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First, take out the blade assembly & check for lint or a bit of paper stuck in there. Also contrary to what common sense says, a higher speed does better, I use medium or sometimes high. Thinner paper are tricky, but can be done. Experiment!! Here is a link to a helpful list of settings.
You can download the free one. The Cricut Cutting Guide | Above Rubies Studio
When I was cutting a patterned piece of paper I did use a higher speed and it messed it up more.
I'm scared to mess with it too much, since i had problems with my other machine and had to throw it away. But I guess this time I should be okay, since this current machine I bought from a store and I'm still under warrenty.
I've found that, no matter what settings I use, thinner paper doesn't cut as well on my Cricut as thicker cardstock. You are correct in using slower speeds for thinner paper and more intricate cuts. As one previous poster suggested, check to make sure that there aren't any little bits of paper stuck in the blade housing. Unfortunately, I have found that some papers just don't work well in the Cricut.
I am wondering if your pressure isn't too high? Try reducing it. Trial and error is the best teacher unfortunately a lot of paper is wasted in that process!
I use a 3 speed and a 2 or 3 pressure with my blade on 3. But if the paper is thin and has shimmer or glitter (target hot spot paper) then let me know if you find a cure !!
__________________ Samantha Crafty Chick's Corner Store Blog
I discovered two reasons for this kind of problem when I cut. 1) my blade is too dull and this is exactly how it looked; 2) I did not clean off all the little pieces from the mat before starting my new cut. Each place I left a tiny little paper piece, it tore the paper and also looked like this. Good luck.
Give your mat a good cleaning. It won't hurt anything and save you some frustration.
Look at your blade housing and you should see an arrow. Make sure that arrow is facing you. You want that arrow turned towards the two crevices that open and shut the blade housing.
I usually cut at low speed and medium pressure when working with light cardstock. I keep my blade number around three or four.
Check your blade. I learned this from the Gazelle tutorials. I own a Gazelle too. You barely want to feel that blade poking out. I used to tear light paper all the time on my Gazelle & Cricut. Since I have learned that trick I get perfect cuts.
I don't have the tool kit for the Cricut so don't have that little triangle thing to clean the mat, so how can I clean it? Or should I just throw it and use a new one? I have 3 more new mats in the closet.
After checking the blade and making sure your mat is sticky enough..try resetting your machine I was having the same issues it would cut like three of one thing perfect but on the fourth I would always get the same thing until i reset my machine and after that
wa lla!!
I don't have the tool kit for the Cricut so don't have that little triangle thing to clean the mat, so how can I clean it? Or should I just throw it and use a new one? I have 3 more new mats in the closet.
Thanks for all the advice.
I have the tool kit, but most of the time, I use a plastic card - can be any old credit/ATM cards to scrap the mat after cutting.
01. Scrape off all bits and pieces with an old gift card.
02. Wash the mat in warm water and baby shampoo. I use a nice soft cloth when I wash my mat.
03. Air dry overnight.
04. Restick using ZigWay large glue pen. Make sure you stay in the grid areas. Don't go over. Best rule to remember glue the grey, stay off the green. Let the glue dry.
You can also use quilter's basting spray to make your mat's sticky. Just make sure you tape up the green area. Why this is important because you can gunk up the Cricut rollers.
After you clean off your mat, remember to 'tape off' the edges around the cutting area. If you don't, the sticky stuff you apply will come in contact with the rubber wheels that grab the mat when you load it into the machine and that will cause a problem. (I just used and old scrubby sponge and it worked fine)
Good luck - I just had this problem within the last few days. To clean my mat, I just used dish soap, water and an old scrubby sponge. (Don't SCRUB -all you want to get off the mat is the 'paper fuzzies'.) I use 3M repositionable spray adhesive and it worked fine.
I don't know...however, I have similar problems and would love to have an answer. I also have problems with it not cutting completely through the cardstock. I have tried changing the blade and using a new mat without any luck. Can anyone help us cricut-challenged crafters?
Why is my Cricut doing this?
