Top 10 Tips for Working with Cardstock

When it comes to crafting with cardstock, getting clean, precise cuts is essential. As an expert cardstock crafter and owner of a high-quality plain and glitter cardstock company, Ashlee Falco has learned the best techniques to achieve perfect cuts every time and she is sharing her knowledge with us. Whether you’re new to paper crafting or looking to refine your skills, these ten tips for working with cardstock will help you create flawless designs effortlessly.

These Cricut cardstock tips are perfect for beginners and seasoned paper crafters alike. Once you know these cardstock hacks, it will make working with paper so much easier and you’ll be able to avoid waste and make many more beautiful paper crafts.

Top 10 Tips for Working with Cardstock

Disclosure: Some of the links below are paid links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase

woman's hands holding up a design made of cardstock with a pop art flower and star with a pink piece of cardstock in the background

1. Avoid Textured Cardstock

While textured cardstock might seem appealing, it can lead to jagged edges and uneven cuts, especially with intricate designs. The added fibers make it difficult for Cricut blades to cut smoothly. If you want crisp and clean cuts, always opt for flat, smooth cardstock. If you’re cutting larger shapes like circles or banners, textured cardstock can still work and this is the perfect place to add them into your craft project.

a ballerina cut from gold metallic cardstock being held in a woman's hand with a pink piece of cardstock in the background

2. Choose High-Quality Cardstock

Not all cardstock is created equal. If you’re struggling with poor cuts, the problem might be the cardstock itself. I always advise against using cardstock from Hobby Lobby, as it tends to cause cutting issues. Instead, opt for high-quality cardstock from Celebration Warehouse or, as a second-best option, Michael’s.

three sheets of glitter cardstock - black, gold, and sky blue

3. Use Glitter Cardstock That Doesn’t Shed

Glitter cardstock adds a beautiful touch to any project, but if it sheds, it can create a mess and interfere with your cuts. Low-quality glitter cardstock leaves residue on your hands and cutting mat. Instead, choose a shed-free glitter cardstock that maintains its sparkle without the mess.

sheets of specialty cardstock - mirror gold and rainbow colored holographic

4. Opt for High-Quality Specialty Papers

Specialty papers like holographic, mirror silver, and mirror gold cardstock can elevate your projects, but quality matters. Inferior specialty cardstock, especially those with craft backing, may not cut through cleanly and can ripple when glued. Look for white-backed specialty cardstock to ensure crisp cuts and smooth application.

red baseball cap made of cardstock and a 3-d letter A with flowers on it made of cardstock

woman's finger pointing at a small torn piece of brown cardstock showing the white interiori

5. Choose Solid Core Over White Core Cardstock

White core cardstock can create unwanted white edges in your designs, disrupting the overall look. Solid core cardstock, where the color runs through the entire sheet, ensures that your cuts maintain a consistent color from every angle. This is particularly important for detailed projects like paper flowers.

piece of gray cardstock on a green cutting mat

6. Secure Your Cardstock to the Mat

A well-adhered cardstock sheet makes a significant difference in the quality of your cuts. Use a brayer to press the cardstock firmly onto the cutting mat. If you’re using heavier or double-sided glitter cardstock, secure the corners with painter’s tape or washi tape to prevent slipping.

woman standing beside a Cricut machine touching the start button. There is a green mat with gray cardstock on it in the machine.

7. Recut Instead of Ejecting

If your machine doesn’t cut through the cardstock on the first pass, don’t eject the mat. Instead, press the play button on your Cricut machine to repeat the same cut. This will ensure the blade goes over the design again, making a clean cut without misalignment.

a woman's hands peeling a green cutting mat away from some gray cardstock

gray cardstock with an oval cut out of it

8. Roll the Mat Instead of Lifting the Paper

Removing cardstock improperly from the mat can cause unwanted curling. Instead of peeling your paper off, flip the cutting mat over and gently roll it away from the cardstock. This technique helps maintain the integrity of your cuts and keeps your cardstock flat.

two green cutting mats with a woman's hands using a scraper tool to clean one of them

9. Keep Your Cutting Mat Clean

A dirty cutting mat can lead to inaccurate cuts. Regularly clean your mat using a Cricut spatula to remove excess paper bits or a scraper tool to clear away debris. A clean mat ensures your cardstock sticks properly, reducing the chance of misaligned cuts.

10. Experiment and Have Fun!

Crafting is all about learning and improving. If you have any additional tips that help you achieve perfect cardstock cuts, share them in the comments! Let’s create a space where we can all craft beautiful projects with ease.

By following these ten tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering cardstock crafting and achieving perfect cuts every time. Happy crafting!

Top 10 Tips for Working with Cardstock

Looking for more ideas? Check out these fantastic paper craft tips and tricks too!