If you just got your Cricut machine, cardstock projects are the simplest way to test it out and introduce yourself to what it can do. Plus, cardstock projects are versatile, inexpensive, and so much fun.
You can create anything from cards and tags for gifts and handicrafts, to more complex things like 3D flowers and miniature houses. As you marvel at what you could create, you also need to have the right cardstock for the Cricut.
Anyone with a stash of cardstock already might be wondering if you can use any cardstock in a Cricut machine? You can use any cardstock in a Cricut machine, alright. But the results will vary greatly in terms of the cleanliness of the cut.
Nobody likes to deal with nicks, tears, incomplete cuts, and retracting layers at the edges. But most times, that is what you get for using just any cardstock. For your peace of mind, opt for the best cardstock for Cricut.
So what is the best cardstock for Cricut? The best cardstock for Cricut is heavier weight (around 80lb). It should be made with high-quality, long fibers that are tightly packed. Other factors, such as color, texture, and core type (solid/white) are a matter of preference.
Do not worry if you are clueless about which one that is. This article will guide you through the factors to consider when choosing cardstock for Cricut. We also recommend the best cardstock products for your Cricut.
Cardstock For Cricut – What to Look For
So broad is the variety of cardstock brands, overwhelming would be an understatement. It will take you a significant amount of time to experiment before identifying what works for which projects.
Notwithstanding, the following factors can help you narrow down your options:
Weight
If you’ve never purchased cardstock or any other specialty paper before, you should know it is sold in different weights. This describes the relative thickness of the material.
Cardstock weight ranges between 65 lb and 110 lb, with the latter being the heaviest and thickest. 80 lb weight makes the best cardstock for Cricut. It has the perfect thickness, being neither too thick nor too thin for most projects.
The Cricut-brand cardstock itself is 80 lb, a clear indication by the makers of the machine that that is the ideal cardstock weight. At this weight, the Cricut produces clean, effortless cuts devoid of issues. It is a versatile weight for many projects too.
Anything lower can be a little too thin, and anything higher than 100 lb is often too thick for most projects (although any cardstock is probably okay in your Cricut machine).
Notwithstanding, all weights are suitable for something. 65 lb cardstock, for example, is equally popular for decorations and scrapbooking, but because it is a thinner version cannot produce sturdy kinds of crafts. Still, it cuts perfectly with a Cricut.
Finish
Cardstocks can be smooth or textured, and the best choice here is purely preference-based.
That said, there’s a couple of caveats to note with textured cardstock. If you plan on writing with your Cricut pen on the rough side, you are unlikely to flow uninterrupted. The pen tends to skip with textured paper but writes in a smooth flow with non-textured cardstock.
Another problem is the peeling of layers at the edges, especially with finer cuts. This happens when the textured layer is a plasticized coating applied to the top.
You will also face a similar challenge with smooth cardstocks that have a glossy top layer made this way. Any textured or smooth finish should be part of the fibers and not a separate film layered on top.
Core
When buying cardstock for Cricut, you have an option between a white core and solid core. Neither is superior to the other in quality, and the actual difference is the color of the middle section.
White core cardstock has color at the top and bottom surface but an undyed white middle. This white core is usually exposed at the edges when the cardstock is cut. Solid core cardstock is colored to the core, which means it is the same color entirely.
A lot of people find it undesirable when the white core shows in their crafts. Also, any minor nick or imperfection in a cut appears pronounced in a white core cardstock.
On the contrary, everything blends in seamlessly with a solid core cardstock and minor imperfection are not so noticeable.
Fiber Quality
The fiber quality of cardstock has a direct impact on how it cuts in a Cricut machine. Cardstock made with shorter and weaker fibers tends not to cut all the way through and tears off the sticky mat. Opt for high-quality cardstock with long fine fibers tightly packed for a crisp, clean cut.
Color
The color you choose is based on your taste and the kind of project you want to do or maybe the theme. We leave that up to you.
An important consideration is to check whether the color is on both sides or one side of the sheet and choose appropriately as per your preferences.
The 5 Best Cardstock For Cricut
There’s a sea of cardstock in the market but only a few seriously good brands. Well, we already scoured the web and consulted the experts to find out which brands make the best cardstock for Cricut.
Check them out:
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | American Crafts AC Cardstock | White, 80 lb, textured, 60 sheets, 12x12" |
| 2. | American Crafts AC Cardstock Pad | Asst. colors, 80 lb, smooth, 48 sheets, 12x12" |
| 3. | DCWV Double-Sided Cardstock Stack | Asst. colors, 65 lb, textured, 58 sheets, 12x12" |
| 4. | Best Paper Greetings Glitter Cardstock Paper | Gold, textured, 24 sheets, 8x12" |
| 5. | Recollections Cardstock Paper | Asst. colors, 65 lb, light texture, 200 sheets, 8.5x11" |
Below are our reviews for the top five, so keep reading for more on the best cricut brands.
1. American Crafts AC Cardstock
American Crafts cardstock is hands down the best cardstock for Cricut. The quality is unmatched, and the paper cuts brilliantly.
There are 60 12 by 12-inch sheets, which are ample to get you started. Each sheet is a bright, elegant white color. Both sides of the paper have a little bit of texture though it is slightly smoother on one side than the other.
The 80 lb cover cardstock is thick enough for a multitude of projects and performs exceptionally well with intricate details. You’ll love that this cardstock is acid-free, so the archival needs for your treasured crafts are guaranteed.
American Crafts cardstock is the real deal if you are looking for high-quality cardstock for a hassle-free time and tremendous results. You get what you pay for.
2. American Crafts AC Cardstock Pad
Want to work with something more flamboyant? Why not try the multicolored cardstock pad from American Crafts.
The paper is of the same premium quality and cuts like butter. You can only expect clean, precise cuts with your Cricut.
You get 48 sheets measuring 12 by 12 inches 80 lb smooth cardstock in a pad. The sheets are in 12 gorgeous colors, which is approximately three sheets for every color.
The most fantastic feature about this cardstock is that it is colored on both sides with a solid core. That means there will be no contrasting white showing up on the edges of your cuts. These are also acid-free and therefore archival. The pages won’t yellow and dull with time and your crafts will be preserved.
If you are after great value, this is the pad to buy. It is premium quality paper, solid core, and archival. Nearly every customer agrees it is unbelievably good, and you won’t regret it.
3. DCWV Double-Sided Cardstock Stack
Another brand to make the list is Die Cut With a View. It has more sheets and color tones to offer than its predecessor.
There are 58 textured sheets measuring 12 by 12 inches. Though the weight is not indicated, it is thicker than copy paper or 65 lb cardstock which is a nice stiffness for versatile crafting and ideal for Cricut cutting.
The cardstock comes in 20 happy colors, dyed on both sides though one side is a lighter shade of the other. Unfortunately, this cardstock is a white core.
Notwithstanding, the quality is amazing, and it cuts like a dream with a Cricut. Large and medium cuts are flawless, while the intricacies are okay. It is acid-free and of archival quality.
4. Best Paper Greetings Glitter Cardstock Paper
If you’d like a superior quality cardstock with pizzazz, you might want to check this one out. It is a shimmery option, except that it does not leave a ton of glitter flake trails everywhere.
It is a beautiful champagne gold color and glitters on both sides.
A pack has 24 sheets measuring 8 by 12-inches. Unlike other flimsy glitter paper, this is stiffer for studier crafts. It is perfect for festive and party decoration as well as cards and gift boxes.
This cardstock goes through the Cricut with relative ease. You’ll only need a strong grip Cricut mat or alternatively tape it down at the edges to stop it from repositioning.
It cuts effortlessly without fraying, and the outlines turn out impeccable.
5. Recollections Cardstock Paper
Last but not least is Recollections cardstock. The 65 lb weight sheets are popular too for a lot of crafts and make the best cardstock for Cricut.
Just be sure to use a light tack mat to prevent tearing. Also, remember to adjust the settings to thin cardstock as this is 65 lb and therefore not as sturdy as 80 lb.
You should prepare for many hours of crafting because you get 200 sheets with this purchase. That is enough bulk paper to try out different things with your Cricut.
That said, cutting this paper with a Cricut is a breeze. Its pristine quality produces the finest cuts even for intricate patterns. What’s more, it is a solid core cardstock, so no unsightly white edges. The color goes all through and on double sides.
There is a mix of 25 colors, and you get 8 sheets of the same color. The dyes are as vivid as illustrated. The cardstock surface is smooth and matte.
Up Next: The Best Stencil Material For Cricut
