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Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Chris Butler
Cardstock is a fun craft material that can be used for a wide range of paper projects, including those made with a Cricut machine. I’m continuously blown away by what you can make with a few sheets of paper!
However, not all cardstock is created equal, and choosing the best cardstock for your Cricut projects can be a daunting task. No worries, I’m here to help! We’ll look at the different types of cardstock available, how to choose the best cardstock for your project, and my top picks for the best cardstock for Cricut.
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Key Takeaways
- Understanding cardstock weights and types is essential when choosing the right cardstock for your Cricut projects.
- When choosing cardstock for your Cricut projects, consider the weight, type, color, and intricacy of the design.
- Properly maintaining your Cricut machine is key to ensuring optimal cutting performance.
Understanding Cardstock Weights and Types
First thing Cardstock comes in a variety of weights, ranging from lightweight to heavyweight. The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds and is indicated by a number. The higher the number, the thicker and heavier the cardstock. Cardstock also comes in various types, including smooth, textured, glitter, and metallic. Each type has its own unique properties and is best suited for different types of projects.
So the weight and type of the cardstock, plays a part in getting a clean cut for your cardstock projects as well as the intricacy of the design you plan to cut.
Paper Weight Explained
Cardstock weight is measured in pounds (lb) and refers to the weight of 500 sheets of uncut paper. The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the cardstock will be. The most common cardstock weights for Cricut projects are 65 lb, 80 lb, 100 lb, and 110 lb.
The thicker the cardstock, of course, the sturdier it will be, but heavier cardstock is also harder to work with when making things like paper flowers that you want to curl and bend.
95% of the time you want to look for cardstock that is 65-80lb. I find 65 lb perfect for projects like paper flowers and 80lb is sturdy enough for most layered projects. There are some layered projects in which thicker materials, like 100-110lb, will be best. Most SVG designers will tell you what paper weight will work best for that craft. Listen to them.
Additionally, some brands may measure cardstock weight by point or GSM (grams per square meter) instead of pounds. To convert to pounds multiply the GSM by .369 and that will give you a good idea. So 175 GSM x .369 = 64.5 or 65 lb cardstock.
Types of Cardstock for Cricut
There are many different types of cardstock available for Cricut projects. Each one serves its own purpose. Here are some of the most common types of cardstock and their uses:
- Smooth Cardstock: This is the most common type of cardstock and is perfect for a wide range of projects. It has a smooth surface that is easy to write on with Cricut Pens and is available in a variety of colors.
- Textured Cardstock: Textured cardstock has a raised surface that adds dimension and interest to your projects. It’s great for creating cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts. I’ve also used Cricut Pens on some general textures without a problem.
- Glitter Cardstock: Glitter cardstock adds a touch of sparkle and glam to your projects. It’s available in various colors and is perfect for creating party decorations, invitations, and more.
- Metallic Cardstock: Metallic cardstock has a shiny, reflective surface that adds a touch of elegance to your projects. It’s great for creating wedding invitations, anniversary cards, and other special occasion projects.
- Patterned Cardstock: Patterned cardstock features a variety of designs and is perfect for creating scrapbook pages, cards, and other paper crafts. It’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
You’ll want to make sure the smooth and textured cardstock has a solid core. This means when you cut into the cardstock, the edges will be the same color. Most Glitter, metallics, and patterns are white-core cardstock. Which means when they are cut, they will have white edges.
Top Picks for Cardstock to Use with Cricut
When finding the best cardstock for Cricut projects, you want something sturdy, easy to work with, and one that will give you clean cuts. I’ve researched and tested a few brands to bring you my top picks for Cricut cardstock.
Best Overall Cardstock
My top pick for the best overall cardstock for Cricut is the American Crafts Precision Cardstock. This cardstock is high-quality, sturdy, and comes in a wide range of colors. It is perfect for a variety of Cricut projects, from greeting cards to 3D crafts.
It’s a great solid core cardstock in smooth or textured finishes and is made specifically for cutting machines. American Crafts Cardstock also carries a wide variety of patterned, glitter, metalics and shimmers.
The best part is the cardboard container it comes in. You can slide it right onto your bookshelf for easy storage.
Best Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, I recommend Recollections Cardstock Paper. This cardstock is affordable but still high-quality and perfect for most Cricut projects. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes, including foils, metalics and glitter so you can find the perfect option for your project.
It’s 65lb weight is also a great choice for making paper flowers and leaves.
Best for Intricate Designs
If you’re working on a project with intricate designs or small details, a high quality paper will make all the difference and give you better results. I recommend Bazzill Cardstock for intricate cuts, their textured cardstock works well too.
This cardstock is ultra-smooth and perfect for intricate cuts. It comes in various colors so that you can find the perfect option for your project. You can also buy Bazzill by the sheet or small packs where with Precision you have to buy the whole pack.
Overall, these top picks for cardstock are all great options, no matter your budget, that will help you create beautiful and long-lasting projects with your Cricut machine.
Tips for Cutting Cardstock on Cricut
Cutting cardstock with Cricut is fairly simple. Cardstock can be cut with the fine point blade so it can be done on any Cricut machine. The three most important aspects of cutting cardstock on Cricut are the blade, mat preparation, and cut settings.
Blade Maintenance
One of the most important things for getting a clean and precise cut on cardstock is blade maintenance. A dull or dirty blade can cause tearing, jagged edges, and other issues. It is important to regularly check your blade, especially after cutting vinyl or glitter.
To clean your Cricut blades, pull it from the housing and use a ball of foil to remove debris. If your fine-point blade is dull or damaged, replace it with a new one. Check this tutorial on how to clean your blade or replace it if needed.
Mat Prep
Your Cricut mat is also essential for successful cardstock cutting. Make sure your cutting mat is clean and free of debris before starting your project. Use a scraper tool or even a lint roller to remove any dust or debris from the mat. Make sure you put the clear sheet back on your mat to keep it clean when not in use.
When placing your cardstock on the mat, make sure it is straight and aligned with the grid lines. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles to ensure a secure grip on the mat.
If your mat is not sticky enough your paper will slide around and tear. If your mat is too sticky, it will be hard to remove the paper when it’s done cutting. Learn all about Cricut Mats and the best ones to use here.
I generally use a well worn green mat or the blue lightgrip mat when cutting cardstock.
Cut Settings
The final thing you want to check is cut settings. Choosing the right settings can make all the difference in the quality of your cuts. Cricut offers light cardstock for 65 lb and medium cardstock for 80 lb. You can also choose glitter cardstock, metallics poster board, and loads more.
They even have a setting for intricate cuts. I’ve found when cutting cardstock it’s better to increase the cut passes and not the pressure. Increasing the pressure to high results in drags and tears. If the pressure is not enough you’ll get fraying and pieces that don’t cut all the way through. If you need to adjust the settings because your first cut didn’t go as expected it’s best to do a small test cut to make sure everything is good to go.
For more information on manually adjusting Cricut’s settings, see this post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight of cardstock for use with Cricut machines?
The ideal weight for cardstock used with Cricut machines is between 65lb and 80lb. 65lb is best for paper flowers or designs you need to give shape to. 80lb is heavy enough to provide stability and durability to your project, and light enough to be cut easily by the machine.
Which cardstock brands are recommended for Cricut Maker 3 projects?
Some of the most recommended brands include American Crafts, Recollections, and Bazzill. These brands offer a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes that suit different crafting needs.
How does cardstock thickness affect cutting with a Cricut Explore Air 2?
Thicker cardstock requires more pressure and a deeper blade setting to cut properly. If the blade setting is too shallow, it may not cut all the way through the cardstock, and if it’s too deep, it may tear or damage the paper. It’s best to experiment with different blade settings and pressure levels to find the optimal settings for your cardstock. If you set your dial to custom and you can browse the different pre-set blade settings Cricut offers. For super thick cardstock choose the posterboard setting.
What types of cardstock are best suited for intricate Cricut designs?
For intricate Cricut designs, it’s best to use cardstock that has a smooth finish or a consistent texture. Rough or uneven textured cardstock may cause the blade to skip or tear the paper, resulting in an incomplete or damaged design.
Smooth cardstock also allows for crisp and clean cuts, making it ideal for intricate designs. That said Americal Crafts Precision and Bazzill Cardstock textures both do well for intricate cuts.
What GSM cardstock provides the best results for Cricut crafting?
The best GSM cardstock for Cricut crafting depends on the specific project and design requirements. However, most Cricut users prefer cardstock with a GSM between 176 and 216. This weight provides a good balance between thickness and flexibility, allowing for easy cutting and manipulation of the cardstock.
Chris Butler has helped thousands of crafters learn how to use their Cricut machine without feeling overwhelmed. She is a best selling author and an up and coming designer. For fun Chris enjoys designing SVG Files, hanging out with her family (preferably at the lake), traveling, and volunteering at her church. She is a wife and mom of two crazy fun kids.
This was such an informative post. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I especially liked the conversion information.
You’re most welcome Wendy!