Owning an electronic cutting machine provides so many fantastic opportunities to you! The intelligent device can cut and score folding lines for your invitations, cards, gift boxes, envelopes, and other projects. It is time to learn how to use a scoring stylus with Cricut Explore Air 2, Air, or another paper cutting machine.
Our guide will teach you to cut and score with Cricut Explore Air 2 and make a floral tri-fold wedding invitation.
What Is the Cricut Scoring Stylus Used For
Getting a single paper cutting machine is not enough for your crafts and projects. You will also need Cricut tools, materials, and Design Space software.
What does a scoring stylus do? This simple tool reminds Digital Art Dreams of a pen with a metal lead. Its only function is to score fold lines to help you fold your paper or cardstock projects along those lines.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 has two clamps. Clamp B is used for holding the blade, and clamp A works great for holding pens, foil transfer tips, and scoring stylus.
How to Insert Scoring Stylus in Cricut
When you learn how to cut and score on Cricut, you will love Cricut scoring stylus projects. Everything is straightforward, quick, and user-friendly.
Owners of Cricut Explore One should get an accessory adapter to use their scoring tool. 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 stylus in it (make sure you hear the click when you push the stylus down the adapter).
Users who have Cricut Explore Air 2 or Air will need to use the clamp A:
Step 1. Turn on your Cricut. Do not insert the scoring stylus in clamp A when the machine is not operating.
Step 2. Open clamp A and insert the scoring stylus 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. And 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 Scoring Stylus Projects
Users who sign for Cricut Access can choose numerous Cricut scoring stylus projects. They come with score lines already added to the file and instructions on preparing your machine and creating the project.
But if you like to work with your designs or use SVG Cricut files by Digital Art Dreams, you will need to learn how to create the score lines or switch from "cut" to "score" manually.
How to Score on Cricut Explore Air 2
We will explain how you can score using this Floral Wedding Invitation SVG Template as an example.
These are the actions you should take:
Step 1. Launch Cricut Design Space and turn on your paper cutting machine.
In Design Space, upload the SVG file into a new project.
Step 2. Suppose you are using the Floral Wedding Invitation SVG Template by Digital Art Dreams. In that case, you will see two objects: 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 click "Make It," and make sure to insert the scoring stylus into Cricut before you press the "Go" button.
We used golden double-side cardstock for our invitation wedding card, but you can choose any color 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 right where you want to fold your project.
Step 4. Watch how your digital cutting machine works. It firstly scores with the stylus and then cuts.
Do the weeding work, and enjoy your new project.
How to Add Scoring Line in Cricut Design Space
Often, you wish to add a scoring line from scratch. It is straightforward in Cricut Design Space software.
Step 1. Launch the Design Space on your computer. Create any shape for a potential paper card (a square, a rectangular, 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 as well. When you click it, you will see a dashed line 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-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 rotate option (you will see it on 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 dropdown top menu.
Step 4. Once you "Attach" the card and line, you can score 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.
Cricut Score Lines Not Deep Enough
There is a workaround if you score the folding lines on cardstock or thick paper and find your Cricut score lines 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 "Align" menu to center them all.
Your Cricut will see the two score lines and create a deeper line for you to fold your card, gift box, invitation, etc., much more manageable.
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.