Paper 101 - Die Cutting

The following information is meant to provide additional tips for die-cutting our cardstock. It is not meant to instruct on how to use a die-cutting machine or accessories. Please consult your machine manufacturer instructions for further information.

When it comes to die cutting, all it takes are the right settings to create beautiful designs. Almost every paper Cardstock Warehouse™ sells is die cut machine compatible and, when using the right settings, will produce crisp, clean cuts like the ones below. (Non-compatible papers are labeled on their individual product page.)

MATS AND BLADES

Regardless of the electronic machine you are cutting on, you'll. need to make sure your blade is sharp and your mats are sticky. The quality of your blade and mat is very important!

Sharp blades ensure your blade doesn't snag on the paper while it cuts. We do NOT recommend using generic blades. We have done extensive testing and found them to not deliver quality cuts, even when they are brand new. The best blades for your machine are the ones from the manufacturer of your machine.

Sticky mats ensure that your paper stays put on the mat. If the paper wiggles on the mat, you will get snags and fraying around your die cuts.

CUT SETTINGS

Every electronic die cutting machine is different, even within the same brand. To figure out the optimal setting for your machine, you may have to test your settings. We recommend testing with a small die cut in the corner of your paper before embarking on a large cutting journey.

Here are some tips for finding the right cut settings:

Look for the weight of the cardstock you are using in the cut settings of your machine. This is a good starting point for your testing.
Use the double-cut feature on your machine (where it cuts two passes instead of one) on thicker papers to get a clean cut. We do NOT recommend trying to cut papers that are greater than an 80 lb. basis weight in only one pass. The double-cut features will ensure the paper cuts all the way through, assuming your blade is sharp and your mat is sticky.
When cutting intricate cuts, we recommend using the "Intricate Cut" setting on your machine if it has one. This setting will use less pressure and will cut twice. Keep in mind that there will be limitations as to how intricate a cut you can make with certain papers and we recommend testing before committing to your paper choice.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Regardless of what machine you have, sometimes issues arise. Here are some tips for making sure you get the best cuts possible!

DO NOT use generic blades, especially those from Amazon. We have done extensive testing and found them to not deliver quality cuts, even when they are brand new. The best blades for your machine are the ones from the manufacturer of your machine.
Make sure your mat is sticky enough to hold the paper in place. If your paper is wiggling on the mat, it will not cut cleanly. We recommend the standard grip mat for all of our papers.
Make sure you are using the double-cut or multi-cut 2x (Cricut Maker) setting for ALL papers greater than 80 lb. For intricate cuts, the Intricate Cut setting is recommended by Cricut. These settings will cut each line twice. We do not recommend cutting papers greater than 80 lb. in just one pass.
If the paper is not cutting all the way through, increase the pressure, or install a new blade. You will be amazed at the difference a new blade makes. The two die cuts below were done on the same setting, but the one on the right was cut with a new blade.

If your paper is tearing when you cut, your pressure may be too high, or your speed could be too fast. Adjust one variable at a time and try again. The photo below shows a cut with the incorrect pressure on the left, and the correct pressure on the right.

If you are still having trouble, contact the maker of your machine. All Cardstock Warehouse™ papers have been extensively tested to ensure they cut cleanly in properly functioning machines, unless otherwise noted in the product listing.