Part of learning how to make handmade cards is learning how to cut your card stock. You need to know how to cut your card bases, as well as what sizes to use for the layers. I have some simple cutting tips to share with you so that you can learn how to cut card stock the easy way and be successful with your layering.
We are focusing on what I call “regular-sized cards” (also known as A-2 cards) that are made from a half sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ card stock for the card base. You certainly can make other-sized cards as well, but this is the most common so once you learn how to cut card stock for this sized card you can venture out and make other sizes too.
Once you have made your card base, you will have a 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ area to design the front of your card on. That is when the fun and the magic happen. You will need to decide if you are going to add additional layers, and if so, what size to make them. There really is no right or wrong size, it is what is appealing to you and what you like.
But I know deciding can be hard, so I have some standard sizes that I use all the time and it will make it easy for you to cut your card stock and make layers. I even share in the video how I made templates to help me and
VIDEO TUTORIAL – Learn How To Cut Card Stock For Cards
In the video, I show you how to score your card stock, cut it for 2 card bases, and how to determine what size layers to cut for your card front. Keep scrolling down for all the template measurements so that you can make this handy dandy cutting tool.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to what size layers you use on your card. I am just sharing my “general rule of thumb” that I use. This is especially helpful for beginning card makers. The more you learn and venture out to designing your own cards, the more you will try and play around with different layering sizes.
1st Things 1st – How to Make a Card Base
The first thing you need to learn how to cut card stock for cards is to make your card base. Simply take an 8 1/2″ x 11″ piece of card stock and cut it in half in either direction–now you have 2 card bases. Either direction you cut your card stock you will get the same size “card front” to create on; it’s only a matter of whether you want your card in ‘portrait mode’ or ‘landscape mode’.
The “card front” that you will have to create on is 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ when making a A-2 sized card from a half sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ card stock.
Score Once, Cut Once = 2 Card Bases
I am always looking for ways to make things easier and more efficient. Most often when I am making cards, I do at least 2 of the same at the same time. Scoring your card stock first, then cutting it, you easily have 2 card bases!
You can either score the LONG way and cut the SHORT, or vice versa. Both ways will give you the same size CARD FRONT when it’s folded in half – 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″
How to Cut Layers for Your Cards
Now that we have cut the card base, how do you determine which size to cut your layers? Honestly, there is no right or wrong way. It boils down to personal preference and the design of your card. This is another important part of card making – you need to learn how to cut card stock for your card layers.
Most of the cards I make use the same basic measurements because I like the look of an equal border all the way around. This is not a “rule,” it’s just the look that I like and it makes it easy to decide what size to cut my layers.
To help with layering sizes, I created a set of templates with the basic sizes that I use often. In the video I show these templates, how I use them, and how to make your own to help you.
Card Layering Template Sizes
- 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ (card front size)
- 5 1/4″ x 4″
- 5 1/8″ x 3 7/8″
- 5″ x 3 3/4″
- 4 7/8″ x 3 5/8″
- 4 3/4″ x 3 1/2″
- 4 5/8″ x 3 3/8″
- 4 1/2″ x 3 1/4″
- 4 3/8″ x 3 1/8″
- 4 1/4″ x 3″
Don’t like cutting in eighths? No problem, just use the quarters. Remember, cut for the look that you like. I hope you found this “learn how to cut card stock for cards” guide and video tutorial helpful. Remember, there is no right sizes, but if you start with these basic size layers, you will be trying new things on your own in no time!
May 2024 Happenings
Create four new card templates from Volume 8 of our FREE Card Making Templates video series. This class focuses on creating card layouts to help you design quick and easy cards while designing with any stamps, ink, and paper that you already have.
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Thanks, Jackie. It’s always a good day when I can learn something new. Thanks, too, for the list of dimensions for layering. It’s a keeper!
I’m glad you found that list helpful!
Thank you. Your cards always look so clean and crisp and I think it is probably because of your attention to the layers.
Thanks for watching, Liz!
Excellent video! I’ve been stamping for years and a demo for 6 years. Thank you for all the measurements! I am measuring challenged lol I also cut a bunch of pieces to put on the inside of the cards. I did white, cream and black (for layering) and keep them safe in the old clam cases that used to house my wood stamps. Each color gets it’s own case. Works great! Have a great weekend!
Great storage ideas, Vicky! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so ooo much for the template set numbers. I had made a few but misplaced them. Now have the whole set!
So glad this is helpful for you, Cheryl!
Thank you so much Jackie. The card cutting measurements are extremely helpful. I love your tips and enjoy your videos 💖
Have a stamp happy day, Stephanie!
Jackie,
Thanks for the basic tutorials. I really appreciate the layering measurements.
Monica
You’re welcome!
Jackie,
It’s usually the simple stuff we need the help on. Great tutorial!! Breaks it down into simple basics. I plan on taking an hour tomorrow and just cutting paper for cards so I’ll be set to go!
Thank you. I always enjoy your videos.
Glad this was helpful for you!
Jackie – I like the small black layer you use on your cards. It seems to help many of the card designs just pop & look so lovely. I think it frames them very nicely so that they show as the feature on the card. Thanks for sharing this video.I am sure there is lots of newer card makers that can use this beneficial information to help them. Then for some of us older card makers it is always nice to have a refresher on the layers. Thank you for sharing 👏👏💕
You’re welcome! Have a stamp happy day, Judy!
The layering sizes are invaluable! I put the layering card templates on two separate rings: one 1/4″ and the other 1/8″sizes. I also have the layering sizes taped on the bottom section of my paper trimmer. Thanks, Jackie!
Sounds like you’re organized and have a system that works for you–it really is a time saver!
Thanks Jackie for the video and the layering sizes. This is very helpful for me ! I always learn from your informative videos and ideas !
Thanks for watching, Judell!
You did a good job of presenting something a little tricky but after understanding the basic concept of 1/8 or 1/4 it is very easy…just basic math.
You give a lot of information with gratis templates and “recipes” that we can print and/or file. Thank you for being willing to share.
Thanks, Hope! I’m glad these are helpful to you and I am more than happy to teach and share!
I watch all your videos and I have to say this measurements is my favorite…I especially loved knowing when you fold the card which way to close it. Now I know the ridge goes on the inside. That was my favorite hint. Thank you for giving us your help.
I’m so glad you learned something new! Thanks for watching, Kay!
Thanks for the great info. I plan on making the set of templates. I just need to figure which one you cut in black card stock before I start.
I’m so glad to hear that you plan to make these templates for yourself–enjoy!!
Thank you for the layering sizes and template idea. Going to do that and label them like you did. I’m always fussing and checking sizes. This will take the fussing away. Think I will do a lot of pre-cuts for card bases and inside layer of cards. Great time saver for making lots of cards at a time. Been a long-time stamper… since 1998!! Always glad for easy tips along the way.
I’m glad this is helpful to you, Stephanie!
Thank you for this tutorial. I’ve been stamping for about seven years and now I’m going to show a friend the basics. This set is a great way to show her the basics.
I’m so glad this is helpful for you and your friend!
Jackie you are the best demonstrator I have seen. You give the best directions and layering sizes. I absolutely love all your video’s as I am new to this and you make it so easy to understand. Love your fun folds especially.
I’m so glad this is helpful for you. Enjoy learning new ideas and making your cards!!
Thank you so much for this tutorial.
The measuring can get frustrating but you simplified it beautifully!
I’m brand new to card making and this was very helpful.
I’m so happy to hear I could help! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
I cannot thank you enough for all the great information, tips and hacks you’ve offered in these videos for beginners. I purchased many things before I had a clue, and had no idea how to get going with it all. My friend gave me your website and said, “She can get ya going”. She was right!
Your videos are clear, with concrete directions for getting it done. They are easy to understand and fun to watch.
So thank you for all your help!
Thank you SO much for this comment! My goal is to make it easy for everyone, and I know there is so much product and information out there that it can be overwhelming! It’s so nice to receive feedback like this. And I’m always here if you have any questions!
Love this video. This is the best one I’v seen dealing with layers. Just one question, what size are your sticker/labels & what brand? I plan on making some of these. Thank you for your time.
I’m not sure what the size is… but the sticker/labels are address labels from any office supply store.
I have stacks and stacks of paper and many paper gadgets (cutters, stamps, etc.)… but have never made a card by myself!! I just came across your videos and blog last week and I am finally gaining the confidence to do this by myself! I am so grateful for your tutorials and your kind spirit! This video along with so many others have been so helpful! Can’t wait to start creating! I do have a quick question, and maybe I just haven’t seen it in a video yet, are there paper weight preferences you have for card bases (80, 110 etc.)?
Hi Sara~110 is the best for card bases but I have found that 80 will work if you have lots of layers. Unless I am using white or cream for my base, I always put a white layer inside my card. I think it makes the card look polished and professional. And it provides for stability for my card…win, win! Also, I just wanted to say…don’t let fear stop you from making cards. Remember it is just paper and it is easy to start over! Jackie will have more tips when she replies! Time to get inky!
Hi Sara! Thanks for the question. Sorry, but my website doesn’t have any information about paper weights. I only use Stampin’ Up! card stock (which is the best available, in my opinion). The Stampin’ Up! basic white and very vanilla are 80, and the colored are a bit heavier – but I use it all for card bases! Best I can really advise is do what you want!! There is no right or wrong when it comes to card making. I hope you gain enough confidence to go for it soon!! Card making is a wonderful hobby and a gift to bless others with! And remember – if you ever make a mistake, there are two sides to every paper!!
Thank you so much for the measurements. I had been struggling with this on my own. This is very much appreciated.
You’re so welcome, glad I was able to help!
Girl, thank you so much for such an informative video. I seriously have intended to make a card for the past 10 days but just end up getting stuck. I never could positively figure out the base card dimensions. I felt like you needed to double it. I wondered about 8.5 x 11″ paper. I don’t really have any letter size paper but instead plan to cut down some 12×12 paper to that dimension. Each video I watched either went too fast or didn’t explain steps I presume they assumed people knew already so glossed over. I hated to waste materials. I felt like such a failure and just stupid which I used to be good at math. ha I feel much more confident after watching your literal step by step measuring and demonstrations. My crafting is going to be so much easier using your templates. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are so very welcome!! I’m so happy that you found my directions helpful and easy to follow. Remember to ENJOY your card making, don’t let it become stressful!