Make life easier learning how to cut cardstock for cards! One thing I am often asked is “how do I know what size to cut my cardstock layers?” Hopefully today’s post and video will help make it super easy for you. Figuring out how to cut cardstock is easy with my DIY templates. Make sure to watch the video to see how to make them and how to use them when you are card making.
Video: Make Life Easier Learning How to Cut Cardstock for Cards
Let’s start with the video, then scroll down to get all the sizes so that you can make your own templates.
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Make Life Easier Learning How to Cut Cardstock for Card Bases
The first thing you cut when making a card is the “card base.” There are 2 options for a “regular” sized card. Begin with a piece of 8 1/2″ x 11″ cardstock and cut it in either direction. Both ways give you the same sized “card front,” it just opens differently.
Make Life Easier Learning How to Cut Cardstock for Template Sizes
To make your own templates, just grab a bunch of scraps of cardstock. I recommend making them all different colors so so that when you playing around with them you can see the different sized layers.
Here are the sizes I cut mine:
- 4 1/2″ x 3 1/4″
- 4 5/8″ x 3 3/8″
- 4 3/4″ x 3 1/2″
- 4 7/8″ x 3 5/8″
- 5″ x 3 3/4″
- 5 1/8″ x 3 7/8″
- 5 1/4″ x 4″
- 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ (card front size)
I hope you found today’s post helpful. If you have any questions just leave me a comment. I also would love to hear from you if you like this idea and if you’d like more posts like this–all about making card making easy!
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Hi.
I would like to have it in cm
Unfortunately I am in the United States and am unfamiliar with CM as we only use inches. I am sure you can find some sort of conversion table online and create one that works for you.
If you use cm, be careful how you convert! If you use letter size cardstock, it will be a straight conversion from inches to cm. If you are in a country that uses A4 paper, the conversion will be completely different.
Totally helpful and something I needed. I can cut certain colors now and always have them ready. Thanks so Much!
Your video is “unavailable” on You Tube.
Sorry Susan (and thanks for telling me.(Not sure what happened by it’s fixed now). I hope you find it helpful.
Thank you so much. I feel foolish that I struggle with this each time. So helpful – will print and post on my wall.
Don’t feel foolish! This is why I did this…to help ya’ll out!!
Thank you so much. Fantastic ! Such a help!
I’m so glad that this was helpful to you Willa!
Thanks so much for all the inforamarion on card making. I am new to this and feel like a sponge trying to soak everything up. Your videos are very informative and easy to follow.
I should take spelling lessons as well. ‘Information’
It’s that silly little auto-correct I’m sure. I knew what you meant. Have a fabulous day!!
Welcome! The videos and tutorials will be here for a loooong time so pace yourself and have fun as you learn and grow your skills! So glad you’re here and thanks so much for those lovely compliments!
Jackie I too love that you shared this with all of us. I know it takes time and effort. In your video at 3 minutes 24 seconds you show two cards using a koi fish and bonsai plant. Do you remember the measurements for those two cards??? I think that layout is stunning but can’t quite figure the measurements out. I will be using your measurements to help my newbies as well.
Beverly, that was a while back ago so I’m really not sure but it will be one of the measurements corresponding to the templates shown here …try the smallest one from this post.
Thanks for the idea. Will be very helpful. I look forward to your videos. Thanks again.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this Marianne! Thanks!!
Years ago I typed this out and put it on the bottom of my cutter. Very helpful to have close by at all times.
That’s a great idea Sharon! I’m glad this helps you!!
Thumbs Up Jackie!
Love the idea of Layering Templates……
Love your posts and videos Jackie. This one is so very helpful and will keep me organized too.
I love hearing this will be helpful to you Rose, thanks!
I hope this helps you Geraldine! Happy Stamping!!
this is very helpful
I’m glad to hear that Dee!
Thank you for this information. It really helps me in figuring out layers.
I’m thrilled to know this is helpful to you Yolanda!
Thanks! I always look forward to your tips! ❤️
loved the templates for card sizes. Thank you
Wow. Much needed info on cutting card stock. It will make Card cutting much more simplistic. Thank you
These are great! Cutting the paper has always been an issue for me. Now I just have to refer to your handy guide! Thank you!
When I first began making cards, this was very difficult to remember. I love UTube because I am such a visual learner. You can cut these out and set them on your cards before you decide what size you want on them. Quite the time safer.
I’ve seen other ideas for templates, but like yours the best. Perhaps it is the different colors as some others were all one color. I often use that 1/8″ border ànd got that idea from you. Thanks.
These look great! Thanks Jackie! Love your style <3 Always get great inspiration from you!
Great!! Having the templates on my desk helps a mathematically challenged brain like mine.
Thank you for making a simple, concise explanation of layers. So useful!
You’re welcome!
Thank you so much, Jackie!
You’re welcome Karen!
Excellent! Thank you!
I’m glad you liked this Sue! Enjoy!!
Great information to have on hand!! Thanks
I hope that this helps you Kitty!
I’ve struggled with this for years! I’m so Thankful, you would do something like this. It will benefit New and Old stampers, alike!
Struggle no more my friend! Glad this will be helpful for you Gloria!
Gosh, this is great!!! TFS
I’m happy that this makes you happy Cheryl 🙂 Happy stamping!!
Thank You Can’t wait to cut some cardstock for templates!
Great!! Have fun making cards Carol!
Great tip… thank you so much!
You’re welcome Lisa!
This was so helpful. Having the templates with measurements will help so much when designing and planning cards. THANKS
Brings a smile to my face to know this is helpful to you Susan! Enjoy your day!!
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
I’m happy to share Betty! Thanks for watching!!
Thanks so much for the layering template idea. That will come in so handy.
I do have a great SU dealer but so enjoy seeing all of your ideas.
Great video, Jackie. This is very helpful as a quick reference. Have a great day!
VERY helpful information, thank you. Love your videos, simple is what I like.
This is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I have always had trouble getting my layers cut to the right size. Thanks so much!
Thanks Jackie worth waiting for this video, so easy when we see you do it.
Have a great day Betty
I’m glad you found this helpful Betty!
Thanks. This is very helpful and I will be making my own set.
Fabulous! Thanks for watching Barbara!
My husband has a 3D printer and he printed the templates for me in the different sizes. Those templates make it so much easier to cut out the layers I need cause i stack them to see which sizes Id like to use. Love your tutorials, you always give great tips and ideas.
That’s awesome Nickey!
On my way to my cutting board!
That’s what I love to hear Sue!
I am always looking to make things easier and quicker. I love watching your videos and your ideas are great. Thank you 🙂
I’m so glad you get some helpful ideas Kathy! Thanks for watching!
Kylie Bertucci Australia demonstrator has had videos on you tube for a while now on using card templates. She sows Us inches and metric measurements and different sized card bases
I am glad she is able to provide the Metric for you. Since I live in the United States I am unfamiliar with the Metric System, thus only can show mine in Inches.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It will now be so much faster for me to cut my cardstock. I watch your videos quite a bit. I enjoy watching and learning. Your cards are so pretty. I’m a demontrator in Ohio, but I only do it mostly as a hobby.
I’m so glad you’re here and watching Carol! Have a great day!
What a great idea! Thank you so much; this will make layering my cards much faster. I really love your videos.
Thanks so much Pat! Have a fantastic day!
Jackie,
I love this video and this was so helpful. I am going to make up my templates this weekend. Thank you so much for all of your ideas.
I love hearing that you’re going to make some templates for yourself this weekend!
I sat down and made four sets ;one was for me and three for several ladies at my class. I have already used my set several times. Great tool! Thanks!
Awesome! I LOVE hearing this Julie!
Thank you thank you so much !!! This is something I struggle with and I appreciate you sharing this awesome tip.
Warms my heart to know this was helpful to you Deb!
Cannot tell you how helpful the layering templates will be for me!! Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear this was helpful to you!!
What a brilliant idea, my next job is to cut out the templates
Yay! I love when you guys put these ideas to use 🙂
Jackie, this is by far the most helpful tip for me. I am new to stamping and card making and struggle with border sizes. Having the pre-made templates is a great idea! All your tips and videos are very helpful 🙂
Warms my heart to know this is helpful to you Judy! Thanks!
Hi Jackie! Love this idea. It make so much sense rather than figuring out the layers every time. I really enjoy your videos and appreciate all that you share.
You brought a smile to my face this morning Barbara! Thank you!!
I was so excited to have this tutorial thank you so much!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found this helpful!
Thank you so much for this tip! Made my templates today! I’ve been stamping a long time and never thought of this!! Love all your ideas.❤️
I’m glad you found this helpful Debbie!
I made these templates. It works very well and no more guessing the size.
Thank you.
Awesome! I’m glad the templates worked for you!
Hi Jackie, great video will follow your example and make up the templates. Looking forward to trying them with my next cards.
That sounds great Avril! I hope you find them helpful!!
Thank you SO much…I’m new to card making & it was so confusing.
I’m so glad this helps you Betty!
Great post.. very helpful. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome Pat! I’m happy to share!!
Hi, Jackie,
Saw your templates the other day & watched video. I head up a card ministry in our church that is in its 13th year. I’ve been making cards for about 20yrs. I eyeball everything & use a guillotine paper cutter. I have a new lady coming to card ministry. She really has trouble with the measurements. I will be doing a 2hr orientation with her next month. I have totally copied your templates & will use them for orientation & have them available at meetings. Thanks a million!!! Am also a SU hobby demo and follow you.
I’m so glad to hear that this will help you Carol!
What a great idea. I never realized how templates could help me better plan my card layout.
I’m glad this helps you Mary! Let me know if this helps you with your planning and designs!
Great time saver. Thank you
Makes me happy to hear that this is so helpful to you Nancy! Have a fabulous day!
Thanks a million, Jackie!! I just finished my templates and look forward to using them shortly. You have such an easy way about you. Your videos are easy and pleasant to review.
You’re so kind, thank you! I’m glad you’re here watching and taking time to comment. I love hearing from ya’ll on what you like, what you need, etc. Have a fabulous day!!
Thank you. Very helpful. I am new at this and having fun coming up with new ideas.
That is a brilliant idea. Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed this Melissa!
Thank you for these templates.
You’re welcome, Cindy–enjoy!!
Thank you this is very helpfu
I’m so glad that you found this helpufl, Liz! Thanks for watching!
A few years back, I made the basic 1/4″ templates after finding them on Pinterest. As you said, I found them very helpful. When I tried to add your 1/8″ templates to my stash, I got stuck at your third template of 5-1/8 x 3-7/8. It just didn’t fit. It was too long. My third template is 5 x 3-3/4. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed your Triangle Fun Fold Card which I found earlier this year. Shared it with a friend and she enjoyed it, too.
I’m so glad these were helpful to you Linda! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial projects and shared them too; thanks!!
I really like you videos on using DSP. I have a lot and your ideas on how to use it up is great. I like watching your videos. I have really learned a lot and other ideas that I knew but forgot about. Thank you very much. I liked your husbands s’mores and dino video.
Thanks Jeri! Have a stamp happy day!
I like your videos. However this one (for a newbie) was confusing as I had to stop & go to get sizes. Would hv been nice if had gone slower, make the sizes easily visible. In bottom section sizes were also confusing. Ended up you glong to blog. Thank you for this cause definitely will make my card making faster & easier.
Hi Cheryl, thanks for watching. I’m glad you got the measurements from the blog–that’s usually the best source for obtaining the measurements for all of my projects. Have a stamp happy day!
Such a FABULOUS Idea to do a video explaining the different sizes & out of different colors of cardstock too so you can actually SEE the borders. GREAT video! Thank you!
I’m so thrilled to hear that this was helpful to you. Thanks Judy!
Thanks for posting these measurements Jackie. I am going to make templates like you did. It definitely will make it easier to know what size is needed for layering.
I’m so happy to hear this is helpful to you Glenda!
I like that you make things easier. My only comment on your videos is I wish you would speak slower. I am disabled which makes the speed of your video difficult. Thank you.
Cheryl, I’m sorry the video is difficult for you. You are able to adjust the speed of the video on your own device. I know each device can be a little different but on desktop/laptop at the bottom right of the video there is a gear icon. Click that and then choose “playback speed” and try reducing it to 0.75 and see if that’s better for you. Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for the measurements!! A really big help.
You’re welcome!
Thank you. This info will be handy to use and make my card making much easier
I’m so happy to hear that this will be helpful to you!
You are the best. Thank you for the card templates. I have all the stamps, dies, inks, glues, powders …etc and I procrastinate in making a card because I suck at measuring.
Let the card making begin ?
Yes!!! Make those cards and have fun!!
this is gr8, thank you!
You’re welcome Barbara! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly.
You’re welcome!
This was a helpful post. What a genius idea to make templates to make card layering easier and card making more efficient. Thank you!!!
I’m so glad that this was helpful to you!
Thanks for all your videos and tutorials on the basics. It makes it so much easier for us to understand.
I’m so glad it was helpful Brenda!
Hello: I’m new to stamping and am slowly buying needed supplies. Have years of pen and ink drawing and lots of water coloring as well, so this is a new field of creativity that is fun and easy for someone who is 81! Thanks for template tips, will help so much.
Your easy tips are fun to follow and not too complicated.
Thank you.
Enjoy your time creating those cards and paper crafts. It’s a wonderful hobby!
Thank 3for this post. I have tried to calculate what size goes best for the card I am making. Sometimes spending quite a few precious minutes figuring-only to find that I have misjudged the right size. Then I have to fry to figure it out all over again. You have taken out all the guesswork for me. I am going to make my own templates and label then. They will be stored in a special card holder so that i can find them when I need them. ❤??????
I’m so glad that this is helpful to you Phyllis!
What a great way to identify the right size. I just finished my templates, all labeled and ready to use. Thank you for your ideas and help.
You’re welcome!
Thank you very much. That was very helpful!
A card maker in Maryland
I’m so glad this was helpful to you! Have a stamp happy day!!
Thank you for giving sizes for templates I struggle to get the correct size. You made it so easy
This is so helpful to me. This tool will help design cards. Thank you for this great tip.
I’m so happy to hear that this is helpful to you! Thanks for watching!
Yes! Thank you very much. Am going to cut my templets now! Major help for sure. Will be looking at your website when done.
Awesome! I enjoy the website visits and helping all of you with new ideas. Have a stamp happy day!
Hello Jackie,i tried making the templates using a martha stuart trimmer but it went wrong,none of my measurements are correct.could you please help me with showing me on a stampin cutter? Please..i am planning on buying a cutter here in the next week to help with my new projects but im getting frustrated with my cuts or not understanding the measurements.
Hi Julie, I am sorry you are struggling with cutting. I guess part of it is just understanding the markings on your cutter to know where to put your cardstock to get the size you want. Once you have ordered your cutter, let me know and I would be happy to help you understand the markings and how to cut the size you need.
Love this Jackie, Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Have a stamp happy day!
Thank you. Such a simple solution. Very Helpful.
Alane
I’m so glad that you found this helpful. Have a stamp happy day!
Just found your card templates for cutting borders video. Thank you so much! I am new to this and have been watching all your videos and following your blog. All are very helpful to a newbie.
I’m so happy to hear these videos have been helpful to you Cheryl! Have a stamp happy day!
Thanks for sharing this time-saving tips. I’m planning to make a set of these templates for future use.
I hope they are helpful to you Marcy!
THANK YOU!! This is going to make things easier for me and help with ideas I might have. glad I found your channel. Being new to all this, wish I found you sooner.. lol Thanks again.
I’m glad you found the channel and that you are learning. You’ll be a pro in no time. Enjoy creating Laura!
Thank you so very much for making my life so much more easier! You are a life and time saver! Keep up the good work.
That makes me feel good; thanks! I’m glad this is helpful to you!
I just made the card templates. I’m sure they will be very helpful!! Thanks Jackie!
Yay! Enjoy them!
I wish I could buy a set of templates..I have such a hard time with a ruler
I would suggest you use the Stampin’ Up! Paper Trimmer…makes it so much easier!
Thank you so much! This was very helpful!
You’re welcome!
TYVM. As I am just getting into this more this helps speed up the process!! I appreciate that you don’t think everybody is at the same level and that just because you’ve been doing it for many years does it mean that you forget those of us that are newer. I am printing this out as a guide and I am finding out the more I do it the faster it’s coming to me thank you
I am so glad this is helpful to you. Yes, you will find that it comes to you more naturally the more you get used to it all. The main thing is to have fun creating and share your lovely cards to cheer up or support others! Have a stamp happy day Kari!
Thanks so much for the demos! I am a visual person and this is invaluable information for me as I learn to make cards!
I’m so happy this was helpful to you Karen!
Good Morning Jackie, just watched your video on the different layer sizes, very good. I am also a beginner at Card Making, Merry Christmas to you and Family, Rose Smith in New Zealand
Enjoy your new hobby! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!
Awesome idea
Thanks Ginny!
Hello: I am new to creating greeting cards with dies. My issue is that when I cut my card stock paper to begin a project and I want to layer the card stock it never comes out straight. No matter what I do the cut cards are always crooked or not straight. I make sure my paper is up to the edge of my Fiskars cutter and I hold onto the paper as well as the guide to make it cut straight. I am becoming so frustrated by this issue that I am about to stop wasting my time. I have spent a lot of money on the dies, paper, embellishments, etc. and if I can’t get the layers straight I have wasted a lot of money. Any one with suggestions please. Thank you in advance. Catherine
I am not really familiar with the Fiskars cutter, so I can not give you good tips for using it. It should cut straight if you have everything squared up tight in it and you are holding your paper tightly in place. I only use the Stampin’ Up! trimmer and it cuts nice and straight all of the time. Could your Fiskars trimmer possibly be defective? This post of mine might help you with figuring out different sizes to cut layers: https://klompenstampers.com/2019/04/learning-how-to-cut-cardstock-cards.html
A huge help!
Thank you 😁.
I’m so glad that this was helpful.
Do you use reg or thick card stock?
I use both–it depends on the project.
This video was extremely useful for me. I will be making those templates,
Awesome! I’m so happy to hear this was helpful to you. Have a stamp happy day!