Cricut is a popular brand of professional-grade cutting machines that have become very popular in recent years. They are great for crafting, scrapbooking, and even making your own clothing and accessories.
When using a Cricut machine, it is important to choose the right mat to ensure that your project turns out exactly how you want it. There are several different types of Cricut mats, each designed for use with specific materials.
Fabric Mat
The Cricut Fabric Mat is designed specifically for cutting fabric with a Cricut machine. This mat has a special adhesive that will hold fabric in place while you cut it.
It also has perforations that help prevent fabric from stretching as you cut it. The adhesive can be reactivated with a light mist of water before each use, which helps keep fabric from shifting as you cut it.
Standard Cutting Mat
The Standard Cutting Mat can be used with a variety of materials including paper, cardstock, vinyl, and many other light materials. It has an adhesive backing that holds material in place as you cut it. This mat is also good for cutting delicate or intricate designs because the adhesive helps reduce any shifting or stretching of material.
StrongGrip Cutting Mat
The StrongGrip Cutting Mat is perfect for heavier materials such as chipboard, leather, foam core board, and heavy fabrics. It has an extra-strong adhesive backing that holds materials in place firmly as you cut them. This mat is ideal for projects such as making custom-shaped puzzles or intricate papercuts.
LightGrip Cutting Mat
The LightGrip Cutting Mat is ideal for lighter materials such as vellum, tissue paper, and lightweight fabrics such as silk and chiffon. It has an adhesive backing that will hold the material in place while you work but won’t leave any residue on your project when you’re finished.
Conclusion:
When choosing a Cricut mat to use with fabric projects, the Fabric Mat is the best option due to its strong adhesive backing and perforations that help prevent stretching or shifting of the material while cutting. The Standard Cutting Mat can also be used with lighter fabrics but may not provide enough grip if your project involves delicate details or intricate designs. The StrongGrip and LightGrip Mats are great choices for heavier and lighter fabrics respectively but should not be used for regular paper projects due to their stronger adhesives which may leave residue on your project when removed.