Bone Folder vs Scoring Board vs Stylus: Which Tool Do You Need?
If you are new to card making you have probably heard the word scoring thrown around and wondered — what exactly does that mean and what tool do I need to do it?
Great question! Scoring is one of those techniques that sounds more complicated than it actually is. Simply put, scoring means creating a light impression or groove in your cardstock BEFORE you fold it. This gives you a clean, crisp, professional looking fold every single time — without cracking, tearing, or that frustrating rough edge that happens when you fold paper without scoring first.
But here is where beginners get confused — there are several different tools you can use to score cardstock and it is not always clear which one is right for you. Let's break them all down so you can make the best choice for where you are in your card making journey!
The Four Main Scoring Tools
1. Paper Trimmer with Score Blade — The Best Choice for Beginners
If you are just getting started with card making this is the tool we recommend above everything else — and here is why!
The Spellbinders 12" Paper Trimmer with Score Blade is essentially two tools in one. It cuts AND scores — meaning you can trim your cardstock to size AND score your fold line without switching tools or cluttering your craft table with extra equipment.
For the crafter who is just building her supply collection this is the ideal starting point because:
- One tool does two jobs — cuts and scores ✅
- Saves money compared to buying separate tools ✅
- Less to learn — one tool, straightforward to use ✅
- Consistent and accurate score lines every time ✅
- Takes up minimal space on your craft table ✅ 🎀
And here is a bonus — the Spellbinders Paper Trimmer with Score Blade is already included in our Get Started Bundle — so if you have the bundle you are already set!
2. Scoring Board — The Choice for the More Experienced Crafter
A scoring board is a dedicated scoring tool with a grid of measurement lines printed on the surface. You lay your cardstock on the board, line it up to your desired measurement, run a stylus along the groove and you have a perfectly scored line.
Scoring boards are fantastic for — the more experienced crafter who:
- Already owns a paper trimmer for cutting
- Works on larger and more complex projects
- Needs multiple score lines on one piece of cardstock — like box making or fancy folds
- Wants the most precise and flexible scoring options available 🎀
The Spellbinders 12 x 12 Scoring Board gives you a full 12 x 12 inch work surface with measurements in inches with 1/8" increments — perfect for a wide range of card making and paper crafting projects!
3. Bone Folder — Everyone Needs One of These!
Here is the thing about bone folders — regardless of which scoring tool you use, a bone folder is a must have for every card maker from complete beginner to seasoned pro! 🎉
A bone folder is a smooth, flat tool used to:
- Burnish your score line — pressing firmly along the scored line before folding gives you an even crisper fold
- Crease your fold — run it along the folded edge after folding for a perfectly sharp, flat crease
- Smooth and flatten — great for smoothing down paper layers and getting rid of air bubbles under adhesive
We carry the Honey Bee Creative Small Teflon Bone Folder — and the Teflon version is especially great because it glides smoothly without leaving shiny marks on your cardstock the way traditional bone folders sometimes can! 🎀
4. Embossing Stylus — The Versatile Tool You Did Not Know You Needed and a store favorite
An embossing stylus is a pen shaped tool with a small smooth ball tip that is used for scoring, embossing, and detail work. It is similar to a bone folder but gives you more precision for finer work.
The We R Embossing Stylus is a versatile little tool that card makers love for:
- Scoring fine lines on smaller pieces of cardstock
- Working with a light box or scoring board for precise measurements
- Detail work and embossing on vellum and specialty papers
- Popping out small die cut pieces without damaging them
So Which Tool Do YOU Need?
Here is a simple guide to help you decide:
If you are brand new to card making: 👉 Start with the Paper Trimmer with Score Blade — it cuts AND scores and is the most beginner friendly option. Add a Teflon Bone Folder to your kit for crisp professional folds! 🎀
If you are an experienced crafter ready to level up: 👉 Add a Scoring Board and Embossing Stylus to your collection for more flexibility and precision on complex projects!
If you are somewhere in between: 👉 The Teflon Bone Folder is always a good addition regardless of where you are in your card making journey — every card maker benefits from crisper, cleaner folds! 🎉
Need to know about what paper to use? Read- What is the Best Paper (Cardstock) for Making Card Bases - And Why It Matters!
The Bottom Line
Scoring is one of those fundamental card making techniques that makes a HUGE difference in the quality of your finished cards. The right tool makes it easy, accurate, and enjoyable — so do not skip this step!
Start simple, build your collection as your skills grow, and always remember — the best tool is the one that works for where YOU are right now!
Have questions about scoring tools or need help figuring out what is right for you? Drop a comment below — we would love to help!
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Happy crafting!
Andrea Crafts on the Move 🎀