Why Is Cricut Tearing Paper? (Fix Guide)

[Finn Allen]

Is your Cricut tearing paper, and are you worried about losing your whole sheet? I also enjoy paper projects and often make banners and posters. However, when my Cricut machine starts tearing paper, it becomes very frustrating. It usually happens due to a dirty blade, issues with the cutting mat, wrong material settings, or unsuitable paper. If you are experiencing the same issue, let’s learn how to fix it with simple troubleshooting methods and start your paper projects again.

Common Reasons Cricut Tears Paper

Your Cricut machine does not tear paper randomly; there is usually a reason behind it. Here is a list of the most common reasons behind this issue:

• A dull or dirty blade that’s dragging instead of cutting.

• Incorrect material selection in Cricut Design Space.

• Fibrous or textured paper, or very thin paper.

• The mat is too sticky, or the wrong type of mat is being used.

Fix 1: Clean Your Blade

Dirty blades can make your Cricut machine tear paper, so cleaning them may fix the problem. Hence, remove the fine-point blade housing and the blade from your machine. Then brush off the dirt and debris from the blade housing and blade. Finally, insert the blade back into the machine and check if it works properly.

Fix 2: Replace Your Cricut Blade

Did you find your blade dull? Your blade may get dull depending on the materials you cut, how often you cut, and how long you have been using it. If you often find patterns of missed cuts or ruined materials, it indicates that your blade needs to be replaced. To replace your blade, remove your old blade housing and release the blade. Then, insert the new blade into the housing and install it into the machine. This will help fix the tearing issue on your Cricut machine.

Fix 3: Check if You Have the Right Mat

A cutting mat also plays an important role in cutting materials correctly. You may know that Cricut offers various cutting mats for different materials. Even if you’re using the right cutting mat, which is a LightGrip cutting mat, it should be clean and flat to hold the paper. Ensure that the cutting mat lies flat on the surface. You can also use a brayer to flatten the mat and secure the paper smoothly.

If you find that your cutting mat is not as sticky as it should be, rinse it with mild detergent and water, dry it, and use it. If the mat no longer works properly, replace it with a new one.

Fix 4: Check the Material Settings

Ensure that the correct material is selected in Design Space. If the material you place in the machine and select in the Design Space app doesn’t match, your machine won’t cut it precisely. Selecting the right material is very easy in the Design Space software. Choose the right material from the list, or choose a similar option.

However, if you have issues with cutting, your Cricut machine will suggest reducing the pressure settings to achieve more precise cuts. To do this, select “Browse All Materials” on the preview screen and select "Material Settings" at the bottom. Reducing pressure by 2-4 units may resolve your problem.

Fix 5: Check Your Paper

Paper quality and type also matter when cutting it precisely. If you’re facing frequent problems while cutting your paper, your paper might not be the right type for intricate cuts. I personally like scrapbooks and their thick cardstock-like papers. If you are using handmade or fibrous paper, a Cricut machine may not cut it cleanly and may leave fibers.

On the other hand, paper with a smooth texture will cut cleanly and leave very little residue. Overall, you need to experiment to find which paper is well-suited for cutting with your machine.

Pro Tips to Prevent Paper Tearing With Your Cricut

Preventing the issue is always better than fixing it later. If you want to save yourself from following all the above troubleshooting methods, follow these common tips to prevent them:

• Always perform a test cut before making the final cut.

• Ensure you use the right type of mat and keep it clean.

• Clean or replace blades periodically for consistent results.

• Store your materials properly to avoid moisture.

• Use proper lighting to check cuts.

FAQs

What pressure should I use to cut paper with my Cricut?

Generally, paper needs low pressure to create intricate cuts with your machine. If the pressure is too high, your paper may tear.

How often should I replace my Cricut blade?

If you often use your machine, you must change the blades every 3-4 months. However, if you use the machine occasionally, cleaning the blade regularly will work for you.

Which mat is best for cutting paper with a Cricut machine?

LightGrip Mat (Blue) is the best mat for cutting paper. This mat is lightweight and holds scrapbook paper, printer paper, and construction paper without tearing them off.

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