What Is the Best Paper (Cardstock) for Making Card Bases — And Why It Matters!
Share
If you are brand new to card making you probably call it paper. And that makes complete sense — it IS paper after all! But as you dive deeper into this hobby you will start hearing the word cardstock thrown around a lot. Cardstock is simply the heavier, sturdier version of paper that card makers use to create beautiful, professional looking handmade cards.
And here is the thing — not all cardstock is created equal. The paper you choose for your cards matters more than most beginners realize. In fact it is one of the most important decisions you will make as a card maker, and getting it right from the start will save you a lot of frustration down the road.
So let's break it down — what IS the best paper for card making, and why does it matter so much?
What Is Cardstock and Why Do Card Makers Use It?
Cardstock is a heavier weight paper that holds its shape, takes ink cleanly, and gives your finished cards that satisfying, substantial feel. If you have ever received a handmade card and thought "wow this feels really nice" — that is the cardstock doing its job!
Regular printer paper is too thin and flimsy for card making. It tears easily, does not hold folds well, and does not give your card the weight and structure it needs to stand on its own. Cardstock is the professional choice and once you start using it you will never go back! 🎀
Understanding Paper Weight
Paper and cardstock are measured by weight — and this is where things can feel a little confusing for beginners! In the United States paper weight is measured in pounds (lb) and the higher the number the heavier and sturdier the paper.
Here is a quick guide:
- 20-24 lb — standard printer paper — too thin for card making
- 60-80 lb — light cardstock — works for layers and accents but not ideal for card bases
- 80-100 lb — medium cardstock — a good starting point for beginners
- 110 lb — premium cardstock — the gold standard for card bases 🎀
- 130 lb and above — very heavy cardstock — can be difficult to fold cleanly
Watch: How to Cut and Score an A2 Card Base
Now that you know what cardstock to use — let me show you exactly how to cut and score a perfect A2 card base! Watch this quick tutorial and follow along:
Curious about the tools used to cut the card bases? Check out Which Scoring Tool Do You Actually Need here.
Why 110 lb Is the Sweet Spot for Making Card Bases
If you ask most experienced card makers what weight they prefer for their card bases the answer is almost always 110 lb cardstock — and for good reason!
110 lb cardstock hits the perfect balance between:
Sturdiness — it holds its shape beautifully and does not flop or bend when you hold it. Your finished card feels like a real greeting card not a flimsy piece of paper!
Weight — there is something really satisfying about the weight of a 110 lb card. The moment someone picks it up they can feel the quality — before they even open it!
Foldability — despite being heavy it still folds cleanly and crispy when scored properly. No cracking, no tearing — just a beautiful clean fold every time.
Die cutting compatibility — 110 lb cardstock works beautifully with most wafer thin dies and die cutting machines. It cuts cleanly and pops out of the die without tearing or fraying.
Ink acceptance — it takes stamping ink, alcohol markers, and other mediums really well without bleeding through to the other side.
Not All 110 lb Cardstock Is the Same
Here is something that surprises a lot of beginners — even within the same weight, cardstock quality varies significantly from brand to brand! The texture, the brightness, the coating, and the feel can all be completely different even if the weight is identical on the label.
At Crafts on the Move we actually tested over 10 different cardstocks before choosing the one we use in every single card kit. We looked at everything — how it feels in hand, how cleanly it cuts with dies, how well it takes a score line, how it photographs, and of course how the finished card feels when someone holds it.
The result? We get compliments on our card bases ALL the time. Customers tell us regularly how nice the paper feels — and that is not by accident. That is the result of doing the research upfront so you do not have to! 🎀
What About Patterned Paper?
Patterned paper — the decorative paper used for layers, panels, and accents on your cards — is typically lighter weight than your card base, usually around 60-80 lb. This makes it easier to layer without adding too much bulk to your finished card.
When choosing patterned paper look for:
- Coordinating colors and patterns that work well together
- A weight that is light enough to layer but sturdy enough to die cut cleanly
- Acid free paper so your cards do not yellow over time 🎀
The Bottom Line for Beginners
If you are just getting started with card making here is what you need to know:
- Your card base — the folded foundation of your card — should be at a minimum 100lb, but 110 lb white or colored cardstock is best
- Your layers and accents — the decorative pieces on top — can be lighter weight patterned paper or cardstock
- Always look for acid free paper to ensure your cards stand the test of time
- When in doubt — feel it in your hands! Good cardstock feels substantial, smooth, and crisp 🎀
The good news? When you use a Crafts on the Move card kit all of this is already figured out for you. Every kit includes hand cut and scored card bases made from premium 110 lb white cardstock — so you can skip the research and go straight to the fun part!
Happy crafting! Andrea Crafts on the Move 🎀