Understanding Material Thickness & Weight
Your Cricut can cut materials up to 2.4mm (3/32 inch) thick, but different materials require different blades and techniques. The key is understanding the relationship between weight, thickness, and density.
📌 Key Concept: "Thick cardstock" starts at 65lb. Standard copy paper is 20lb, card stock is 60-110lb, and cardboard/chip board is 100lb+. The higher the number, the thicker and denser the material.
Weight vs. Thickness Guide
| Material | Weight | Thickness (mm) | Category | Blade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardstock (light) | 50-60lb | ~0.15mm | Light | Fine Point |
| Cardstock (medium) | 65-80lb | ~0.18-0.22mm | Thick | Deep Cut / Fine Point+ |
| Cardstock (heavy) | 100-110lb | ~0.27-0.30mm | Very Thick | Deep Cut + 2-3 passes |
| Chipboard (thin) | ~100lb equivalent | ~0.5-0.8mm | Very Thick | Deep Cut + 2-3 passes |
| Chipboard (thick) | ~200lb equivalent | ~1.5mm+ | Heavy Duty | Knife blade (Maker) |
| Balsa wood (1/16") | N/A | ~1.6mm | Heavy Duty | Knife blade (Maker) |
| Balsa wood (3/32") | N/A | ~2.4mm (max) | Heavy Duty | Knife blade (Maker) |
⚠️ Important: Don't force your machine. If material isn't cutting all the way through after 3 passes, it's too thick for your blade. Switch to a more powerful blade (Deep Cut → Knife) instead.
Blade Selection Guide for Thick Materials
Choosing the right blade is the single most important factor for cutting thick materials. The wrong blade = torn material, frustrated cuts, and burned-out motors.
Fine Point Blade (Silver Housing)
Max thickness: ~0.5mm (up to 80lb cardstock)
The standard blade that comes with all machines. Works for regular cardstock up to 80lb, but struggles with heavier stock. Not recommended for materials thicker than 80lb.
Use for: Regular cardstock, 60-80lb. Not for heavy materials. See below for heavier options.
Deep Cut Blade (Black/Purple Housing) ⭐ BEST for thick cardstock
Max thickness: ~1.5mm
The workhorse for heavy materials. 60° angle (vs 45° for Fine Point) gives it more cutting power. Handles 100lb+ cardstock, chipboard, magnet sheets, craft foam, and more.
Use for: Heavy cardstock (100lb+), chipboard, magnet sheets, craft foam, and dense papers. Best blade for most thick cardstock projects.
Works on: All Explore and Maker machines
Knife Blade (Gray Housing) - For Very Thick Materials
Max thickness: 2.4mm (3/32 inch) - Up to 25 passes
A drag blade that works like an X-ACTO knife, making multiple passes to cut through extremely thick materials. For balsa wood, heavy leather, and matboard.
Use for: Balsa wood, tooling leather (2-3oz), matboard, very heavy chipboard. Requires Maker machine only.
⚠️ Important: Tape material down with masking tape. Cuts take 20-30+ minutes. Stay nearby. Not for delicate designs.
🎯 Quick Decision: Which Blade?
- ✅ 65-80lb cardstock? → Deep Cut blade (or Fine Point if you have patience)
- ✅ 100lb+ cardstock or chipboard? → Deep Cut blade, 2-3 passes
- ✅ Balsa wood or heavy leather? → Knife blade (Maker only)
- ❌ Don't use: Fine Point for thick materials (won't cut through, will tear)
Pressure Settings by Material Type
Pressure is critical for thick materials. Too little = incomplete cuts. Too much = tearing and blade damage. Use these as starting points, then adjust.
65-80lb Cardstock
Settings: "Medium Cardstock - 80lb" + "More Pressure"
Start with the preset, then bump to "More Pressure" if cuts aren't clean. Most crafters find this works for 65lb. Use 2 passes if still not cutting through.
Mat: Green StandardGrip
100lb+ Cardstock
Settings: "Heavy Cardstock - 100lb" + "More Pressure" + Deep Cut blade + 2-3 passes
Use "Heavy Cardstock" preset with "More Pressure." Deep Cut blade is essential. Plan for 2-3 passes without moving the mat between passes.
Mat: Green StandardGrip (or Purple StrongGrip for maximum hold)
Chipboard (Thin - under 1mm)
Settings: Deep Cut blade + "Default" pressure (or "More") + 2-3 passes
Use standard or more pressure. Chipboard is denser than cardstock, so you might need slightly more pressure. Definitely requires 2-3 passes.
Mat: Green StandardGrip
Thick Chipboard (1-1.5mm) or Craft Foam
Settings: Deep Cut blade + "Default" or "More" pressure + 3-5 passes
Don't use maximum pressure—can damage material and blade. Go with 3-5 passes instead. More passes = cleaner cuts than max pressure.
Mat: Green StandardGrip or Purple StrongGrip
Balsa Wood (1/16" to 3/32")
Settings: Knife blade + "Default" pressure + 15-25 passes + tape edges
Tape material down with masking tape on all edges. Use purple StrongGrip mat. Don't increase pressure beyond default— multiple passes are better than force. Cut time: 20-40 minutes. Maker machine only.
Mat: Purple StrongGrip (taped)
💡 Pro tip: "More passes, less pressure" is the golden rule for thick materials. Multiple gentle passes beat one aggressive pass every time. You'll get cleaner cuts, longer blade life, and less damage to your machine.
Multi-Pass Cutting Technique (The Secret Weapon)
Multi-pass cutting is essential for any material thicker than 80lb. Instead of one aggressive pass, you cut the same design 2-3 times with the mat stationary. This is how professional crafters handle thick stock.
How Multi-Pass Works
- Load your material on the mat as normal
- Send design to cut in Design Space
- After the first pass, Design Space asks: "Does your cut look complete?"
- Click "No" (this is the key!) to run another pass
- The mat stays in place. The blade resets and cuts again
- After the second pass, Design Space asks again. Still not done? Click "No" again
- Repeat until cuts are clean all the way through (usually 2-3 times)
- When done, click "Yes" to release the mat
Why Multi-Pass Works Better Than One Strong Pass
❌ One Strong Pass
- • Blade overheats from friction
- • More tearing & rough edges
- • Can damage material
- • Shortens blade life
- • Stresses machine motor
✅ Multi-Pass (2-3 Gentle Passes)
- • Blade stays cool
- • Cleaner, sharper cuts
- • Material stays intact
- • Extends blade life
- • Less wear on motor
When to Use Multi-Pass
2 passes: 65-80lb cardstock
2-3 passes: 100lb+ cardstock, thin chipboard
3-5 passes: Thick chipboard (1mm+), craft foam
15-25 passes: Balsa wood, leather (Knife blade only)
💡 Pro tip: If it takes more than 5 passes with the Deep Cut blade, the material is probably too thick. Consider switching to the Knife blade, or the material might be too dense for your machine.
Mat Selection for Thick Materials
Thick materials need extra grip. Wrong mat = material shifts during cutting = torn, uneven cuts.
🔵 Blue LightGrip Mat - For Thin Materials
Stickiness: Low | Size: 12" × 24"
❌ NOT for thick materials. Too much adhesion can tear thin paper on removal. Will cause shifting with heavy stock.
🟢 Green StandardGrip Mat - STANDARD for Thick Cardstock
Stickiness: Medium | Size: 12" × 24"
✅ Perfect for 65-110lb cardstock and light chipboard. Holds material securely without tearing. This is your go-to mat for most thick cardstock projects.
🟣 Purple StrongGrip Mat - For Very Heavy Materials
Stickiness: Maximum | Size: 12" × 24"
✅ Use for heavy chipboard, balsa wood, leather, and Knife blade cuts. Keeps material locked in place. Also required when using masking tape with Knife blade cuts.
Caution: May be too sticky for delicate papers. Use StandardGrip when possible.
How to Refresh a Worn Mat
Mats lose stickiness over time. Before buying a new one, try these refreshes:
- Clean off all visible debris with compressed air and dry brush
- Wipe with lightly damp cloth, let dry completely
- If still not sticky enough, use Cricut Mat Refresh Spray (or clear acrylic spray + light adhesive)
- Let dry fully before use
⚠️ Warning: Never use water or soap on mats for thick materials. Only use recommended cleaners. Water can affect the adhesive formula.
Fix: Thick Cardstock is Tearing
Tearing is the #1 problem with thick materials. Here are the causes and how to fix each:
🔪 Cause: Using Fine Point blade instead of Deep Cut
The Fine Point blade is designed for thin materials. It will push and tear thick cardstock.
Fix: Switch to Deep Cut blade. It's the proper tool for 80lb+ cardstock.
⚡ Cause: Pressure too high or too low
Too much pressure forces the blade through aggressively, tearing delicate fibers. Too little leaves it uncut, which also tears when you remove it.
Fix: Use correct pressure for your material (see chart above). Use multi-pass instead of increasing pressure. Always start with "Default" or "More", never "Much More" for thick cardstock.
📌 Cause: Mat not sticky enough or material shifted
If material shifts during cutting, the blade can tear instead of cut cleanly.
Fix: Use a stickier mat (upgrade to StandardGrip or StrongGrip). Use a brayer or roller to press cardstock firmly onto mat before cutting. Consider rotating your mat so the sticky area wears evenly.
🔍 Cause: Design has tiny details or thin lines
Thin lines and small details are difficult to cut in thick materials—they just tear and collapse.
Fix: Use a simpler design, increase minimum line width to 0.25 inches, or size the design larger. Thick materials are better for bold, simple shapes.
🧹 Cause: Dull or dirty blade
Dull blades push and tear. Debris in the housing prevents smooth rotation.
Fix: Clean blade by stabbing into aluminum foil ball 20-30 times. Remove blade, blow out housing with compressed air. If still tearing, replace the blade—they're inexpensive.
❄️ Cause: Material is curled or warped
Curled cardstock doesn't sit flat on the mat, causing uneven cutting and tearing.
Fix: Store cardstock flat, away from humidity. If already curled, press it flat with books for 24 hours before cutting. Let material come to room temperature.
Fix: Blade Dragging & Rough Edges
Dragging happens when the blade pushes through material instead of slicing cleanly. This results in rough, unfinished edges and potential damage.
Diagnose First
- • Is the blade visibly dull?
- • Is there debris or paper dust in the housing?
- • Is the blade seated completely in the housing?
- • Is the mat sticky (not smooth/shiny)?
- • Are you using the correct blade for the material?
Quick Fixes
- • Clean blade: Stab foil ball 20-30 times
- • Remove & blow out blade housing
- • Reseat blade firmly in housing
- • Clean mat with compressed air
- • Use brayer to press material to mat
- • If still dragging: Replace blade
💡 Note: If your blade is clean and seated correctly but still drags, the blade is dull. Cardstock and thick materials dull blades quickly. A replacement blade is cheaper than re-doing a project.
Detailed Settings for Specific Heavy Materials
65lb Cardstock (Thick but Manageable)
Blade: Deep Cut (or Fine Point + more pressure)
Pressure: "More Pressure"
Passes: 2
Mat: Green StandardGrip
Tip: Some crafters can get away with Fine Point if they're patient, but Deep Cut is faster and cleaner.
Link: See our regular cardstock guide for lighter weights.
100lb Cardstock (Heavy)
Blade: Deep Cut (Required)
Pressure: "More Pressure"
Passes: 2-3
Mat: Green StandardGrip
Tip: This is poster board weight. Very dense. Don't push it with pressure—use multi-pass instead. If still incomplete after 3 passes, it's too thick.
Chipboard (Thin - under 0.8mm)
Blade: Deep Cut (Required)
Pressure: "Default" to "More"
Passes: 2-3
Mat: Green StandardGrip
Tip: Chipboard is denser than cardstock. Don't use maximum pressure. Multi-pass always. Chipboard dulls blades faster than paper—plan for replacement.
Chipboard (Thick - 1-1.5mm)
Blade: Deep Cut or Knife
Pressure: "Default" (don't exceed)
Passes: 3-5 (Deep) or 15-25 (Knife)
Mat: Purple StrongGrip
Tip: Use Deep Cut first. If it takes more than 5 passes, switch to Knife blade. Knife blade takes longer but handles extreme thickness.
Magnet Sheets
Blade: Deep Cut (Required)
Pressure: "More Pressure"
Passes: 2-3
Mat: Green StandardGrip (or backup paper mat)
Tip: Magnet sheets dull blades very quickly. Have a fresh blade ready. They're metal-backed, so expect slower cutting. The metal can interact with your machine, so use backup mats if possible.
Craft Foam (thin)
Blade: Deep Cut
Pressure: "Default"
Passes: 1-2
Mat: Green StandardGrip
Tip: Foam is softer than cardstock, so it needs less pressure. Goes through faster with Deep Cut. Good test material for blade sharpness.
Balsa Wood (1/16" = ~1.6mm)
Blade: Knife Blade (REQUIRED - Maker only)
Pressure: "Default" (20-25 passes typical)
Passes: 15-25
Mat: Purple StrongGrip + masking tape
Tip: Tape all edges down with masking tape. Move star wheels to the side. This will take 30-40 minutes. Don't touch or move anything during cutting. Not for intricate designs.
Balsa Wood (3/32" = 2.4mm - MAXIMUM)
Blade: Knife Blade (REQUIRED - Maker only)
Pressure: "Default" (20-25 passes typical)
Passes: 20-25+
Mat: Purple StrongGrip + masking tape
Tip: This is the maximum thickness. Simple shapes only. Tape heavily. Expect 45+ minutes cut time. If exceeding 25 passes without success, material is too thick for your machine.
Advanced Troubleshooting
❌ Problem: Even after 3 passes with Deep Cut, cardstock isn't cutting through
- Check blade depth (should extend slightly past housing)
- Is the blade actually a Deep Cut blade? (Black/purple housing)
- Replace blade—it's probably dull
- Try increasing pressure to "More Pressure"
- If still not working after 5 passes, material may be too thick (needs Knife blade)
❌ Problem: Cardstock is cutting but edges are rough/jagged
- Blade is dull. Clean with foil ball or replace
- Reduce pressure (less aggressive = cleaner edges)
- Use multi-pass technique (gentler than single aggressive pass)
- Check that material isn't curled (press flat first)
- Consider using a finer/smoother cardstock brand
❌ Problem: Material is shifting during the cut
- Mat isn't sticky enough. Switch to StandardGrip or StrongGrip
- Clean mat to restore adhesion (compressed air, dry brush)
- Refresh mat with Cricut spray or acrylic adhesive spray
- Use brayer/roller to press cardstock firmly onto mat before cutting
- Store cardstock flat so it doesn't curve and lose contact
❌ Problem: Blade is getting dull very quickly
- Thick materials dull blades 3-5x faster than vinyl. This is normal
- Budget for frequent blade replacement if cutting thick stock regularly
- Consider premium blades (German carbide steel) for frequent users—they last 2-3x longer
- Always use multi-pass instead of max pressure to extend blade life
- Clean blade regularly (foil ball trick) to remove debris
❌ Problem: Machine sounds different or smells hot
- ⚠️ STOP immediately. Turn off machine and let it cool for 15 minutes
- Check that material thickness matches your blade (not overstressed)
- Reduce pressure or use more passes instead of one aggressive cut
- Make sure you're using the correct blade for the material
- If sounds persist after cooling, contact Cricut support
Pro Tips for Perfect Thick Cardstock Cuts
🎯 Always use a test cut first
Before committing expensive cardstock to a full project, cut a small test on the Design Space "Test" button. Wastes tiny bit, saves entire projects.
📏 Use a brayer every time
After placing cardstock on mat, roll a brayer (craft roller) firmly across the surface. This ensures maximum adhesion and prevents shifting that causes tearing.
⬇️ More passes = better results
Instead of cranking pressure to maximum, run 3 gentle passes. You'll get cleaner cuts, less tearing, longer blade life, and less machine stress. This is pro-level technique.
🔄 Rotate your mat placement
Don't always cut in the same spot. Rotate material placement so the mat wears evenly and stays stickier longer.
❄️ Let cold cardstock warm up
Cold materials are stiffer and tear more easily. Let cardstock sit for 30 minutes in your craft room before cutting if it came from a cool space.
📦 Store cardstock flat
Standing cardstock on edge will curl it. Store flat in a dry place (humidity causes warping). Flat = better adhesion to mat = better cuts.
💰 Keep extra blades in stock
Thick materials dull blades quickly. Buy blades in bulk online (cheaper) so you always have a sharp blade ready.
🎨 Use bold, simple designs
Tiny details don't work well in thick materials. Keep minimum line width at 0.25 inches. Thick cardstock is best for bold statements, not intricate designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 65lb and 100lb cardstock on a Cricut?
65lb is about 0.18mm thick; 100lb is about 0.27mm. That doesn't sound like much, but it requires different blade (Deep Cut instead of Fine Point), different pressure settings, and usually 2-3 passes instead of 1. 100lb is much stiffer and denser.
Can I use the Fine Point blade for 100lb cardstock if I increase pressure?
You can technically, but it's not recommended. Fine Point blades aren't designed for thick materials. You'll need maximum pressure, the blade will dull quickly, edges will be rough, and you'll stress your machine. Better to use the Deep Cut blade designed for this task.
How many times should I run the multi-pass for thick cardstock?
65-80lb: 2 passes. 100lb+: 2-3 passes. If it's not cutting all the way through after 3 passes, the material is too thick for your blade (consider Knife blade). More than 5 passes with Deep Cut blade indicates the material is beyond that blade's capabilities.
Can I cut 65lb cardstock with the LightGrip mat?
Not recommended. LightGrip is too sticky for thin paper but not sticky enough for thick materials. 65lb+ cardstock needs StandardGrip (green) or StrongGrip (purple) for proper hold. Using the wrong mat will cause shifting and tearing.
Why does thick cardstock dull my blade so fast?
Thick, dense materials require more blade pressure and contact time. This friction heats the blade and dulls it 3-5x faster than vinyl or thin paper. Budget for frequent blade replacement if you regularly cut thick cardstock. Premium blades with carbide steel last longer.
What should I do if cardstock is curled when I receive it?
Press it flat with heavy books or weights for 24 hours. Curled cardstock won't sit flat on the mat, causing uneven cuts and tears. If pressure doesn't work, try the opposite: roll it the other direction to counteract the curl.
Is the Knife blade worth it for thick cardstock?
Only if you're cutting materials 1.5mm+ thick (balsa wood, heavy matboard, thick leather). For cardstock up to 100lb, the Deep Cut blade is all you need. Knife blade is for extreme thickness and requires a Maker machine (not Explore).
Can I cut chipboard on an Explore, or do I need a Maker?
Explore machines can cut chipboard with the Deep Cut blade. However, if the chipboard is very thick (1.5mm+) or you need the Knife blade, you'll need a Maker machine. For most thin chipboard (under 1mm), Explore + Deep Cut works fine.