We have 3 different methods that we use and well show you just how to use them. Using sketch pens to outline your heat transfer vinyl can help with weeding. Mom of 3 and Chief Creativity Officer at The Pinning Mama. Scotch tape can even be used as transfer tape for smaller transfers. What Is a Blanket Stitch? Using more than one mat is beneficial as your cuts are not always going to be large nor are they all going to be small. The material you use should not dull your rotary cutter on the first cut. Disclaimer: I have not tried all of these tips personally. There are many alternatives to using a cutting mat that work just as well. 
There was no curling or tearing. There is no non-branded knife blade so you will have to pay full price for the time being :-/. Want to cut all the way to the end of a roll of vinyl? After applying the cardstock, we are then removing it so we can see how well it comes off the mat for repositioning. The good news about cutting mats is that they are not all made solely to help you cut material. Use code "FLASH30" and save $30 on your best value membership today! Those blades can be very sharp and if you have nothing under the fabric, you can scratch your cutting surface, table, floor, etc., very easily. Turn your mat around and feed it through backwards if youare repeating the same cut over and over to avoid cuts. 
I love the metallic medium sized markers. I have the cricut knife blade for this but cannot find the non-branded equivalent. Its our favorite way to clean cutting mats because its simple and convenient. A lot of extras, those darn things like to disappear in a blink of an eye! take a few minutes to see if this information is helpful to you. Some of these tips are specific to one machine or the other, but most are universal to all! We will show you a Cricut cutting mat, a Paper Studio mat, and a Nicapa brand mat. All of these are standard grip mats. To learn more about those alternatives just continue to read our article. E 2 to create jaw-dropping AI art, Sony just turned the iPhone into an Apple PlayStation Switch, The 12 best social media platforms for artists and designers, Exclusive insight from the world's leading creatives, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Cricut Leather Both the metallic and genuine leather are beautiful and more importantly, cuts well with all Cricut Machines. 
Cutting mats are specialized tools so they carry a specialized price tag which some may not be able to afford. Oracle 651 I find this is probably the closest for adhesive vinyl. The best thing to do is talk to your local fabric store personal and see what they recommend as an alternative. Sick of paying through the nose on Cricut supplies? Ive tried all of them. If you accidentally cut through your mat, you can repair it with sturdy packing tape on the back of the mat. You can use a smaller portion of a large self-healing cutting mat but you can use a larger portion of a small mat. You can of course use non-branded crafting materials but might need to pre-cut them to size. I have used my Silhouette for everything from monogramming everything under the sun, to making templates to cut wood, to painting signs, to party decor, etching glass, and even making custom shirts. Cardboard has been used by some sewers but that material is a one-time use only mat as it shreds quite easily. Thank you for this awesome article. They should be stored flat and in warm areas although the cold will not hurt it. If not, you should as they are very handy and easy to use. I like to use. Always make extra dots for the tops of js and is or periods. Self-healing mats need to off-gas and should not be stored in closed containers inside the house. You have lots of materials that will work as a good alternative. If you cant afford a regular cutting mat, then you can try cardboard. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Meet the Makers Gonna Learn team! If you do not know what a rotary cutter is, they are the fashion worlds pizza cutter except they have safety features attached to them. Because we are having to work a little harder to peel the mat away, this allows for more opportunity for the cardstock to curl. They are handy to have but as mentioned earlier they do come with a gas issue that can make you sick, lightheaded, and so on. If youre set on washing your mat, I have a separate tutorial on how to most effectively clean your mat. Cut empty toilet paper rolls to place around vinyl rolls. With the Cricut mat, as long as you dont apply too much pressure, youre going to find that debris comes off quite easily. Thank you so much this information is very helpful. it looks at this topic and provides you with the information to help you find solutions to your cutting mat issues. 
The blue and red tip ones are the most similar in terms of the blade angle but the yellow one works too. I live in Australia and am having trouble finding black & white chipboard or equivalent. We love doing these product comparisons for you and giving you the knowledge and real-life experience needed to make an informed decision when making your purchases. There are mats where you can pin your fabric, place your iron on them, and press that fabric, and can be used with other sizes of mats to make your work area larger. Coupons are often available for Cricut brand, so bear that in mind. Other important criteria include the material should be smooth so your cuts are not affected; lightweight so that they are easy to maneuver when you need to store them and the right size for your space and needs. I would love for you to leave a comment and let me know if you have a favorite tip, trick or money saving idea you use with your cutting machine or materials! It is important to consider how well the Cricut mat will perform over time since it is already starting out with quite a bit less adhesive than the other two mats. Reverse weed simple designs then place the back of the transfer paper back on, to save the negative space on a design you will use so you can use the design now and negative space as as a stencil later. Great article, it is difficult to make the decision to deviate from name brand because youre afraid its more of a waste of money. Best Generic OFF BrandS Cricut Tools and Materials. You need to allow them to dry completely and then they will be sticky once again. Which brings us to the second main criteria. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I know youre technically not supposed to use non-Cricut brand accessories. About five Cricut branded fine point blades in, I gave up and just ordered the generic stuff. It makes faux wood projects look so good! Tanner, Rachel, and Courtney are all here because we love diecutting and especially love sharing fun projects and tutorials with fellow makers. We are here to inspire and support you in your crafting journey! Thank you! Is there anywhere you can recommend online? (8 Substitutes), How to Sew On a Patch By Hand or Machine (Jeans, Shirt, Etc). Check this blog post for more tips and tricks when it comes to cleaning cutting mats. Do You Need a Mat to Use a Rotary Cutter? Finding alternatives that meet those criteria is not always going to be easy and will be done on a trial and error basis. But really, whos going to find out with some of these. Our design was extremely difficult to remove from the mat and no matter how carefully we worked, it still tore and curled up. 
The following reasons are a mixed batch combining several positive reasons for a variety of different cutting mats. That material also dulls the cutter blade very quickly. If you own a Cricut, odds are youve been using Cricut mats the entire time. You can see a big list of. This is a sign of a good quality mat. Reverse weed small designs or monograms. It loves to curl up and not stick properly. I have been thinking about this post for a long time since I have developed quite a few little tips and tricks to save time and money with my machine, but when I asked for more ideas in the group, I was overwhelmed with all of themany genius time and money savingideas they had and were so generous as to let me share with you. Clorox wipes can also be used to clean cutting mats between projects. They are basically a must-have item when you use a rotary cutter over a pair of scissors. Basically, you are free to use any material that is handy and will work for you without creating more problems when you go to cut. Required fields are marked *. I am so excited to give many of these a try. in Italy it is so hard to find the tools and right now the necchi official dealer for cricut in Italy has nothing left in its online shop, everything is sold out, sigh. When looking at the overall performance of these mats, the Paper Studio mat just doesnt work as well as the other two options. Thanks so much for this helpful information! Take out the inside felt andink inside a, Favorites to use in place of sketch pens include, To get a chalkboard look on black paper use. Please note that any prices mentioned in this post are for comparison purposes only. It is a very good idea to have a cutting mat underneath your fabric when using a rotary cutter. 
Ilyssa has not used the non-cricut branded smart materials yet so shes not much help there. In addition, remember that there wont be as much research going into these off-brands and there may not be as much customer support for them if something goes wrong either. When in a pinch for transfer paper, use a roll of adhesive lint remover! Thanks. 
Its just the tip of the blade that is different. Some of them may save time or money at the risk of damaging your machine or creation. EZ Crafts I have to mention this one because of the price. Again, use the Light Grip Mat. If you can adhere it well enough to keep it flat while feeding it into the Cricut machine, the rollers will help to do some of the work in holding it down. We were happily surprised to see that we were able to remove the cardstock from the Nicapa mat very easily with no curling or tearing. Monicut This one is just as good but I find it smells even worse. Hi, can you advise if there are comparable non-Cricut brand Smart materials for the Cricut Maker 3? So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed at the secrets of the trade my crafty friends! It was extremely helpful. I come across a lot of Cricut users that use nothing but Cricut products and I cringe as there are so many other great products out there! (big surprise!) Can you advise if the non-branded deep cut blade can handle 2.4mm tooling leather? 
A stickier mat like this is not the best for projects made with paper. Remember that will all of the mats, if they are damp (whether from the baby wipe or from water), they will not be sticky. Yes, the Joy mostly requires its own Cricut branded equipment from blades to pens to mats. In addition, you may be able to find some sales, discounts, or other coupons. This is where I really save money. I make A LOT of intricate papercraft projects. I can pick them up with double sided tape but cant work out how to transfer them to a project. However, the Nicapa mat performed quite similarly to the Cricut mat and yet provides fantastic savings. I resort to my rotary blade a lot for materials like soft leather, felt and everything else with stretch. Its important to note here that the quality of a mat is not determined by its stickiness. This mat is just too sticky. There are substitutes for cutting mats so you are not stuck paying high prices when you need a larger mat than usual. I have no had issues with this. Here are some ideas that can serve as an alternative to a regular sewing cutting mat: One problem that some self-healing cutting mat owners experience is the fumes. I recommend them as they are good products. You can try polycarbonate, plastic, or laminate materials as well as vinyl to see if those surfaces are smooth enough as well as protects your blade from going dull. The blades are shaved to three levels of steepness. My friend Dawn from By Dawn Nicole and I have a Silhouette group on Facebook where we trade inspiration with about 20,000 of our closest crafting friends. At NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I will earn a small commission, if you purchase them. They smell a little but I just put it by a window for a day and its fine. 
In fact, it even ripped the cardstock a bit and there is a little curling. Sharpie the guide line so its more visible. Were using our fingers to apply some pressure and it is still trying to curl up a bit at the corner. When it comes to the Paper Studio cutting mat, the first thing we noticed was that the stickiness of it fell right in the middle, in between the stickier Nicapa mat and the less sticky Cricut mat. These mats are made from very durable materials and can last you a long time. Use a wooden cutting boardinstead of an ironing board if you are using an iron for HTV. The Nicapa mat cleans pretty much the same as the Cricut mat. I go through a lot of materials to make crafts for this site. 
Boom instant light box. You can use a lint roller to remove bits of paper from your mat. Use them to clean your mat after each project session. This is the reason why many people are looking for alternatives. Baby wipesare great for maintaining your mat. Add a reminder right on your machine to flip or mirror your image if you do a lot of HTV projects. 
I just started making paper flowers so Im just learning. The red cap one is the closest in terms of a blade angle but it really doesnt make that much of a difference. If you only have an explorer, the Deep Point Blade is a nice alternative. First, the material should be strong, durable, and last you a long time. If youve been a Cricut crafter for a while, you may have noticed that the Cricut StandardGrip mats have changed over time. Its important to make note of the fact that if you use an off-brand cutting mat in your Cricut machine, you could void the warranty on your machine. You can even hear the sound of the extra adhesive and when you look at the mat, you can see a thicker layer of adhesive there. Do you information on this Cricut. Get more use out of them! The problem you will face using alternative materials is that those materials may dull your rotary cutter on the first cut. We hope you enjoy this informative article and video all about why you shouldStop Buying Cricut Brand Cutting Mats! Hi Marzia, If you want to save moneyon images and cut files, there are a number of sites offering free .svg or cut files. Ive only noticed a subtle difference in cutting some brands of vinyl, I have to put it on the less setting but thats a small sacrifice Im willing to make. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosures: Please note that some of this sites links are affiliate links, and domesticheights.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Cricut StandardGrip Mats Current pricing at time of publication: $15.49 for 2 on the Cricut website (approximately $7.75 per mat), Paper Studio Mats Current pricing at time of publication: $14.99 for 2 (approximately $7.50 per mat), Nicapa Mats Current pricing at time of publication: $12.99 for 3 on Amazon (approximately $4.33 per mat). I just use my cast iron pan scraper and tweezers. While you can get replacement blades with your purchase of the cutter and buy extra blades separately, replacing blades is not a good use of time or money. Similar to the Cricut mat, the glitter vinyl really wanted to pull away from the Nicapa mat. I might be imagining it since Im saving so much! I use them to do my faux calligraphy projects. While some people use cardboard, it is not recommended. Not worth the time. You will be SHOCKED at the winner! It is your choice. (How To Blanket Stitch Tutorial), What Are The Different Types of Pleats? So Ive made a little list of all the generic (more importantly, cheaper) brands of materials and equipment that I like and my thoughts on it compared to the Cricut branded stuff. It can cause curling and tearing. The thing about using alternatives to cutting mats, you have to be very careful the material does not dull your blade the moment you finish your first cut. Then, once cut out, were going to see how easily we can remove our design from each of the cutting mats. Just make sure those alternatives wont dull your blade, be weak, or cannot last you a long time. Putting ruler marks on the edge of your cutting table so you can always measure correctly without having to break out the tape measure or ruler. Plus, the pens are like the cheapest accessories they have! Plus, they cut better than scissors do. Once you modify a font, you can not see what its name it in the Silhouette software. Yes, you can wash your mats but I like to use the Light Grip mat a lot because it is so much easier to clean up. I made a little comparison chart for everyone here. We are all great friends and are always having a blast when we are together- you will see this on camera especially during live streams! 
As a new Cricut owner, I often wonder if all the Cricut brand materials are worth the huge difference in price. Silhouette CAMEO Project Inspiration Facebook group. I dont have any of the dedicated tools. Wood Veneers I love the Walnut wood veneer. We are going to compare 3 different brands of cutting mats for die cutting machines. This is a tip that could show you how to save some serious money on die cutting supplies! If you want in on all of the fun, you can request to join us here! You can use a tool such as a scraper tool to help it adhere to the mat. 
Its going to be quite important that you line it up perfectly the first time! 
No, you don't need a self-healing cutting mat nor do you have to have one. Learn how to clean your cutting mats here. The only difference between these mats and normal cutting mats is that they help cover up rotary cutter marks or grooves. (more common than you think!). If you want to use the best cutting mat with your Cricut machine, youre going to want to check this out. Dear Sharon, When it comes to the Nicapa mat, despite it being a fairly sticky mat, the design started coming off the mat much easier than with the Paper Studio mat. Yes, they all use the same housing. We have everyone from people about to purchase a machine, to extremely seasoned pros! 
I love your site and I tried to sign up, but it wouldnt go through. Ive never bothered with the Cricut branded paper. What can I use instead of a cutting mat? So, you might prefer to wait until the warranty has expired. Silhouette CAMEO & Portrait Black Friday Sale + Coupon Code, How to Load Vinyl with your Silhouette CAMEO, Usea safety pinto weed and lift tiny pieces of vinyl, Add a small magnet to the side of your machine so you always have your safety pin handy, Use an old gift card or hotel keyinstead of a scraper to get paper scraps off of your mat. What Can I Use Instead of a Cutting Mat? You will want to put it back on your mat in between uses to keep the surface sticky and clean. If you cant afford a regular cutting mat, then you can try cardboard. It voids the warranty. 
My only advice here is to use the light grip mat because the backing sticks too much to the Standard grip mat. They are super sticky and peel off with some materials. Its important to remember that as you use the mats, they will become less sticky over time. 
We hold NOTHING back for our yearly members and want you to have the best experience possible. Over 50 tips, tricks and ideas on how to save time, money and effort when using your Silhouette CAMEO, Cricut or any craft cutting machine. Just make sure you do not buy one too small. (Box vs Knife Pleats), What Is Chenille Made of? Nicapa This is my favorite brand of generics. There are two main criteria to follow when looking for an alternative to a self-healing or other cutting mat. Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. I find theres plenty of other cardstock brands that have a better color selection. Cutting mats help protect your fingers as well as help you cut very straight lines. Lets find out how easy that is to do on each of these mats. With our preferred method, it helps reduce the amount of curling you might get. Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe. Glitter vinyl is one of the trickiest materials to place on your cutting mat. save some serious money on die cutting supplies. Since this is such a shiny material, you are unlikely to find a mat where it will stick perfectly. Lisa. Ive never been to Australia and know very little about that market. There are just so many other HTV options out there that are cheaper. Tanner will compare 3 different brands of standard grip cutting mats. Im Kimber. If you are choosing between Cricut and Paper Studio, we think that based on our testing, the Cricut mats win every time, especially given how close they are in pricing. Please be sure to check the pricing for yourself. When purchasing one for your sewing needs, do not just think of one project, think about all of them, and buy the size that will work for all your projects. Plus, you should use some type of fan near you to keep ventilation moving and the air around you fresh and safe. Even $14 for an 18 by 36-inch mat can be very expensive to some people on a small budget. Basswood If you are doing any wood cutting with your Cricut, I would highly recommend the branded stuff. 
The sky is the limit or rather my amount of free time and our budget is the limit. Other brands are too thick or split or both. 
It definitely has a little more pull to it, indicating that it is stickier than the Cricut mat. Hi Afra, Turn the mat upside down and use gravity to slowly pull the mat away from the cardstock instead of the other way around. Knife Blade Again, if you have a maker, the knife blade makes it easier to cut thicker materials. Your email address will not be published. Instead of alight box put the design you areweeding on a glasscoffee table and turn the flashlight on (or use your phone,) set it on the floor under the table. After all, the more money you can save, the more Cricut craft projects you can make. If you have had your Silhouette or Cricut any length of time you know that it is AMAZING what these machines can do! Your Download limit has been reached - Upgrade to our best value year membership tier today and get ultimate access to our site! We find that they are less sticky than they used to be and have a lighter grip than before. Prices change all the time and you may be able to find a sale or a coupon to use. 
Hi Roxanna, Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We are going to use Cricut Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl for the test. Also, something happened with the recent batches of Cricut Standard Grip mats. can I switch blades 30 60 45 and use the same housing? We often find that we dont lay it down perfectly straight the very first time and need to do a bit of repositioning before we get it right. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks for the info. Rotary Blade The Maker is not necessary but it really opens up a lot of materials mostly because while you can cut a lot with the Explorer, it doesnt cut well or it ruins the mat. The ability to be able to cut anything out that your mind can imagine opens up a whole new world to crafters and makers of all kinds. The Cricut branded blades always have a colored base where as the generic brand blades mostly just have a silver metal finish. A glass should work well also and all these materials are smooth so you can lay your fabric out flat and get a smooth, straight cut. Just as there are reasons to use these mats, they are not perfect and they do come with some negative aspects that may have you looking for an alternative surface to use: You may not have used one of these great sewing tools. I just put it on less and deal with a few trouble spots. For the Paper Studio mat, because it is stickier, we are having to use a little bit more pressure and elbow grease to get it clean but the debris is coming off with the baby wipe. Prices being what they are make finding the right sized cutting mat at an affordable cost something of an adventure. We were able to remove the cardstock perfectly from the Cricut mat. One important reminder for any cutting mat: when you remove the protective sheet from the mat to use it, be sure to save that cover sheet. As you can see, it is peeling up a bit from the Paper Studio mat but not as badly as from the Cricut mat. Be sure to apply the HTV shiny side down. The Standard Fine Point blade (Cricut brand is the white cap) is equivalent to the Red cap off brand blade. Depending on the type of material used for this style of cutting mat, the rotary or other blade can be absorbed into the material helping your cuts to be smoother. I have not used that specific one, Ive only tried a few select regular vinyl rolls from Cricut. Fab article! 
They may know of some local outlets that have good alternative material you can use. I go through way more material than what you see in the finished good because I had to test my designs sometimes a dozen times before I get it right. People really should not limit themselves or worse be to up tight about breaking the warranty ..that one kills me. The mat is a good idea if you are using your favorite table or desk to make your cuts. There are many different types of cutting mats on the market and usually, the self-healing ones are the better option. 
Dip the tip of a tweezer or paper piecer in glue just enough to make it tacky to pick up small loose pieces like freezer paper or card stock. If you cannot afford a real cutting mat currently, you are not out of luck or choices. Use your best judgement and try at your own risk. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box a little to see what is available to use.
There was no curling or tearing. There is no non-branded knife blade so you will have to pay full price for the time being :-/. Want to cut all the way to the end of a roll of vinyl? After applying the cardstock, we are then removing it so we can see how well it comes off the mat for repositioning. The good news about cutting mats is that they are not all made solely to help you cut material. Use code "FLASH30" and save $30 on your best value membership today! Those blades can be very sharp and if you have nothing under the fabric, you can scratch your cutting surface, table, floor, etc., very easily. Turn your mat around and feed it through backwards if youare repeating the same cut over and over to avoid cuts. I love the metallic medium sized markers. I have the cricut knife blade for this but cannot find the non-branded equivalent. Its our favorite way to clean cutting mats because its simple and convenient. A lot of extras, those darn things like to disappear in a blink of an eye! take a few minutes to see if this information is helpful to you. Some of these tips are specific to one machine or the other, but most are universal to all! We will show you a Cricut cutting mat, a Paper Studio mat, and a Nicapa brand mat. All of these are standard grip mats. To learn more about those alternatives just continue to read our article. E 2 to create jaw-dropping AI art, Sony just turned the iPhone into an Apple PlayStation Switch, The 12 best social media platforms for artists and designers, Exclusive insight from the world's leading creatives, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Cricut Leather Both the metallic and genuine leather are beautiful and more importantly, cuts well with all Cricut Machines. Cutting mats are specialized tools so they carry a specialized price tag which some may not be able to afford. Oracle 651 I find this is probably the closest for adhesive vinyl. The best thing to do is talk to your local fabric store personal and see what they recommend as an alternative. Sick of paying through the nose on Cricut supplies? Ive tried all of them. If you accidentally cut through your mat, you can repair it with sturdy packing tape on the back of the mat. You can use a smaller portion of a large self-healing cutting mat but you can use a larger portion of a small mat. You can of course use non-branded crafting materials but might need to pre-cut them to size. I have used my Silhouette for everything from monogramming everything under the sun, to making templates to cut wood, to painting signs, to party decor, etching glass, and even making custom shirts. Cardboard has been used by some sewers but that material is a one-time use only mat as it shreds quite easily. Thank you for this awesome article. They should be stored flat and in warm areas although the cold will not hurt it. If not, you should as they are very handy and easy to use. I like to use. Always make extra dots for the tops of js and is or periods. Self-healing mats need to off-gas and should not be stored in closed containers inside the house. You have lots of materials that will work as a good alternative. If you cant afford a regular cutting mat, then you can try cardboard. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Meet the Makers Gonna Learn team! If you do not know what a rotary cutter is, they are the fashion worlds pizza cutter except they have safety features attached to them. Because we are having to work a little harder to peel the mat away, this allows for more opportunity for the cardstock to curl. They are handy to have but as mentioned earlier they do come with a gas issue that can make you sick, lightheaded, and so on. If youre set on washing your mat, I have a separate tutorial on how to most effectively clean your mat. Cut empty toilet paper rolls to place around vinyl rolls. With the Cricut mat, as long as you dont apply too much pressure, youre going to find that debris comes off quite easily. Thank you so much this information is very helpful. it looks at this topic and provides you with the information to help you find solutions to your cutting mat issues. The blue and red tip ones are the most similar in terms of the blade angle but the yellow one works too. I live in Australia and am having trouble finding black & white chipboard or equivalent. We love doing these product comparisons for you and giving you the knowledge and real-life experience needed to make an informed decision when making your purchases. There are mats where you can pin your fabric, place your iron on them, and press that fabric, and can be used with other sizes of mats to make your work area larger. Coupons are often available for Cricut brand, so bear that in mind. Other important criteria include the material should be smooth so your cuts are not affected; lightweight so that they are easy to maneuver when you need to store them and the right size for your space and needs. I would love for you to leave a comment and let me know if you have a favorite tip, trick or money saving idea you use with your cutting machine or materials! It is important to consider how well the Cricut mat will perform over time since it is already starting out with quite a bit less adhesive than the other two mats. Reverse weed simple designs then place the back of the transfer paper back on, to save the negative space on a design you will use so you can use the design now and negative space as as a stencil later. Great article, it is difficult to make the decision to deviate from name brand because youre afraid its more of a waste of money. Best Generic OFF BrandS Cricut Tools and Materials. You need to allow them to dry completely and then they will be sticky once again. Which brings us to the second main criteria. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I know youre technically not supposed to use non-Cricut brand accessories. About five Cricut branded fine point blades in, I gave up and just ordered the generic stuff. It makes faux wood projects look so good! Tanner, Rachel, and Courtney are all here because we love diecutting and especially love sharing fun projects and tutorials with fellow makers. We are here to inspire and support you in your crafting journey! Thank you! Is there anywhere you can recommend online? (8 Substitutes), How to Sew On a Patch By Hand or Machine (Jeans, Shirt, Etc). Check this blog post for more tips and tricks when it comes to cleaning cutting mats. Do You Need a Mat to Use a Rotary Cutter? Finding alternatives that meet those criteria is not always going to be easy and will be done on a trial and error basis. But really, whos going to find out with some of these. Our design was extremely difficult to remove from the mat and no matter how carefully we worked, it still tore and curled up. The following reasons are a mixed batch combining several positive reasons for a variety of different cutting mats. That material also dulls the cutter blade very quickly. If you own a Cricut, odds are youve been using Cricut mats the entire time. You can see a big list of. This is a sign of a good quality mat. Reverse weed small designs or monograms. It loves to curl up and not stick properly. I have been thinking about this post for a long time since I have developed quite a few little tips and tricks to save time and money with my machine, but when I asked for more ideas in the group, I was overwhelmed with all of themany genius time and money savingideas they had and were so generous as to let me share with you. Clorox wipes can also be used to clean cutting mats between projects. They are basically a must-have item when you use a rotary cutter over a pair of scissors. Basically, you are free to use any material that is handy and will work for you without creating more problems when you go to cut. Required fields are marked *. I am so excited to give many of these a try. in Italy it is so hard to find the tools and right now the necchi official dealer for cricut in Italy has nothing left in its online shop, everything is sold out, sigh. When looking at the overall performance of these mats, the Paper Studio mat just doesnt work as well as the other two options. Thanks so much for this helpful information! Take out the inside felt andink inside a, Favorites to use in place of sketch pens include, To get a chalkboard look on black paper use. Please note that any prices mentioned in this post are for comparison purposes only. It is a very good idea to have a cutting mat underneath your fabric when using a rotary cutter. Ilyssa has not used the non-cricut branded smart materials yet so shes not much help there. In addition, remember that there wont be as much research going into these off-brands and there may not be as much customer support for them if something goes wrong either. When in a pinch for transfer paper, use a roll of adhesive lint remover! Thanks. Its just the tip of the blade that is different. Some of them may save time or money at the risk of damaging your machine or creation. EZ Crafts I have to mention this one because of the price. Again, use the Light Grip Mat. If you can adhere it well enough to keep it flat while feeding it into the Cricut machine, the rollers will help to do some of the work in holding it down. We were happily surprised to see that we were able to remove the cardstock from the Nicapa mat very easily with no curling or tearing. Monicut This one is just as good but I find it smells even worse. Hi, can you advise if there are comparable non-Cricut brand Smart materials for the Cricut Maker 3? So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed at the secrets of the trade my crafty friends! It was extremely helpful. I come across a lot of Cricut users that use nothing but Cricut products and I cringe as there are so many other great products out there! (big surprise!) Can you advise if the non-branded deep cut blade can handle 2.4mm tooling leather? A stickier mat like this is not the best for projects made with paper. Remember that will all of the mats, if they are damp (whether from the baby wipe or from water), they will not be sticky. Yes, the Joy mostly requires its own Cricut branded equipment from blades to pens to mats. In addition, you may be able to find some sales, discounts, or other coupons. This is where I really save money. I make A LOT of intricate papercraft projects. I can pick them up with double sided tape but cant work out how to transfer them to a project. However, the Nicapa mat performed quite similarly to the Cricut mat and yet provides fantastic savings. I resort to my rotary blade a lot for materials like soft leather, felt and everything else with stretch. Its important to note here that the quality of a mat is not determined by its stickiness. This mat is just too sticky. There are substitutes for cutting mats so you are not stuck paying high prices when you need a larger mat than usual. I have no had issues with this. Here are some ideas that can serve as an alternative to a regular sewing cutting mat: One problem that some self-healing cutting mat owners experience is the fumes. I recommend them as they are good products. You can try polycarbonate, plastic, or laminate materials as well as vinyl to see if those surfaces are smooth enough as well as protects your blade from going dull. The blades are shaved to three levels of steepness. My friend Dawn from By Dawn Nicole and I have a Silhouette group on Facebook where we trade inspiration with about 20,000 of our closest crafting friends. At NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I will earn a small commission, if you purchase them. They smell a little but I just put it by a window for a day and its fine. In fact, it even ripped the cardstock a bit and there is a little curling. Sharpie the guide line so its more visible. Were using our fingers to apply some pressure and it is still trying to curl up a bit at the corner. When it comes to the Paper Studio cutting mat, the first thing we noticed was that the stickiness of it fell right in the middle, in between the stickier Nicapa mat and the less sticky Cricut mat. These mats are made from very durable materials and can last you a long time. Use a wooden cutting boardinstead of an ironing board if you are using an iron for HTV. The Nicapa mat cleans pretty much the same as the Cricut mat. I go through a lot of materials to make crafts for this site. Boom instant light box. You can use a lint roller to remove bits of paper from your mat. Use them to clean your mat after each project session. This is the reason why many people are looking for alternatives. Baby wipesare great for maintaining your mat. Add a reminder right on your machine to flip or mirror your image if you do a lot of HTV projects. I just started making paper flowers so Im just learning. The red cap one is the closest in terms of a blade angle but it really doesnt make that much of a difference. If you only have an explorer, the Deep Point Blade is a nice alternative. First, the material should be strong, durable, and last you a long time. If youve been a Cricut crafter for a while, you may have noticed that the Cricut StandardGrip mats have changed over time. Its important to make note of the fact that if you use an off-brand cutting mat in your Cricut machine, you could void the warranty on your machine. You can even hear the sound of the extra adhesive and when you look at the mat, you can see a thicker layer of adhesive there. Do you information on this Cricut. Get more use out of them! The problem you will face using alternative materials is that those materials may dull your rotary cutter on the first cut. We hope you enjoy this informative article and video all about why you shouldStop Buying Cricut Brand Cutting Mats! Hi Marzia, If you want to save moneyon images and cut files, there are a number of sites offering free .svg or cut files. Ive only noticed a subtle difference in cutting some brands of vinyl, I have to put it on the less setting but thats a small sacrifice Im willing to make. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosures: Please note that some of this sites links are affiliate links, and domesticheights.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Cricut StandardGrip Mats Current pricing at time of publication: $15.49 for 2 on the Cricut website (approximately $7.75 per mat), Paper Studio Mats Current pricing at time of publication: $14.99 for 2 (approximately $7.50 per mat), Nicapa Mats Current pricing at time of publication: $12.99 for 3 on Amazon (approximately $4.33 per mat). I just use my cast iron pan scraper and tweezers. While you can get replacement blades with your purchase of the cutter and buy extra blades separately, replacing blades is not a good use of time or money. Similar to the Cricut mat, the glitter vinyl really wanted to pull away from the Nicapa mat. I might be imagining it since Im saving so much! I use them to do my faux calligraphy projects. While some people use cardboard, it is not recommended. Not worth the time. You will be SHOCKED at the winner! It is your choice. (How To Blanket Stitch Tutorial), What Are The Different Types of Pleats? So Ive made a little list of all the generic (more importantly, cheaper) brands of materials and equipment that I like and my thoughts on it compared to the Cricut branded stuff. It can cause curling and tearing. The thing about using alternatives to cutting mats, you have to be very careful the material does not dull your blade the moment you finish your first cut. Then, once cut out, were going to see how easily we can remove our design from each of the cutting mats. Just make sure those alternatives wont dull your blade, be weak, or cannot last you a long time. Putting ruler marks on the edge of your cutting table so you can always measure correctly without having to break out the tape measure or ruler. Plus, the pens are like the cheapest accessories they have! Plus, they cut better than scissors do. Once you modify a font, you can not see what its name it in the Silhouette software. Yes, you can wash your mats but I like to use the Light Grip mat a lot because it is so much easier to clean up. I made a little comparison chart for everyone here. We are all great friends and are always having a blast when we are together- you will see this on camera especially during live streams! As a new Cricut owner, I often wonder if all the Cricut brand materials are worth the huge difference in price. Silhouette CAMEO Project Inspiration Facebook group. I dont have any of the dedicated tools. Wood Veneers I love the Walnut wood veneer. We are going to compare 3 different brands of cutting mats for die cutting machines. This is a tip that could show you how to save some serious money on die cutting supplies! If you want in on all of the fun, you can request to join us here! You can use a tool such as a scraper tool to help it adhere to the mat. Its going to be quite important that you line it up perfectly the first time! No, you don't need a self-healing cutting mat nor do you have to have one. Learn how to clean your cutting mats here. The only difference between these mats and normal cutting mats is that they help cover up rotary cutter marks or grooves. (more common than you think!). If you want to use the best cutting mat with your Cricut machine, youre going to want to check this out. Dear Sharon, When it comes to the Nicapa mat, despite it being a fairly sticky mat, the design started coming off the mat much easier than with the Paper Studio mat. Yes, they all use the same housing. We have everyone from people about to purchase a machine, to extremely seasoned pros! I love your site and I tried to sign up, but it wouldnt go through. Ive never bothered with the Cricut branded paper. What can I use instead of a cutting mat? So, you might prefer to wait until the warranty has expired. Silhouette CAMEO & Portrait Black Friday Sale + Coupon Code, How to Load Vinyl with your Silhouette CAMEO, Usea safety pinto weed and lift tiny pieces of vinyl, Add a small magnet to the side of your machine so you always have your safety pin handy, Use an old gift card or hotel keyinstead of a scraper to get paper scraps off of your mat. What Can I Use Instead of a Cutting Mat? You will want to put it back on your mat in between uses to keep the surface sticky and clean. If you cant afford a regular cutting mat, then you can try cardboard. It voids the warranty. My only advice here is to use the light grip mat because the backing sticks too much to the Standard grip mat. They are super sticky and peel off with some materials. Its important to remember that as you use the mats, they will become less sticky over time. We hold NOTHING back for our yearly members and want you to have the best experience possible. Over 50 tips, tricks and ideas on how to save time, money and effort when using your Silhouette CAMEO, Cricut or any craft cutting machine. Just make sure you do not buy one too small. (Box vs Knife Pleats), What Is Chenille Made of? Nicapa This is my favorite brand of generics. There are two main criteria to follow when looking for an alternative to a self-healing or other cutting mat. Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. I find theres plenty of other cardstock brands that have a better color selection. Cutting mats help protect your fingers as well as help you cut very straight lines. Lets find out how easy that is to do on each of these mats. With our preferred method, it helps reduce the amount of curling you might get. Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe. Glitter vinyl is one of the trickiest materials to place on your cutting mat. save some serious money on die cutting supplies. Since this is such a shiny material, you are unlikely to find a mat where it will stick perfectly. Lisa. Ive never been to Australia and know very little about that market. There are just so many other HTV options out there that are cheaper. Tanner will compare 3 different brands of standard grip cutting mats. Im Kimber. If you are choosing between Cricut and Paper Studio, we think that based on our testing, the Cricut mats win every time, especially given how close they are in pricing. Please be sure to check the pricing for yourself. When purchasing one for your sewing needs, do not just think of one project, think about all of them, and buy the size that will work for all your projects. Plus, you should use some type of fan near you to keep ventilation moving and the air around you fresh and safe. Even $14 for an 18 by 36-inch mat can be very expensive to some people on a small budget. Basswood If you are doing any wood cutting with your Cricut, I would highly recommend the branded stuff. The sky is the limit or rather my amount of free time and our budget is the limit. Other brands are too thick or split or both. It definitely has a little more pull to it, indicating that it is stickier than the Cricut mat. Hi Afra, Turn the mat upside down and use gravity to slowly pull the mat away from the cardstock instead of the other way around. Knife Blade Again, if you have a maker, the knife blade makes it easier to cut thicker materials. Your email address will not be published. Instead of alight box put the design you areweeding on a glasscoffee table and turn the flashlight on (or use your phone,) set it on the floor under the table. After all, the more money you can save, the more Cricut craft projects you can make. If you have had your Silhouette or Cricut any length of time you know that it is AMAZING what these machines can do! Your Download limit has been reached - Upgrade to our best value year membership tier today and get ultimate access to our site! We find that they are less sticky than they used to be and have a lighter grip than before. Prices change all the time and you may be able to find a sale or a coupon to use. Hi Roxanna, Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We are going to use Cricut Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl for the test. Also, something happened with the recent batches of Cricut Standard Grip mats. can I switch blades 30 60 45 and use the same housing? We often find that we dont lay it down perfectly straight the very first time and need to do a bit of repositioning before we get it right. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks for the info. Rotary Blade The Maker is not necessary but it really opens up a lot of materials mostly because while you can cut a lot with the Explorer, it doesnt cut well or it ruins the mat. The ability to be able to cut anything out that your mind can imagine opens up a whole new world to crafters and makers of all kinds. The Cricut branded blades always have a colored base where as the generic brand blades mostly just have a silver metal finish. A glass should work well also and all these materials are smooth so you can lay your fabric out flat and get a smooth, straight cut. Just as there are reasons to use these mats, they are not perfect and they do come with some negative aspects that may have you looking for an alternative surface to use: You may not have used one of these great sewing tools. I just put it on less and deal with a few trouble spots. For the Paper Studio mat, because it is stickier, we are having to use a little bit more pressure and elbow grease to get it clean but the debris is coming off with the baby wipe. Prices being what they are make finding the right sized cutting mat at an affordable cost something of an adventure. We were able to remove the cardstock perfectly from the Cricut mat. One important reminder for any cutting mat: when you remove the protective sheet from the mat to use it, be sure to save that cover sheet. As you can see, it is peeling up a bit from the Paper Studio mat but not as badly as from the Cricut mat. Be sure to apply the HTV shiny side down. The Standard Fine Point blade (Cricut brand is the white cap) is equivalent to the Red cap off brand blade. Depending on the type of material used for this style of cutting mat, the rotary or other blade can be absorbed into the material helping your cuts to be smoother. I have not used that specific one, Ive only tried a few select regular vinyl rolls from Cricut. Fab article! They may know of some local outlets that have good alternative material you can use. I go through way more material than what you see in the finished good because I had to test my designs sometimes a dozen times before I get it right. People really should not limit themselves or worse be to up tight about breaking the warranty ..that one kills me. The mat is a good idea if you are using your favorite table or desk to make your cuts. There are many different types of cutting mats on the market and usually, the self-healing ones are the better option. Dip the tip of a tweezer or paper piecer in glue just enough to make it tacky to pick up small loose pieces like freezer paper or card stock. If you cannot afford a real cutting mat currently, you are not out of luck or choices. Use your best judgement and try at your own risk. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box a little to see what is available to use.