Cricut Mat Guide: Which Mat Should You Use
This Cricut mat guide simplifies the different cutting mats for the Cricut. Learn which Cricut mat you should use for different materials.
You might also like this post on the differences between a Silhouette Cameo and a Cricut Maker.
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I love the Cricut, but the mats are a little confusing. No project can be started until I google which mat to use. So I decided to make myself a cheat sheet to print and place with my Cricut Maker.
Be sure to download the Cricut Mat cheat sheet at the bottom of this post!
Cricut Mat Guide
All Cricut mats are available in both 12″ and 24″ lengths. They also come in a smaller size for the Cricut Joy.
You can buy the mats individually or in mat sets. It’s cheaper to buy them in sets!
There are also mats available that fit the Cricut Venture.
Each mat has a different level of adhesive, making it perfect for certain materials. If you’ve ever ruined a paper project with a mat that is too sticky, you will appreciate this!
Standard Grip Mat
The standard grip mat is green.
This is the mat that will be used most often for medium-weight materials such as:
- Heavy cardstock
- Vinyl
- Iron-on vinyl
- Patterned paper
- Embossed cardstock
- Sticker Paper
Light Grip Mat
The light grip mat is light blue.
This mat has a lighter adhesive and is perfect for lighter materials such as:
- Standard paper
- Scrapbook paper (get tips for cutting scrapbook paper here)
- Light cardstock
- Vellum
- Construction paper
- Light vinyl
Heavy Grip Mat
This mat has a heavier adhesive and is used for heavier materials such as:
- Thick cardstock
- Chipboard
- Backed fabric (the fabric used with a stiffener)
- Posterboard
- Leather (read tips for working with leather here)
- Faux leather
- Glitter cardstock
- Magnetic sheet
Fabric Grip Mat
This mat is used for softer materials such as:
- Fabric
- Crepe paper
- Felt
Card Mat
Card mats are available in 2 sizes. The 2 x 2 size is compatible with the Cricut Explore machines and the Cricut Makers.
There is also a size that is compatible with the Cricut Joy.
The Cricut card mat is used for cutting cardstock cards.
Learn more about using the Cricut Card Mat.
Tips for Making Cricut Mats Last Longer
Here are some tips for making your mats last longer.
- Always replace the protective sheet when not in use.
- Use the correct mat for the correct use.
- Designate mats for certain uses. For instance, felt leaves a fuzzy residue behind, so I only use one mat for felt. Fabric is typically cleaner, so it needs a different mat.
- Don’t scrape mats when weeding excess materials.
- Clean mats with baby wipes.
- Mats can still be used when they aren’t sticky. You can use them as light-grip mats, you can use them with washi tape to hold the material in place, or you can use spray adhesive to add a new coat of stickiness. Be sure to use repositionable adhesive.
- If you need more mats, wait for a sale. Cricut always holds sales, and you can buy multiples at a great price. If you have a Cricut Access subscription, they have really good deals.
Cricut Mat Cheatsheet Printable
All downloads are for personal use only. Please do not redistribute or sell files.
Click to download a Cricut mat cheatsheet.
You might also like:
- DIY Leather Keychain
- How to Use a Cricut Easy Press
- Vinyl Types Explained
- Cricut Storage Cart
- Easy DIY Koozies
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Emy is a vintage obsessed mama of 2 DIYer who loves sharing affordable solutions for common home problems. You don’t need a giant budget to create a lovely home. Read more…