Owning a smart cutting machine provides so many fantastic opportunities for you! The intelligent device can cut and score folding lines for your invitations, greeting cards, gift boxes, envelopes, and other projects. It is time to learn how to use a Cricut scoring stylus with Explore Air 2, Air, Explore 3 or 4, Maker 4 or 3, original Maker, or another paper cutting machine.
Our guide will teach you to cut and score using a scoring stylus with Cricut Explore Air 2 and create a floral tri-fold wedding invitation.
Read also: How to Use a Cricut Scoring Wheel on Maker Machines.
Cricut Scoring Stylus
Getting a smart cutting machine is not enough for your crafts and projects. You will also need Cricut tools, scoring stylus in particular, materials (smooth or textured cardstock, glitter paper, vinyl, etc.), and Design Space software.
What does a scoring stylus do? This simple tool reminds Digital Art Dreams of a pen with a metal lead (no wonder, it is also known as a scoring pen). Its only function is to score or create fold lines to help you fold your paper or cardstock projects along those lines nicely and neatly.
The Cricut Explore Air 2, Explore 4 and 3, Maker 4 and 3, and other machines by this brand all have two clamps. Clamp B is used for holding the blade, and Clamp A works great for holding pens, markers, foil transfer tips, and a scoring stylus.
How to Use Cricut Scoring Stylus
What is score on Cricut? You'll understand it way better after practicing to cut and score with a scoring pen. Then, you will love Cricut scoring stylus projects because everything becomes straightforward, quick, and user-friendly once you do it yourself at least once.
Unlike users who have Maker family machines or Explore Air 2 and newer Explore versions don't need any special tools to insert the scoring pen. However, scoring on Cricut Explore One is different because it requires an accessory adapter to use your scoring stylus. Since this machine comes with a single clamp, you need to open it and remove both the cutting blade and housing. Instead, you will insert an adapter with the scoring pen (make sure you hear the click when you push the stylus down the adapter). That's the main difference between "One" and newer Explore machines.
Users who have Cricut Explore Air 2 or Air, Explore 3 or 4 will need to use their Clamp A. Here is how to score on Cricut:
Step 1. Turn on your machine after connecting it to your laptop or mobile device. Do not insert the scoring stylus in Clamp A when the machine is not operating.
Step 2. Open Clamp A and insert the scoring pen with its metal tip down (the arrow on the accessory also points down, giving you a direction hint).
Step 3. You will hear a gentle click. The arrow will hide inside Clamp A, meaning you did everything correctly.
Step 4.Now you can close the accessory holder. The tool is ready to use!
Cricut Stylus Pen Projects
Users who sign up for Cricut Access can choose numerous projects that require a scoring pen. They come with score lines already added to the file and instructions on preparing your machine and creating the project.
If you like to work with your designs or use SVG Cricut files by Digital Art Dreams, you will need to learn how to use a Cricut scoring stylus after creating the score lines or switch from "cut" to "score" in Design Space manually.
Scoring on Cricut Explore Air 2
We will explain how you can score using the intricate Floral Wedding Invitation SVG design by Digital Art Dreams as an example.
These are the actions you should take:
Step 1. Launch Cricut Design Space and turn on your smart cutting machine.
In Design Space, upload the SVG file into a new project.
Step 2. Suppose you are using the Floral Wedding Invitation SVG design by Digital Art Dreams. In that case, you will see two objects: a card template and lines.
Both have the "Basic Cut" option. So you need to select the line only and switch from "Basic cut" to "Score" in the top menu under "Operation."
Step 3. "Attach" the two objects and then press "Make It," and make sure to insert the Cricut scoring stylus into your Maker or Explore before you press the "Go" button.
We used smooth, golden double-sided cardstock for our wedding invitation card, but you can choose any color and texture you love.
P.S. If you see your object and score line placed in different places on the same virtual mat, it means you have not "attached" them. It is vital to attach before cutting and ensure that the score line is precisely where you want to fold your project.
Step 4. Watch how your smart cutting machine works. It scores with the Cricut stylus first, and then it cuts.
Do the weeding and enjoy your new invitation.
How to Add a Scoring Line in Design Space
Often, you wish to add a scoring line from scratch. It is straightforward in Design Space software.
Step 1. Launch the Design Space on your computer. Create any shape for a potential paper card (a square, a rectangle, a heart, etc.) using the "Shapes" option from the left menu.
Step 2. Look at the left side menu again and find the "Score Line" located inside the "Shapes" section. When you click it, a dashed line will appear in your working area.
Step 3. Now you can manipulate your line. Extend or shorten its length, rotate it if needed.
You can adjust the line's size by dragging the ends or playing with height or width.
You can move the line by clicking and holding your mouse over it and pressing it until you are finished.
When you need to orient the line in a different direction, select your line and adjust it using the rotation option, located at the top right of the shape.
Also, you can place it in the middle of your cut shape: select both objects and choose "Align" - "Center Horizontally" from the top dropdown menu.
Step 4. Once you "Attach" the card and line, you can score using a Cricut scoring stylus and cut it.
P.S. Cricut only allows creating a straight scoring line. If you need a curved line for unique boxes, add this line in Adobe Illustrator and save your project as .SVG file. Then upload it to Design Space and change the "cut" to "score" for the scoring line using our guides above.
Cricut Score Lines Not Deep Enough
There is a workaround if you score the folding lines on cardstock or thick paper and find that your Cricut scoring stylus created lines that are not deep enough.
Create a double score line or copy and paste your existing line in Design Space. Make sure the clone line is aligned on top of the first one. For perfect alignment, use the X/Y position boxes or select all your objects and use the "Align" menu to center them all.
Your machine will recognize the two score lines and create a deeper folding line, allowing you to fold your card, gift box, invitation, etc., making it much more manageable. Remember that when you use a Cricut scoring stylus to make double lines, do not move your mat until you score twice.
It is time to work on your fantastic Cricut scoring stylus projects following our tips. Cut and score, and create beautiful Wedding, Birthday, Christmas cards, and invitations. Share your DIY projects and follow Digital Art Dreams on Instagram with more #saycrafts crafting ideas.