Gear guide
Best cutting machines for cards and paper crafts
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
Top picks at a glance
Compare all picks
Closest match for the job
Cricut Explore 5: scores and writes, 12 in width
Lowest price of the full-size Cricuts here while keeping the 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting width.
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Most for the money on paper
Cricut Joy Xtra Card Making Bundle with card mat
Card mat, insert cards and a pen set are all in the box, per the listing.
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Most complete listing
Cricut Maker 5 Essential Bundle with Scoring Tool
Listing states 3 mm cutting for thicker materials like leather and foam core board, plus engraving on metal and acrylic.
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Card making asks a cutter for fine detail in cardstock, clean score lines for folds and a pen for written messages. Cricut also sells Insert Cards and Card Mats that let the machine cut the front of a folded card without cutting the back. Whether a bundle includes a card mat, scoring and a pen makes a bigger difference here than raw cutting force. This guide compares card-focused bundles and machines on what each listing states: card mat in the box, scoring support, pen or writing support, card supplies included and cut width. If you only make cards, a small Joy machine can be enough. If cards are one craft among many, a 12 inch Explore or Maker gives room for larger paper projects and invitations in batches.
Compare the picks
- Cricut Explore 5: scores and writes, 12 in width
- Card mat
- Not stated
- Scoring
- Yes
- Pen/writing
- Writes and draws
- Card supplies in box
- Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets
- Cricut Maker 5 Essential Bundle with Scoring Tool
- Card mat
- Not stated
- Scoring
- Scoring Tool included
- Pen/writing
- Writes and draws, snap-in pen holder
- Card supplies in box
- Printable Vinyl and materials for up to 65 projects
- Cricut Joy Xtra Card Making Bundle with card mat
- Card mat
- Included
- Scoring
- Not stated
- Pen/writing
- Pen set included
- Card supplies in box
- Insert cards, sticker paper, paper supplies
Cricut Maker 4 Ultimate Card Making Kit with Card Mat 2x2- Card mat
- Card Mat 2x2 included
- Scoring
- Yes (Maker 4 scores)
- Pen/writing
- Not stated in this bundle
- Card supplies in box
- Card-making supplies, vinyl, iron-on, Infusible Ink
Silhouette Curio 2: embossing flatbed for paper- Card mat
- Electrostatic bed, no mat needed
- Scoring
- Not stated
- Pen/writing
- Heat Pen sold separately
- Card supplies in box
- Not stated
Cricut Joy 2: compact cutter that scores and writes- Card mat
- Not stated
- Scoring
- Yes
- Pen/writing
- Writes and draws
- Card supplies in box
- Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets
| Pick | Card mat | Scoring | Pen/writing | Card supplies in box | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Explore 5: scores and writes, 12 in width | Not stated | Yes | Writes and draws | Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets | - | Amazon |
| Cricut Maker 5 Essential Bundle with Scoring Tool | Not stated | Scoring Tool included | Writes and draws, snap-in pen holder | Printable Vinyl and materials for up to 65 projects | - | Amazon |
| Cricut Joy Xtra Card Making Bundle with card mat | Included | Not stated | Pen set included | Insert cards, sticker paper, paper supplies | - | Amazon |
| Cricut Maker 4 Ultimate Card Making Kit with Card Mat 2x2 | Card Mat 2x2 included | Yes (Maker 4 scores) | Not stated in this bundle | Card-making supplies, vinyl, iron-on, Infusible Ink | - | Amazon |
| Silhouette Curio 2: embossing flatbed for paper | Electrostatic bed, no mat needed | Not stated | Heat Pen sold separately | Not stated | - | Amazon |
| Cricut Joy 2: compact cutter that scores and writes | Not stated | Yes | Writes and draws | Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets | - | Amazon |
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · Cricut
Cricut Explore 5: scores and writes, 12 in width
See price on AmazonThe newest Explore cuts 100+ materials at 12 inches wide, writes, draws, foils and scores. The Essential Bundle adds Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock and insert cards. Best value for vinyl, shirts and cards.
What the listing offers
- Lowest price of the full-size Cricuts here while keeping the 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting width.
- Print Then Cut works with a home inkjet printer for full-color stickers and decals, according to the listing.
- Bluetooth connection to Design Space on mobile or desktop, with guided design flows and templates.
Limits to know
- Works with six tools, not the Maker's larger set, so no engraving or debossing for leather and wood.
- The listing gives no maximum material thickness, so check before planning chipboard or thick craft foam.
Pick 2 · Cricut
Cricut Maker 5 Essential Bundle with Scoring Tool
See price on AmazonThe newest Maker. The listing states it cuts 300+ materials, including leather and foam core up to 3 mm, engraves metal and acrylic, and works with 13 tools. The pick for crafters who want one machine for everything.
What the listing offers
- Listing states 3 mm cutting for thicker materials like leather and foam core board, plus engraving on metal and acrylic.
- Works with 13 tools to cut, engrave, write, foil, score and deboss, and has a new snap-in pen holder.
- Essential Bundle includes the Scoring Tool, Engraving Tool and materials the listing says cover up to 65 projects.
Limits to know
- Specialty tools beyond those in the bundle are sold separately, so the full 13-tool range costs extra.
- The listing does not state how it connects to your phone or computer; check the product page before buying.
Pick 3 · Cricut
Cricut Joy Xtra Card Making Bundle with card mat
See price on AmazonA card-first bundle: Joy Xtra, card mat, insert cards, a pen set, printable sticker paper and paper supplies for birthday cards, invitations and thank-you notes. The simplest way to start cards.
What the listing offers
- Card mat, insert cards and a pen set are all in the box, per the listing.
- Printable sticker paper adds layered sticker details to cards.
- Compact and portable for crafting at home, in classrooms or at events.
Limits to know
- The listing does not mention scoring, so folds rely on pre-scored insert cards.
- Cut width is not stated, which limits larger invitation sheets.
Pick 4 · Cricut
Cricut Maker 4 Ultimate Card Making Kit with Card Mat 2x2
See price on AmazonA Maker 4 bundled with Card Mat 2x2 and card supplies, plus vinyl, iron-on and Infusible Ink. For crafters who make cards often but also want the Maker for other projects.
What the listing offers
- Card Mat 2x2 is included for cutting card fronts in batches.
- The Maker 4 also scores, draws, foils, debosses and perforates, per the Maker 4 listing.
- Extra vinyl, iron-on and Infusible Ink cover decals and shirts as well.
Limits to know
- Costs much more than a Joy machine if you only make cards.
- The bundle listing does not detail which pens or scoring tools are in the box.
Pick 5 · Silhouette America
Silhouette Curio 2: embossing flatbed for paper
See price on AmazonA flatbed with 20 mm vertical clearance aimed at acrylic, leather and metal engraving, with an electrostatic bed instead of sticky mats. The Silhouette answer to the Maker's thick-material tools.
What the listing offers
- 20 mm vertical clearance fits thick acrylic and leather that roll-fed cutters cannot take.
- Optional Engraving Tool and Heat Pen cover metal and acrylic engraving and foil.
- Automatic tool and material thickness detection, with Bluetooth for wireless cutting.
Limits to know
- Every specialty tool is listed as sold separately, which adds to the cost.
- A 12x12 flatbed, so it does not cut long vinyl or fabric runs.
Pick 6 · Cricut
Cricut Joy 2: compact cutter that scores and writes
See price on AmazonThe next generation of Cricut's ultra-compact cutter. The listing says it works with 75+ materials, scores and foils, and now does full-color stickers with a home inkjet printer. Good for cards, labels and quick decals.
What the listing offers
- Works with 75+ materials, more than the Joy Xtra's stated 50+, and adds scoring for cards.
- Rainbow Essentials bundle includes Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock, insert cards and printable vinyl.
- Bluetooth connection to Design Space on a phone or computer, according to the listing.
Limits to know
- Built for quick everyday projects, so it is not the machine for large shirt backs or thick materials.
- The listing does not state the cut width or thickness limit.
Read before you buy
More gear: Cut settings and materials
Blade & Mat chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.