Cricut cutting mat guide

A cricut cutting mat guide! All about the four cutting mats available from the Cricut brand! Here are the differences between the different mats available on Cricut machines. What does the color mean and what are the compatible materials in each one?

It is important to use the correct mat according to the material to avoid failed cuts because if the mat is too sticky it will cut well but when the material is removed from the mat it could tear or even break and be ruined. On the other hand, if the mat is not sticky enough, during the cutting process the material will move across the mat. And as a result, will ruin the material.

Also, remember that a great result from a cutting machine will also depend, firstly, on the type of blade to use HERE is a post explaining all those matters, and secondly on the chosen design, in BgArtDesigner there are several fantastic designs that work perfectly!

First of all, it is important to know that there are two different sizes of cutting mats that are used with the Cricut machines. the 12×12 inch mat and the long version the 12×24 inch mat, the latter works perfectly for making a large project, but also for cutting several pieces of the same project at once and avoiding loading and unloading the 12×12 mat over and over again.

There are currently 4 types of affordable Cricut mats, each with a different level of adhesion:

Light grid mat

The light grid mat is the blue one, this is the least sticky of all the Cricut mats. Above all, this mat works with delicate and light materials. The light grip mat is very useful for cutting many materials such as light cardstock and vellum, super-thin paper or tissue paper, it can also cut other materials such as:

• While printer paper
• Light cardstock
• Washi tape sheets
• Wrapping paper
• Shimmer paper
• Glitter cardstock
• Poster board

Standard grip mat

The Standard grip mat is color green. Certainly, is one of the most popular. It is for medium thickness materials. It is sticky enough to cut things like vinyl, iron-on, and cardboard from 60 to 120 lbs. can also cut:

• Cardstock
• Iron-on vinyl
• Adhesive foil
• Vinyl
• Textured paper
• Sticker paper

Fabric grip mat

The Fabric grip mat is the pink one. Certainly, is perfect to cut all kinds of fabric. To clarify, it only works with the Cricut Maker and the Explore Air 2. This is used to cut leather, faux leather, felt, or cotton.

Strong grip mat

The purple grip mat is the strongest adhesive. Consequently, It works well with heavier materials. To clarify, it is good for cutting glitter HTV, heavy chipboard, and heavy cardboard. When it is slightly worn it is possible to cut fabric on it to replace the fabric grip mat. It also works with materials such as:

• Thick cardstock
• Glitter cardstock
• Magnet material
• Poster board
• Fabric with stiffener
• Corrugated cardboard
• Faux leather
• Basswood

To sum, each Cricut cutting mat has a specific use, as we see in this guide, the decision of which one to use will depend on your needs! Let me know your comments below.