meter internationally (gsm). The higher the number the thicker and heavier the paper or cardstock.
- Up to 50 lb (120 gsm) - this is considered paper
- Stock heavier than 50 lb (120 gsm) is considered cardstock
- Light Cardstock – 65 lb (176 gsm)
- Medium Cardstock – 80 lb (216 gsm)
- Heavy Cardstock – 100 lb (270 gsm)
How does Cricut Value Cardstock differ from regular Cricut Cardstock?
Cricut Value Cardstock differs from regular Cricut Cardstock in the following ways:
- It comes 8.5 in x 11 in (22 cm x 28 cm)
- It has a smooth finish (other Cricut Cardstock has a textured finish)
- It is lightweight cardstock (other Cricut Cardstock is medium weight)
However, it does still have a solid core (color goes all the way through vs. having a white core).
What’s the difference between textured and smooth material?
A textured material has a surface pattern that one can both see and feel, but both textured and smooth materials work well with Cricut cutting machines. Some things to be aware of when using a textured material vs. smooth:
- Texture / smoothness may play a role in writability. Different pen types perform differently with variations in texture. Rollerball pens, like gel pens, need friction to help the ball roll and may not perform as well on smooth paper. Textures, however, may require more ink flow to create a consistent line on the rougher surface.
- Most Cricut cardstocks have light texture.
- If you are looking for a smooth product, try Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock or Cutaway Cards.
Which mat should I use with each type of cardstock?
Generally, thinner more delicate paper should use a LightGrip mat, but a sturdy cardstock can use a StandardGrip. If you use a mat with an adhesive too strong for your material, the paper can curl or tear when removing. A mat with an adhesive too light for your material can cause it to lift and tear during cutting. For information on which mat to use for different materials, visit Which mats can I use with my Cricut machine?
- LightGrip Mat (blue): for lightweight materials like standard paper, light cardstock (like Cricut Value Cardstock), and vellum; (e.g. cardstock 65 lb / 176 gsm)
- StandardGrip (green): for medium-weight materials like medium cardstock, iron-on, and vinyl; (e.g. cardstock 80 lb / 216 gsm)
- StrongGrip (purple): for heavy materials like specialty cardstock, matboard, backed fabric (e.g. cardstock 100 lb/ 270 gsm)
Can I use the Cricut Foil Transfer Tool on Cardstock?
Yes. For a list of materials compatible with the Cricut Foil Transfer Tool see Cricut Foil Transfer Tool Suggested Materials.
Additional Resources
- Take a free online course on paper at Introduction to Cricut Paper
- Official Cricut YouTube videos on Cardstock and related projects can be found here. https://www.youtube.com/@Cricut/search?query=cardstock
- Download this Cricut Materials Cheatsheet for Beginners