This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of my links I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Last Updated on March 28, 2022 by Chris Butler
Cricut machines are amazing for creating projects with precision and accuracy. But to make sure that each project comes out just the way you want it, it is important to use the correct Cricut cutting mat.
There are several different types of Cricut mats available on the market and they all have one common goal: to provide a stable surface for your machine to cut your materials.
In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between Cricut Cut mats and help you decide what Cricut mat to use for your specific project. First, let’s discuss why you need to use a Cricut cutting mat (or not)
Quick Links to Information in This Post
Do You Have To Use a Cricut Cutting Mat?
The short answer is YES. Cricut is designed to us a cut mat. Cutting mats provide a stable surface for your machine to cut on. This stability is important for ensuring that your cuts are precise and accurate.
The EXCEPTION to this is the Cricut Maker 3, the Explore 3 and the Cricut Joy, provided you ONLY cut smart materials without using a mat.
Basically, Cricuts smart materials have a really stiff backing on them providing the stability that replaces the need for a mat.
Why Does Cricut Have Different Mats?
Cricut has different mats because different materials need their own specific cutting surface. For example, the light grip mat is designed to hold lightweight materials like paper in place while Cricut cuts your design. Meanwhile, a fabric mat is made to grip the fabric so it doesn’t bunch up and ruin your cut.
Cricut Mats also come in different sizes, so let’s take a look at your size options.
What Sizes do Cricut Mats Come in?
Cricut mats come in two main sizes to accommodate different projects for Cricut Explore and Maker Machines. The most popular size is the 12″ x 12″ mat, but Cricut also offers a larger mat size 12″ x 24″ to cut bigger projects.
Cricut Joy uses a different-sized mat that is specifically designed for use with the Cricut Joy machine. The dimensions of the Joy mat are 4.5″ x 6.5″ and 4.5″ x 12″
What is the Green Cricut Cut Mat Used for?
The green Cricut Cut mat is the standard grip mat that is designed for use with the Cricut Explore and Maker machines. This mat is perfect for cutting medium-weight materials like paper, cardstock, washi paper, and vinyl.
The green mat should not be used to cut fabric or other thicker materials like leather or wood.
What is the Blue Cricut Cut Mat Used For?
The blue Cricut Cut mat is the light grip mat. This mat is perfect for cutting delicate materials like vellum, light cardstock, construction paper, and thinner pattern paper.
The blue mat will work in a pinch for thicker items like cardstock and vinyl. But you’ll find the blue cut mat will wear out faster if you continually use these materials.
What is the Purple Cricut Cut Mat Used For?
The purple Cricut Cut mat is the heavy-duty grip mat. This mat is designed for use with heavier materials like leather, glitter cardstock, heavyweight cardstock, acrylic, and wood.
The purple mat will also work for cutting medium materials like regular cardstock and vinyl. Though a new purple mat is super sticky and may tear some of those lighter wight materials when you remove them.
It is also recommended that you use masking tape to tape down the edges of things like acrylic and wood to keep them from slipping.
What is the Pink Cricut Cut Mat Used For?
The pink Cricut Cut mat is the fabric grip mat. This mat is perfect for cutting all types of fabrics. The pink mat has a special surface design that helps to keep your fabric in place while it’s being cut.
You can use the pink fabric grip mat with woven and knit fabrics, as well as fleece.
To cut these different fabric types you will also need to use a Cricut Maker and the rotary cutting tool.
If your fabric is bonded (has a backing) you can use the bonded fabric blade in the Cricut Explore or Maker. And depending on the thickness of the fabric you may even be able to use the standard blade.
How to Place Materials on Your Cut Mat
When you’re ready to cut your project, it’s important to place your material correctly on the mat. Here are a few tips:
Check the orientation in Design Space on the cut mat screen. This is especially important with paper projects, if Cricut assumes your paper is vertical and you place the paper horizontally on your mat it will mess up your cut.
After you have the orientation correct follow these steps:
- Line the corner of your material up with the top left corner of your cut mat
- Smooth down the material from left to right and then top to bottom
- If you have a Brayer tool, use the Brayer over the material to ensure all parts are stuck to the mat
- If you don’t have a Brayer Tool Use your hand to ensure the material is stuck
How to Load Your Cut Mat into Cricut
Once your material is placed correctly on the mat, it’s time to load it into your Cricut machine.
With the top up place the mat under the two guide tabs on wither side of the Cricut Machine.
Hold the mat against the roller bar and press the load mat button (arrow button) on top of your Cricut. The roller bar will begin to move and Cricut will load the mat into your machine.
How to Remove Materials From Your Cut Mat
Once your project is cut, you’ll need to remove it from the mat correctly to prevent tearing or curling of your materials.
To safely remove materials like paper and vinyl flip your mat over and gently peel the mat back from your materials. Hold the material flat against the table with one hand while you continue to peel back the mat.
Some people have complained that this has caused their mat to snap. You certainly don’t want to peel back and curve your mat with a lot of pressure. A slight curve will cause most materials to pop off and allow you to pull the mat off from there
More Cricut Mat FAQs
Are Cricut Cutting Mats Re-Usable?
Cricut cutting mats are designed to be used multiple times. However, over time the stickiness of the mat will start to diminish.
Do Cricut Mats Wear Out?
Yes your Cricut mat will eventually wear out. There are ways you can get more use out of it though like taping any places that break and keeping it properly cleaned.
How Long do Cricut Mats Last?
With proper care Cricut mats can last quite a long time. That said it also depends on your use. A crafter that uses their Cricut every day will need to replace their mat much sooner than someone who is an occasional Cricut user.
What should I do if My Cricut Mat loses its Stick
If your Circut mat loses its stick you can clean it to regain some of its stickiness. It’s recommended to use warm water and dish soap. Use a stiff brush in circular motions to remove debris. Allow the mat to air dry.
In a pinch you can use a tacky spray like Elmers Spray Adhesive. Spray a light coat, let it dry and then place your materials on the mat.
Also materials that have a backing like vinyl can be taped down at the edges. This will hold it in place while Cricut cut the material.
What Mat do I use for Vinyl?
The best cut mat to use for vinyl is the GREEN Standard Grip mat. The blue mat will work also, but you’ll wear your mat out faster if you continue to use it for vinyl.
What is the Strongest Grip Cricut Mat?
The strongest grip Cicut mat is the Purple Strong-Grip Mat.
Can you use Other Mats? Are there Cricut Mat Alternatives?
Yes, there are now aftermarket mats available that will work in Cricut Cutting Machines. Several brands listed here on Amazon have great reviews and will save you several dollars.
Which Cricut Mat to Use for Fabric?
For fabric you will want to use the PINK Fabric Grip cut mat.
What Mats does the Cricut Maker Use?
The Cricut Maker can use the 12 x 12 or the 12x 24 cutting mats in either green, blue, purple or pink. The mat colors are specific to the materials that you will cut with your Cricut.
My Cricut Mat Broke, can I fix it?
You can certainly patch it to get more uses out of it. Flip your mat over and use masking tape over any areas that have cracked or broken.
Now you know everything you need to begin using Cricut Cut mats. From what sizes to get to which color mat to use for your materials. Be sure to check out more Cricut Tutorials Here.
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.
Leave a Reply