One of the essential parts of using a Cricut machine is understanding what Cricut mats are good for the project you are working on. Once you start using the Cricut machine, you will probably get used to each of the Cricut mats. Whether you are utilizing the Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air, Cricut mats are the same. Also, they are also used for the same materials for the machines.
Learn everything that you must know about Cricut mats with this complete beginner guide. In this complete blog, we are covering all the basics about Cricut mats, including their different types and sizes. By the end of this blog, you will better understand how to use circuit mats and learn which mat to use with which material?
What Are Cricut Mats?
Firstly, let’s talk about what exactly Cricut mats are? A Cricut mat is a reusable and flexible cutting mat that you can use with your Cricut machine in order to cut projects. Each mat has a sticky area that carefully holds your material in place throughout the cutting process. And when the cutting process is done, it is generally very easy to remove the cut material from the mat. Also, it stores it away for your next project. Cricut mats come in several sizes and different types, so you can always find the perfect mat in order to create different Cricut crafts.
Different Types of Cricut Mats
While shopping for Cricut mats, you have probably noticed that they have come in a variety of colors and sizes. It is a bit tough to understand which mat you should use for your particular machine and materials – So let’s just break down the differences.
4 Mat Colors
Cricut mats are available in four different grip strengths. And, you must know that each type is defined by its own color. Each of the four Cricut mats contains a different amount of “grip” that has been designed to perform perfectly with a different category of materials. Let’s acknowledge all the four colors of Cricut mats:
- Light Grip Mat – Blue: The blue LightGrip mat has a gentle adhesive that is particularly designed to work well with lightweight materials. I suggest using the LightGrip mat for standard paper, scrapbook paper, sticker paper, light cardstock, vellum, and even thin vinyl.
- StandardGrip Mat – Green: The green StandardGrip Cricut mats have a medium-strength adhesive that is designed for materials such as medium-weight, adhesive vinyl, heavy cardstock, iron-on vinyl (HTV), and stencil vinyl.
- StrongGrip Mat – Purple: The purple StrongGrip Cricut mats are one of the strongest levels of adhesive that is designed to use with heavyweight materials such as glitter cardstock, chipboard, magnet sheets, and posters board, balsa wood, and leather.
- FabricGrip Mat – Pink: The pink FabricGrip mat is one of the newest mats with a special adhesive designed for fabric. It is best to use with the Cricut Maker and the rotary blade in order to cut unbounded fabric for quilting or sewing projects.
Tips To Use Your Cricut Mats
When you are working with Cricut mats, you should be aware of all the below-mentioned tips while using it:
When Cricut Mats Are Too Sticky
When you first use your Cricut mat, you might find it too sticky and cause you to rip paper or sang materials. To resolve it, simply grab your Cricut mat and place the sticky side up against your shirt or plants. And now, the surface would be less stick.
When The Cricut Mat Is Not Sticky Enough
Suppose your Cricut mat is getting so that nothing is sticking, and materials are moving during the cutting process. You need to clean your mat as soon as possible. For that, grab a few neutral baby wipes, then gently wipe them out in a circular motion. The gunk should start to come off. Now. Now your mat before using it again.
Keep Your Mats Always Covered
Every cutting machine comes with a clear plastic sheet. After each use, you have to place the sheet back on the mat. This will keep your mat clean. Also, it keeps anything you store it with from sticking to it.
Don’t Forget To Tape Heavy Materials Down.
You should know that heavy materials must be taped down like woods and leathers. This just keeps your project from moving in the cutting process. Especially if your Cricut mat is not as sticky anymore, you can use painter’s tape or washi tape to do this.
Appropriately Remove Mat From Projects
There is another way to make sure that your project looks great and your mat stays clean. And this is peeling your mat away from your project.
What Size Of Cricut Mats Should You Buy?
The Cricut mats come in tons of different sizes so that they can fit the different Cricut machine models.
The Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore series machines are consistent with two sizes of cutting Cricut mats. And these are:
- 12″ x 12″ mat, with a max cut area of 11.5″ x 11.5″
- 12″ x 24″ mat, with a max cut area of 11.5″ x 23.5″
The Cricut Joy is consistent with two sizes of Cricut mats. And these are:
- 4.5″ x 6.5″ mat, with a max cut area of 4″ x 6″
- 4.5″ x 12″ mat, with a max cut area of 4″ x 11.5″
