Let me guess, you have a Cricut now, which is super exciting! But, there are so many accessory options and you have so many questions before you can even get started crafting. Today I will teach you everything you need to know about what Cricut mat to use, with which material, and how to clean your mats! Be sure to stick around to the end, because there is a freebie you will not want to miss!!
As of now, there are 4 different colored Cricut mats to use with a variety of materials. There are also various sizes, which make it a little easier when working on different sized projects.
When you first open your mats they are super crisp and you can really tell the difference in tack (how sticky the mat is). However, they do get dirty and after that, they will need to be cleaned and possibly made sticky again. This can happen! So don’t throw away your mat even if you feel like it has lost its stickiness.
Why do you need to use a Cricut Mat?
The Cricut mats are designed to hold the material still while it is being cut. No matter what you are cutting a mat MUST be used. So be sure you pick some up, or you will not be able to do ANYTHING!
Update: I have seen some info floating around about people not using mats, I don’t really recommend this, it was a nightmare for me!
Cricut Mat Sizes
- 12×12-This is the standard size. If you buy a sheet of vinyl typically it is 12×12. Scrapbook paper pads are also this same size.
- 12×24-This mat is an extension of the standard mat. It is best used with larger projects and if you are using vinyl on a roll. Also, if you use the link, you will get one of each kind! Win, Win!!
- 6×12-Here is the mini size. I like using this one mainly when working with scrap pieces of vinyl or when making cards.
The Green Cricut Mat (Standard)
This mat will be used for standard weighted materials. Meaning the majority of your projects will be completed on this mat. You may be wondering exactly which ones. Below are the materials that Cricut recommends using the green mat for.
Materials that should be used on the standard mat:
- Regular cardstock (I consider regular 65lb, most of the time the package has it written on there)
- Pattern paper
- Embossed cardstock
- Iron on vinyl (HTV)
- Adhesive vinyl (631, 651, 751, 951)
Related: Need to purchase 651 vinyl? Here is the perfect starter pack! And it is also my FAV brand!
Oh, you need to make a shirt? No worries, use Siser HTV for that! Don’t forget to check out this post if you are unsure how to use 651 vinyl or this post for HTV. Psssttt…just so you know there’s a free download! 🙂
The Blue Cricut Mat (Lightweight)
You will notice that this one is not as sticky even when it is fresh and clean. This mat will be used for thinner materials.
Materials that should be used on the lightweight mat:
- Printer paper
- Thin cardstock
- Vellum
- Construction paper
- Vinyl (stencil) (831)
The Purple Cricut Mat (Heavyweight)
I didn’t even purchase one of these until I started my wedding crafts, but I definitely should have! This is awesome to have especially for heavier materials. I even had some cardstock that I used on this one which cut perfectly.
Materials that should be used on the heavyweight mat:
- Thick cardstock (110 lb+)
- Chipboard
- Glitter cardstock
- Magnet material
- Poster board
- Fabric
The Pink Cricut Mat (Fabric Grip Mat)
The pink mat is primarily intended for fabrics. Therefore, this is relatively exclusive for the Cricut Maker that recently made its debut. However, the Explore Air 2 can cut bonded fabrics as well; just not the variety like the maker.
TIPS:
- Know that sometimes with the cardstock or 651 vinyl that has a paper backing, the green mat can be super sticky, even if you pull the mat away from the material. What I do, is stick the mat to my hand or shirt a few times, this will make it a little less sticky.
- After you use the mats to the point where they need to be cleaned, using a certain mat for different materials isn’t as necessary.
Why do I need to clean my Cricut mats?
After using multiple times or if you leave the protective sheet off, your mat will need to be cleaned because of the debris that sticks. Also, cutting glitter cardstock makes a real mess. If the mat is too dirty it causes the Cricut machine to not cut as well, bumps in materials (especially vinyl) and results in a damaged project.
How do I get my Cricut Mat sticky again?
Recently, I saw Cricut came out with some new mats (the ones without the flowers on it). I have not had a problem with mine not being sticky after I cleaned them. But, I have heard from others that they have.
So, if you have cleaned them and they aren’t sticky anymore that’s okay! I have used this and this to retack my mats. They are both awesome products!
NOTE: Try to not get it on the edges of the mats, sometimes this will make the Cricut rollers sticky.
Below is a FREE cheat sheet along with a FULL guide available for download. This will give you all the info above as a visual. AND as a BONUS, I have included the information you need to know about cleaning them to keep them fresh and a few little tricks that I do!
Where is the best place to buy a Cricut Mat?
So seriously I always look for a deal, let me take that back…a steal! Unless I am super rushed. So the cheapest place most of the time will be Amazon. This is great if you don’t need them right away.
However, I am a frequent flyer at Michaels, A.C. Moore, and Joanns. So sometimes they have sales that are usually 40% off one Cricut item, or Buy 1 and get 1 50% off, which is great if you need multiple items. Don’t forget you will need a coupon or coupon code if shopping online to qualify.
Lastly, you can always go through the Cricut website. Did you know if you are signed up for Cricut Access that you get discounts? Yesssss. All you have to do is go to your account and see what subscription you have and it will tell you what discount you qualify for!!
Also, if you sign up for my newsletter here, I will personally email you when there is a sale at any of the places above!! Talk about WINNING!
Do you have any secrets you would like to share? Comment below if you have thought of something that I haven’t!