The Ultimate Guide to Cricut Cardstock. Choosing the Right One for Your Craft Projects

In this guide, we'll break down the different types of Cricut cardstock, their uses, and expert tips to elevate your craft game.

Crafters and DIY artists know that cardstock is the backbone of any stunning Cricut project. Whether you're creating intricate papercut designs, shadow boxes, or handmade greeting cards, choosing the right type of cardstock is crucial. But with so many options available, how do you pick the perfect one? In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of Cricut cardstock, their uses, and expert tips to elevate your craft game.

Imagine cutting flawless, crisp designs every time. Sounds like magic? Stick with me, and I’ll reveal how to make that happen.

Why Choosing the Right Cardstock Matters

Cardstock determines the durability, cut precision, and final appearance of your craft. The wrong type can cause tearing, weak structures, or dull finishes, while the right one enhances detail and longevity. Understanding cardstock types will save you time, money, and frustration.

Types of Cricut Cardstock & How to Use Them

1. Standard Solid-Core Smooth Cardstock

This cardstock is one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly materials for Cricut projects and a must-have for any crafter. Its smooth surface and consistent thickness make it easy to cut, score, and fold, making it a go-to choice for crafters of all skill levels.

  • Best for: General crafting, card making, scrapbooking, layered designs
  • Weight: 65–80 lb (176–216 gsm)
  • Features: Same color throughout, cuts cleanly, and folds easily
  • Pro Tip: Ideal for layered papercut templates, especially for shadow box designs.

If you’re creating layered designs, use a variety of colors and weights of smooth cardstock to add depth and dimension. For example, pair a lighter weight for intricate top layers with a heavier weight for the base.

2. Textured Cardstock

  • Best for: 3D projects, handmade cards, invitations
  • Weight: 80–110 lb (216–300 gsm)
  • Features: Subtle texture adds depth and luxury
  • Pro Tip: Use textured cardstock for shadow box backdrops to create a dimensional effect.

Textured cardstock shines in projects with larger, simpler shapes where the texture can be appreciated without risking damage. Avoid textured cardstock for highly intricate designs and layered designs with many pieces - smooth cardstock is easier to align and layer precisely.

3. Glitter Cardstock

  • Best for: Decorative accents, party decorations, cake toppers
  • Weight: 100–120 lb (270–325 gsm)
  • Features: Sparkly surface, often coated for durability
  • Pro Tip: The glitter particles can dull your blade faster, making it harder to achieve clean, precise cuts over time.

A StrongGrip Mat will hold the glitter cardstock firmly in place, preventing it from shifting during cutting. This is especially important because the glitter layer can make the paper less adhesive. Glitter can accumulate on your blade and mat, affecting performance. Clean both regularly to maintain clean cuts.

Glitter cardstock can add a dazzling, festive touch to your Cricut projects, but it’s best suited for simpler designs or as an accent. For intricate projects, smooth cardstock is usually the better choice.

4. Foil and Metallic Cardstock

  • Best for: Elegant invitations, gift tags, business cards, festive crafts
  • Weight: 80–120 lb (216–325 gsm)
  • Features: Shiny or reflective surface, adds sophistication
  • Pro Tip: Cheaper versions may have uneven coatings or flake during cutting. Invest in high-quality materials for cleaner, more professional results.

Foil and metallic cardstock work best for projects with bold shapes or moderate details where the shine can stand out without risking damage. The coating can dull your blade faster, making it harder to achieve clean, precise cuts over time.

If you love the look of foil or metallic finishes but need precision, consider pairing these materials with smooth cardstock in your designs. For example, use foil or metallic paper for accents or backgrounds and smooth paper for intricate cutouts.

5. Vellum Cardstock

Vellum is a translucent, delicate paper that adds an elegant, ethereal touch to your projects.

  • Best for: Layered effects, shadow box inserts, elegant overlays
  • Weight: 48–65 lb (176 gsm)
  • Features: Translucent finish, soft and delicate look
  • Pro Tip: Use vellum with LED-lit shadow boxes for a dreamy, glowing effect.

Vellum is delicate, so it requires some special care when cutting. Use light to medium pressure to avoid tearing. Test on a small piece first to find the perfect setting. A StandardGrip or a fresh LightGrip Mat is ideal for vellum because it provides enough adhesion without being too strong. A StrongGrip Mat can make it difficult to remove vellum without tearing.

Avoid vellum cardstock for projects requiring durability (vellum is delicate and not suitable for items that will be handled frequently), for heavy adhesive use - glue and tape can show through vellum, so use adhesive sparingly or opt for hidden attachment methods (e.g., brads, stitching).

Want something rustic? Let’s talk about Kraft cardstock next!

6. Kraft Cardstock

  • Best for: Rustic-style crafts, eco-friendly designs, scrapbooking
  • Weight: 80–100 lb (216–270 gsm)
  • Features: Natural brown tone, thick and sturdy
  • Pro Tip: Perfect for earthy, minimalist designs. Combine with bold, intricate cutouts for contrast.

The edges of kraft cardstock can sometimes fray after cutting. Use a fine-grit sandpaper or an emery board to smooth any rough edges. Kraft cardstock is a durable, eco-friendly material that adds a warm, rustic charm to your Cricut projects. While it’s not ideal for highly intricate designs, it’s perfect for bold shapes, packaging, and projects with a handmade feel.

Now that you know which cardstock works best for different projects, it’s time to bring your designs to life! At MuralMoods Art, we offer meticulously crafted papercut templates designed for Cricut and other cutting machines. Whether you love making shadow boxes, layered paper art, or unique handmade gifts, our SVG designs will help you create effortlessly.

Save this guide for later! Bookmark or pin it to your crafting board to have it handy.


Happy Crafting!