Paper Craft Tools: Scissors, Punches and Cutters Explained

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Clean cuts are the secret to neat cards, scrapbooks, school projects and decorations. The right paper craft tools make cutting faster and more accurate, and decorative tools add instant style. This guide explains everyday and decorative scissors, punches, circle and rotary cutters, pen knives and cutting mats, and when to use each.

Scissors: everyday and decorative

Everyday scissors: Seaking Scissors (S) are small, sharp and comfortable, ideal for school bags and general paper craft.
Decorative scissors: Zig Zag Scissors cut a decorative edge on paper and fabric. Use them for card borders, photo mats, bunting and scrapbook pages.

Keep a separate pair for paper and for fabric; paper dulls blades faster.

Craft punches

A Craft Puncher (KM 5815) punches neat, identical decorative shapes in one press. Use punched shapes for card toppers, confetti, garlands, gift tags and layered designs. Punch from the edge of offcuts to save paper.

Push the paper all the way in and press firmly with the palm of your hand.
Use card up to the thickness the punch can manage; very thick card can jam it.
Punching through baking paper or foil a few times can help keep it working smoothly.

Circle and rotary cutters

Compass cutter: the Bomeijia Compass Cutter has an adjustable radius for cutting perfect circles from paper and card, great for card windows, badges and models.
Rotary cutters: the Quilting Rotary Cutter 28mm and 45mm have replaceable blades and cut paper, fabric and multiple layers in long, straight lines with a ruler.

Pen knives and cutting mats

Detail pen knife: the Detail Pen Knife Set gives precise cuts in paper, card and stencils, with spare blades included.
Cutting mat: the Cutting Mat 45 × 30cm protects your table, keeps blades sharp and has grid lines for measuring.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Our craft knife guide goes deeper into blades and safe cutting.

Which paper craft tools do you need?

School projects: everyday scissors, a glue stick and a ruler.
Card making: add zig zag scissors, a craft punch and a cutting mat.
Scrapbooking and journals: decorative scissors, punches and a pen knife.
Models and stencils: pen knife, cutting mat, compass cutter and a metal ruler.
Fabric and quilting: a rotary cutter and cutting mat.

Decorative scissors: tips for neat edges

Draw a light pencil guide line and cut slowly along it.
When you reach the end of the blades, line the pattern up again before the next cut so the edge stays continuous.
Cut a strip first and glue it on, rather than cutting the edge of a finished card.

Safety and care

Always cut away from your body and keep fingers behind the blade.
Use a cutting mat under knives and rotary cutters, never a table top.
Close rotary cutter guards and cap knives after every use.
Replace blunt blades; dull blades slip and tear paper.
Keep knives, cutters and sharp blades away from young children; give them safety scissors instead.

Put your tools to use with our handmade greeting cards guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can children use these tools?

Children can use small scissors and punches with supervision. Knives, rotary cutters and compass cutters are for teens and adults.

Why does my punch tear the paper?

The paper may be too thick or the punch needs cleaning. Try thinner paper and punch through baking paper a few times.

Do I need a cutting mat?

Yes, if you use a knife or rotary cutter. It protects your table and keeps blades sharp.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose paper craft tools.

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