Did you know that you can make custom mats for frames? Did you also know that you can do it oh so easily in just about any shape that you wish? It is all possible with the Cricut Maker and knife blade. You can just call it my latest crafty obsession, quite frankly. You can read more about the knife blade and my tests here. Read on to get the details on how to cut a mat for a picture frame.
As you probably know, the Cricut Maker is a major game changer! There are so many things you can do with this machine…it’s mindboggling!
This craft is similar to creating a silhouette cut-out with the Cricut. It’s a great gift and perfect for Father’s Day!
How to cut a mat for a picture frame
Supplies needed
- Matboard
- Cricut Maker (Click here to learn about the differences between the machines.)
- Knife Blade
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Dad picture mat cut file
- Fancy rectangle picture mat cut file
You can see the entire process in the video here:
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? Read on for more info:
Step 1 – Trim matboard
Start by cutting a piece of matboard with scissors so that it fits on your cutting mat. Matboard can be picked up at your local craft supply store and I used the 4 ply version. It comes in large sheets.
Step 2 – Add to cutting mat
Once the matboard is cut, you can then add the piece to your mat. I found that the standard grip mat worked fine but you may find that you need a strong grip mat. Be sure to move your star wheels all the way to the right before continuing to avoid damaging your project. Note: When the star wheels are moved over to the right, the matboard can only be 11 inches wide. If you need more information on cutting with your knife blade, click here for a full tutorial.
Step 3 – Cut the matboard
Next, open up the cut file of your choice and begin to cut. You can find the links for both custom mats in the supply list above. Remember to pick the correct matboard before beginning your cut as there is a 2 ply version as well as a 4 ply version.
Confused about Cricut Design Space? Download our beginner’s guide here!
Step 4 – Check the cut
Once the cut is complete, be sure to check and see if the mat is cut all the way through before removing from your machine. If it is not, you can either make another pass with your Cricut or finish off the cut with a craft knife. After my cut, I had one edge that was barely hanging on when my cut finished so I just used my craft knife. Using your craft knife will avoid excess damage to your mat.
Step 5 – Add mat to picture frame
Then just remove your mat and add it to a picture frame! You can then continue to make as many custom mats for frames as you like! I love this DAD version as it is perfect for Father’s Day. One note, Cricut recommends details no smaller than 3/4 of an inch when you are using the knife blade. Keep that in mind when making your own designs.
I then printed out a few pictures and popped them in the mats! This is such a great project and they are so perfect for giving as gifts.
Now you know how to cut a mat for a picture frame. If you have a Cricut Maker and a knife blade, it is easy to whip one up!
Just imagine all of the possibilities with this project! I have been dreaming up different mats for days! I would also love to see it if you decide to make your own so be sure to send me pictures!
Making custom mats for frames has never been easier than with the Cricut Maker and knife blade!
Photo Matboard FAQ:
- Do I have to sue the knife blade to make these custom mats? Yes. The knife blade is the only blade that will cut through the thick matboard.
- Where can I find matboard? Matboard can be picked up at your local craft supply store and I used the 4 ply version. It comes in large sheets that you can cut down to fit on your cutting mat.
- Will the knife blade work in the Cricut machine? The knife blade will only work in the Cricut Maker. No other machine has the adaptive tool systems to hold this blade.
More photo projects
Love this and want more photo projects? Try the links below!
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I can’t wait to try this with my Cricut. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party @DearCreatives Pinned & sharing.
Love the DAD cut out, that’s a lovely idea for Father’s Day Angie
These are so cute! Pinned!
Visiting from Our Mini Linky Party
Blessings,
Amy
These are too cool and such a great idea. I love the Dad one too! Pinned! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Your Father’s Day Gift Idea is an awesome gift idea. I will be featuring it in my Father’s Day Gift Ideas post on Sunday at Merry Monday 6 pm PST. Hope to see you at the party.
I can’t download the file
Thank you for reaching out 🙂 I have updated the links in the post!
Thank you for reaching out 🙂 I have updated the links in the post!
Thanks for reaching out. I updated the links in the post recently so they should work. They aren’t a download, it should open right into Cricut Design Space. Please let me know if you have any other issues 🙂
Question, Can you cut mat board on a Explore Air 2?
I don’t believe the deep point blade cuts deep enough for mat board. You’ll want the Maker for that material.
Regarding 4-ply mat board, there’s no listing for “4-ply” mat board in list of materials as shown in your video. What type of list do you have? I have a Maker 3. Please advise as to why there’s no setting listed and what the settings would be if not on list. Thanks
I think they just changed the name of the setting. I haven’t tried it recently but there is now a matboard setting that wasn’t there when I used the matboard 4-ply setting so I would try that one.