Have you ever felt the frustration of a project sliding around mid-cut, or worse—a delicate paper tearing because the mat was “too sticky”? Choosing the right Cricut mat isn’t just about color-coding; it’s about matching the adhesive strength to your specific material to ensure a perfect cut every time. In this guide, we’ll decode the four main colors and share the “pro secret” to making your mats last twice as long.
Which Cricut mat color should I use?
The Quick Answer: Cricut mats are color-coded by grip strength: Blue (LightGrip) is for delicate papers and vellum; Green (StandardGrip) is the go-to for vinyl and cardstock; Purple (StrongGrip) is for heavy materials like leather and wood; and Pink (FabricGrip) is specifically for unbonded fabrics. Using the wrong mat can either ruin your material or cause your machine’s blade to snag.
The 4 Mats Every Crafter Needs
The Blue Mat (LightGrip)
Designed for materials that tear easily. If it feels thin, start here.
- Best For: Printer paper, vellum, thin scrapbook paper, and wrapping paper.
- Pro Tip: If your vinyl is curling too much on the green mat, try the blue one for an easier release.
The Green Mat (StandardGrip)
The “MVP” of the craft room. This is the mat most beginners use 90% of the time.
- Best For: Adhesive vinyl, Iron-on (HTV), medium cardstock, and Infusible Ink sheets.
The Purple Mat (StrongGrip)
This mat has a thick, heavy-duty adhesive for materials that require a lot of force to cut.
- Best For: Glitter cardstock, chipboard, leather, balsa wood, and magnet sheets.
- Safety Tip: For very thick wood, use Painter’s Tape around the edges to help the purple mat hold it in place.
The Pink Mat (FabricGrip)
The pink mat uses a special adhesive designed to hold fabric without leaving a sticky residue on the fibers.
- Best For: Cotton, felt, denim, and canvas.
- Warning: Never use a scraper tool on the pink mat! It will damage the unique adhesive. Use tweezers to remove threads instead.
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat (And Save Money)
Don’t throw away a mat just because it lost its stick! You can often revive them with a quick “spa day”.
- The Quick Clean: Use alcohol-free baby wipes to wipe away dust and lint in a circular motion. Let it air dry for 10 minutes.
- The Deep Clean: For mats covered in paper bits, use lukewarm water and a drop of Dawn dish soap. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, rinse, and hang to dry.
- The Protection Rule: Always put the clear plastic cover back on your mat immediately after use to keep pet hair and dust away.
Mat Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Color | Grip Level | Best Material Match |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Light | Vellum, Paper, Thin Vinyl |
| Green | Standard | Cardstock, HTV, Vinyl |
| Purple | Strong | Leather, Wood, Glitter Paper |
| Pink | Fabric | Cotton, Felt, Canvas |
Summary: Better Mats, Better Cuts
Using the right mat is the simplest way to upgrade the quality of your crafts. When your material stays flat and secure, your Cricut can perform those intricate cuts perfectly, saving you time and money on wasted supplies.
Ready to load your mat?
Test your new knowledge with some unique crafts made from our Cat Peeking Set!