How to Score and Fold Cardstock

You're not alone if you’ve ever tried folding cardstock and ended up with cracked edges or crooked lines.

Thick paper doesn’t bend like regular paper and doesn’t forgive mistakes.

In this post, I’m sharing a few simple tricks for scoring and folding cardstock so your projects look clean and professional.

These tips are perfect for card making, scrapbook pages, or any other paper craft that calls for a nice, crisp fold.

Craft Video Tutorial

Do you like videos? I have a video tutorial for you! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you don't miss any future videos.

Should I Score Paper Before Folding

Scoring paper before folding is entirely optional. Let's look at the difference.

In this example, the top piece was folded, and the bottom piece was scored and then folded.

The fold in the bottom piece is nice and crisp, while the top fold looks messy.

If making cards or other paper crafts, the bottom type of fold is what you want.

The finished product will be of higher quality and look better overall.

You can use many different methods for scoring paper, so let's review a few.

Score Paper with a Cricut

You can use two tools to create score lines using a Cricut Cutting Machine.

The Scoring Stylus can be used with Maker and Explore machines, and the Scoring Wheel is only for use with a Maker.

Letting the Cricut score the paper is easy when the project includes score lines, but if you need a single score line, several other ways are much easier than pulling out your machine.

Score with a Ruler and Butter Knife

Almost everyone has a ruler and a butter knife, so this method is a quick solution.

I also used a self-healing mat, which helps get a deeper score line, but it is optional.

First, I measure the scrap of cardstock to find the center since I want to fold the paper in half to make a card.

Use the ruler as a guide and drag the non-serrated edge of the butter knife over the paper several times.

The score line is visible on the left, and folding the cardstock in half is simple. The paper wants to fold on that line.

Score with a Paper Trimmer

Did you know you can score with a paper trimmer?

Some paper trimmers have a scoring blade, but it can still score paper even if yours doesn't.

As before, I measure the length of my cardstock to fold it in half.

Since my paper is still 7 inches long, I line up the edge at the 3.5 inch mark and close the flap.

A paper trimmer has a track down the center where the blade goes to cut the paper.

Instead of cutting, drag a scoring stylus down the center of the piece of cardstock.

Now you have a perfect score line to fold your paper.

Score with a Scoring Board

A score board is a great tool for paper crafting. It has measurements across the top and side with score guides every ⅛ inch.

To measure, push the paper into the corner so it is flush along the top and side.

The paper is 8.5 inches, so the center is 4.25. Use a bone folder and drag it down the 4.25 track.

Then lift the paper out and fold along the score lines.

Fold In or Out on Score Lines

There are many opinions on the best way to fold on the score lines, and I put them to the test.

Here are two pieces of pink cardstock with a score line down the center.

I'll start with the piece on the right and fold in on the score line, so the dent from the score line is inside the card.

With the card on the left, I flip it over and fold it in half so the indent becomes the outer spine of the card.

The results are very similar, but there is a slight difference.

That folded paper has a bit of fraying along the spine of the fold. There isn't a lot, but I think the fold is a bit nicer when folding in.

No matter what method you are using to create the score line, I always recommend using a bone folder along the fold.

Applying pressure over the fold will provide a nice, clean fold and help it lie flat.

Shop This Post

Paper Craft Ideas with Folds

Now that you've mastered the art of scoring paper, here are a few tutorials where your new skill will be helpful!

Hi, I'm Katie!

I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!

More about Katie