Firstly we will show you how to load your mat with paper, and then how to load the mat into the Cricut for cutting.
When loading your mat with paper, you need to cut your paper so it fits on the mat. The maximum paper size the mat will accept is 6 x 12, so you can cut your 12 x 12 paper in half and it will fit nicely on the mat. Cricut also has pads of paper already cut to size if you prefer the convenience, in a variety of colors and styles to make your life easier.
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Step 1
Remove the plastic cover from the top of your Cricut mat. Be sure to keep the plastic cover and replace it on the mat after use, as it prevents dust and particles sticking to your mat and prolonging its use. |
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Step 2
Carefully place your paper on the mat, making sure you line up the edge of the paper with the edge of the mat. The Cricut mats are adhesive to ensure your paper sticks to the mat while cutting. Smooth over the top of the paper with your hands to ensure all of the paper is stuck to the mat. |
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| Note: Each mat will get a certain number of 'cuts' in the Cricut machine before the stickiness wears off. This actually is counted as being every time you pull your paper off the mat, not the actual number of cuts. For example, you could cut five letters and two shapes out of the paper on your mat before you pull the paper off the mat. This is counted as only one 'cut', as you have only pulled up your paper once. The average number of 'cuts' you will get from your mat is 30 - 40 before you need to replace it.
The mat is a consumable item and that is why I always recommend when you buy your Cricut, buy some extra mats so you can have mats loaded up with different paper and you do not have to pull the paper off until it is all cut.
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Step 3
To load the mat into the Cricut, hold the mat firmly up against the rollers, ensuring that it is perfectly square and not on an angle. Press the 'Load Paper' button. The roller will pull the mat into the starting position, now ready to cut.
Note: If you were using the same mat with the same paper loaded on the last cut, and you are reloading it into the Cricut machine again, you can press the 'Load Last' button and it will take your mat to the position where it last finished cutting.
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| How to load a scrap or smaller piece of paper:
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Step 1
You can use smaller pieces on your mat, you just need to tell the Cricut the size of the paper you are using. Place the paper on your mat, always making sure it is sitting at the bottom of your mat. If your piece of paper is not the full width of the mat, ensure it is sitting on the left-hand side of the mat.
Note: You can load your mat from either side, even though there is an arrow on just one end (as long as the paper is always at the bottom). Loading from both sides means that you will get more even wear on your mat.
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Step 2
Load the paper into the Cricut machine as in Step 3 above by pressing the 'Load Paper' button. Use the navigation arrows on the machine, to position the mat so that the green cutting head is positioned at the top right of our paper. |
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Step 3
Press the 'Set Paper Size' button. This will measure the size of your paper so that the Cricut will not cut outside the paper. |
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Using the Cricut is so much easier after watching our Cricut videos, giving you 'How-to's' so you can create layouts and crafts that you love!
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