Which Paper Punch Should You Choose?
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Create neat, repeatable shapes without drawing and cutting every piece by hand. Our craft punches make it easy to turn paper and card into circles, flowers, foliage, decorative corners, holes and other details for handmade cards, scrapbook layouts and papercraft projects. Browse paper punches in different shapes and sizes, then choose the tools that fit the designs you make most often.
Different punches solve different crafting jobs, so start with the finished effect you want.
As a quick guide:
Check the finished punched shape size, not only the overall size of the tool. A small circle may be ideal for an embellishment, while a larger design could work better behind a sentiment or as the main feature of a card.
Craft punches for card making are particularly useful when you need several shapes to look the same.
Instead of tracing and cutting every flower, circle or decorative detail individually, a punch creates a consistent result each time. That can save time when you're making invitations, batches of cards or projects with several matching elements.
Try using punched pieces to create:
A simple circle or oval punch can be surprisingly versatile. Layer two sizes behind a greeting, add one beneath a stamped sentiment or repeat the same shape across a card front to create your own pattern.
For more materials to use alongside your punches, browse our card making supplies.
Craft paper punches use a shaped cutting mechanism to create a specific design from suitable paper or card.
Their biggest advantage is repeatability.
If your project needs ten matching circles, for example, a punch can be quicker and more consistent than drawing and cutting each one separately. You can then use the finished pieces individually or build them into layered designs.
Punches are also useful for leftover materials. Small pieces of coloured or patterned paper that are too small for a card panel can often be turned into:
Keep useful scraps together so you can check them before cutting into a fresh sheet.
The current Crafter's Companion punch collection includes a variety of styles, including circles, ovals, flowers, foliage, stars, decorative corners and hole punches.
Paper craft punches that create full shapes are useful for card making, scrapbooking, gift tags and other decorative projects.
Circles and ovals can sit behind sentiments or photographs. Floral and foliage shapes can be layered together, while stars and other small designs work well for backgrounds and celebration projects.
Try combining several punched pieces rather than relying on one shape alone. Different shades from the same colour family can create depth while keeping the design coordinated.
Corner punches change the shape or finish of a paper or card corner.
Rounded corners give cards, invitations and scrapbook photo mats a softer look, while decorative designs can add detail without needing another embellishment.
When choosing one, check the finished corner style and any available size options so the result suits the project you have in mind.
Craft hole punches can be useful for both decorative and practical papercraft.
Depending on the tool, hole punches for paper can create openings for:
A standard filing punch and a decorative craft punch may both make holes, but they are intended for very different jobs. For this category, the focus is firmly on card making, scrapbooking and creative paper projects.
If placement is important, make a test punch on scrap paper first so you can see exactly where the opening will fall.
There isn't one universal set of best craft punches for every crafter.
The most useful tools are usually the ones that suit several projects and create shapes you know you'll use regularly.
Before buying, think about:
For beginners, versatile choices such as circles, rounded corners and simple flowers can be a good place to start because they work across birthdays, celebrations, scrapbooking and everyday card making.
For other reusable cutting, measuring and scoring equipment, explore our crafting tools.
Paper punches for card making can be used for anything from one small finishing detail to a complete layered focal point.
For a simple card, punch a circle or oval from a contrasting card and use it behind a sentiment.
For a more detailed design, combine several elements. A floral card could use punched petals, leaves and a circular centre, while a birthday design might use repeated stars across the background.
You can also coordinate punched shapes with:
Browse our paper and card collection to find materials for your projects.
The best paper punches for scrapbooking are usually shapes that can work across several different page themes.
Circles, ovals, corners, flowers and foliage are particularly flexible because they can become:
For example, a travel scrapbook could use circles for dates and captions, while a nature-themed layout could combine punched leaves with photographs and handwritten journalling.
Try punching shapes from paper you've already used elsewhere on the page. Repeating the same colours or patterns can help the layout feel connected.
Browse our scrapbooking supplies for coordinating paper, card and decorative materials.
Paper punches for crafting are especially useful when you want to build depth from several simple pieces.
Try:
Different punch sizes can also work together. A smaller circle placed over a larger one can create a quick layered label, while several flower sizes can build a fuller embellishment.
If you want to mix punched shapes with other decorative elements, browse our craft embellishments.
Punches become particularly handy when you're making several coordinating pieces.
For wedding stationery, the same rounded corner or decorative shape can be repeated across invitations, place cards and tags.
For birthdays and celebrations, stars, flowers or circles can create a consistent theme across cards and decorations.
If you're making gift tags, combine a decorative shape with a suitable hole punch for ribbon or thread.
Before starting a large batch, make one finished example first. This lets you check that the punch size, paper colour and overall layout work together before preparing the rest.
Keep the material flat and use paper or card that falls within the individual punch's recommended specifications.
For consistent results:
If you need precise placement, test the punch on a spare piece first.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the individual product for use, care and storage.
Whether you need one simple circle for a sentiment or dozens of matching shapes for a scrapbook, craft punches make repeatable designs quicker and easier to create.
Browse our collection of paper punches, compare the available shapes and sizes, and choose the tools you'll use most. Add your favourite punches to your basket and get ready for your next card making, scrapbooking or paper craft project.
A craft punch is a reusable tool that cuts a set shape, hole or decorative detail from suitable paper or card. They are commonly used for handmade cards, scrapbooking, tags and other paper crafts.
Choose a shape you'll use across several projects. Circles, rounded corners and simple flowers are versatile starting options for many card makers and scrapbookers.
Yes. Paper punches for card making can create embellishments, sentiment backgrounds, decorative corners, labels and repeated shapes. Always check that your chosen card is suitable for the individual punch.
It depends on the tool. Different punches support different paper and card weights, so check the individual product specifications before using thicker cardstock.
A decorative craft punch may create complete shapes such as flowers or circles, while a hole punch removes a smaller opening from the material. Different versions can be used for practical or decorative papercraft.
Yes. They can create photo corners, labels, journalling pieces, borders and decorative elements without having to cut every shape individually.
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