The right cardstock matters as much as the machine when it comes to clean die cuts. Alongside two cardstock packs built for cutting machines, this guide includes a couple of tools worth pairing with your paper: a precision trimmer for straight cuts, and a compact starter machine for anyone just getting into die cutting.

Top Products

1
Best Seller

Evteck A4 Paper Cutter Slider Trimmer

WelcometoEvteck
9.7 /10
YPS Score
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The Evteck A4 Paper Cutter is a lightweight, safe slider trimmer ideal for cardstock, photos, and vinyl. Its press-activated blade and anti-slip base make it kid-friendly and precise for crafting, school, or office use.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent safety features with press-to-cut blade, ideal for family use.
  • Very lightweight and portable, easy to carry anywhere.
  • Cuts a wide variety of materials cleanly and smoothly without binding.
  • Anti-slip pads ensure stability during use, reducing errors.
  • Integrated ruler and angle guide add precision for creative projects.

Cons

  • May struggle with very thick or dense materials beyond 1.2mm.
  • The small cutting surface might not suit large format projects.
  • Some users might prefer a heavier base for extra stability on thick stacks.
Detailed Review

The Evteck A4 Paper Cutter Slider Trimmer is a compact and safe cutting tool designed for home, school, and office use. It is especially suited for crafters, scrapbookers, and parents looking for a kid-friendly trimmer that handles cardstock, photos, vinyl, and standard paper with ease.

Its standout feature is the press-to-cut safety blade, which only activates when pressure is applied, making it safe for children to use under supervision. The blade slides smoothly through materials up to 1.2mm thick, delivering clean, straight cuts without resistance. The anti-slip base with 6 sponges keeps the trimmer firmly in place, even on slick surfaces like glass.

Design-wise, the trimmer is ultra-lightweight at 0.18 kg and measures 14.17 x 5.90 x 0.78 inches, making it easy to store or toss in a bag. The foldable ruler and integrated angle measuring plate (45 to 90 degrees) add precision for angled cuts and scrapbooking. Build quality is decent for the price, though the plastic construction feels light.

A potential drawback is its limitation with materials thicker than 1.2mm, such as heavy cardboard or multiple layers. The small cutting surface may also require multiple passes for larger sheets. Some users might wish for a heavier base for extra stability on thick stacks. However, for its intended use, these are minor trade-offs.

Overall, the Evteck A4 Paper Cutter offers excellent value for its safety, portability, and versatility. It earns a strong recommendation for families, teachers, and hobbyists who need a reliable, safe trimmer for everyday projects. Its high rating and top seller status in paper trimmer blades confirm its popularity.

2
Editor's Pick

FindScrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine

FindScrapblooms
9.6 /10
YPS Score
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The FindScrapblooms 6-inch manual die cutting machine is a budget-friendly, portable starter kit for scrapbooking and cardmaking, offering easy operation and compatibility with standard dies and embossing folders for crisp results.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy to use for both beginners and experienced crafters
  • Portable and lightweight, no electricity needed
  • Durable carbon steel internal parts for long life
  • Compatible with most standard dies and embossing folders
  • Affordable entry-level price point

Cons

  • Manual operation may require more effort for thicker materials
  • Limited to A5 paper size, not suitable for larger projects
  • Some users may find the included accessories basic for advanced crafting
Detailed Review

The FindScrapblooms 6-inch manual die cutting machine kit is designed for scrapbooking, cardmaking, and paper craft enthusiasts, especially those starting out or looking for a portable, budget-friendly solution. This blue and white machine offers a straightforward way to cut and emboss without needing an electrical outlet.

Standout features include its user-friendly operation and compact size. The machine measures 12.2 inches by 12.2 inches by 6.7 inches with a 6-inch wide opening that fits A5 paper. It works with most standard die cuts and embossing folders, giving crafters flexibility. The simple plate stacking method ensures consistent, crisp results for both cutting and embossing projects.

Build quality is solid with a carbon steel inner construction, which promises durability beyond many plastic machines. The handle design and cute shape make it easy to store and carry. It is also cost-effective compared to electric die cutters, making it an excellent starter option.

A potential drawback is its manual operation, which may require more physical effort for thicker materials, and the A5 size limit may not suit those needing larger formats. Some advanced users might find the included accessories basic, but the machine itself is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket dies and folders.

Overall, the FindScrapblooms 6-inch manual die cutting machine is a reliable, affordable choice for beginners and casual crafters who value portability and ease of use. It delivers good performance for its price point and is a solid addition to any scrapbooking toolkit.

3
Limited Time

Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler

9.9 /10
YPS Score
YPS score rating is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the YPS tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more ›
This Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler includes 125 sheets of 65lb paper in 25 vibrant colors, engineered for flawless cuts on Cricut machines. Perfect for crafters, teachers, and DIY enthusiasts seeking affordable, high-quality cardstock for projects.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Vibrant color selection with 25 popular shades
  • Optimized for Cricut cutting machines for hassle-free use
  • Excellent value for the price with 125 sheets
  • Acid-free ensures long-lasting, fade-resistant creations
  • Solid core prevents color loss when cutting intricate shapes

Cons

  • Only 5 sheets per color may not be enough for large-scale projects
  • Lighter 65lb weight might not suit heavy-duty cardstock needs
  • Simple packaging may lead to bent corners during shipping
Detailed Review

The Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler is a versatile 125-sheet pack designed for crafters, educators, and hobbyists who want affordable, reliable cardstock for their Cricut machines. With 25 vibrant colors and 5 sheets of each, it offers a rainbow of possibilities for projects like bulletin boards, school assignments, party decorations, and more.

Standout features include its 65lb light weight and solid core, which ensures consistent color even when cutting intricate shapes or folding. The paper is engineered for Cricut machines, with automatic cut settings in Design Space that deliver clean, precise cuts every time. Users praise the color variety and the value for money, as the bulk packaging keeps costs low without compromising quality.

The cardstock is acid-free, lignin-free, and buffered, making it ideal for archival projects that need to withstand the test of time. The 8.5x11 inch letter size is compatible with Joy Xtra, Explore, and Maker machines, giving you flexibility across the Cricut lineup.

A minor drawback is that each color comes with only 5 sheets, so if you need many sheets of a single shade for a large project, you may need to order additional packs. Also, the 65lb weight is lighter than heavy-duty cardstocks, so it may not be suitable for structural elements like boxes or stands.

Overall, the Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add color to their crafts without breaking the bank. Its compatibility with Cricut machines, vibrant palette, and archival quality make it a top pick for everyday projects. Highly recommended for beginners and experienced crafters alike.

Specifications

Material: Paper

Color: Rainbow (25 colors)

Size: 8.5 x 11 inches

Sheet Count: 125

Weight: 65 lb (176 gsm)

Item Weight: 1.4 kg

Dimensions: 11.16 x 8.67 inches

Brand: Cricut

Model Number: 2012123

UPC: 093573396595

4
Top Rated

Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler 12x12 75

9.8 /10
YPS Score
YPS score rating is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the YPS tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more ›
This Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler offers 75 sheets of vibrant, 65lb cardstock in a range of colors, engineered for clean cuts with Cricut machines. Ideal for crafters seeking affordable, high-quality paper for projects like cards, party decor, and school supplies.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Large 75-sheet variety pack with multiple colors to inspire creativity
  • Solid core prevents white edges when cutting intricate designs or folding
  • Designed specifically for Cricut machines; auto settings save trial and error
  • Acid-free and buffered for long-lasting projects without yellowing
  • Excellent value for the price: quality cardstock without breaking the bank

Cons

  • Only one weight available (65lb); not suitable for heavy-duty projects like boxes
  • Limited to 12x12 size; letter-size (8.5x11) not included
  • Some users may find few sheets per color (75 sheets across many colors means small quantities of each shade)
Detailed Review

The Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler is a 75-sheet pack of 12x12 inch cardstock designed to bring vibrant color to your DIY projects. With a 65lb weight and solid core, this paper is built for versatile use and clear cuts, especially when paired with Cricut cutting machines. It's an excellent choice for crafters who want reliable paper for cards, classroom displays, party decor, or scrapbooking without spending a fortune.

Standout features include the budget-friendly pricing and the solid core construction, which ensures that cut edges and folds remain uniform in color. This cardstock is optimized for Cricut machines with automatic settings in Design Space, so you get clean, precise cuts every time. The range of colors in the Rainbow Sampler lets you match any theme or mood, making it a versatile addition to your craft stash.

The build quality is consistent: smooth surface, good thickness for light cardstock, and acid-free materials that protect your projects from fading or yellowing. The solid core is a real plus for intricate designs, as it avoids the white edge issue common with cheaper cardstock. The 12x12 size is standard for many Cricut mats and projects, though it does limit use for smaller letter-size crafts.

One drawback is the weight: at 65lb, it's light cardstock, not intended for heavy structures like 3D boxes or stiff invitations. Also, because there are 75 sheets spread across multiple colors, you get only a few sheets of each shade, which might require you to buy additional packs for large projects. A few users also note that the package does not include a color list, so you discover the hues as you open the box.

Overall, the Cricut Value Cardstock Rainbow Sampler delivers on its promise of quality and value. It's perfect for everyday crafting, school projects, and party decorations where you need reliable, colorful paper. If you use a Cricut machine and want an affordable way to explore a rainbow palette, this pack is a smart buy. Just be mindful of the quantity per color and the light weight before purchase.

Cardstock and the Tools That Pair With It

Cardstock Options

Cricut’s Rainbow Sampler cardstock comes in two sizes, an 8.5×11 inch pack of 125 sheets ($14.99, 4.8 stars from over 1,000 reviews) and a 12×12 inch pack of 75 sheets ($16.99, 4.6 stars), both offering a range of colors in one bundle rather than buying single-color packs separately.

A Trimmer for Clean Straight Cuts

The Evteck A4 paper trimmer ($10.99, 4.5 stars from over 6,000 reviews) handles straight cuts on cardstock, photos, and vinyl faster than a die cutting machine when you just need a clean edge rather than a decorative shape.

A Starter Machine Bundle

The 6-inch manual die cutting kit from FindScrapblooms ($59.19, 4.3 stars) bundles a compact machine with beginner accessories, a reasonable starting point if you do not already own a die cutter to use your cardstock with.

See more die cutting supplies in the Craft & Cutting Machines category.