Paper Punches Starter Kit: Top Picks for Crafters
For most beginners, the Fiskars 3-Piece Craft Punch Set is the best paper punches starter kit. It offers essential shapes with a comfortable handle and a compact design. Its main limitation is the lack of a hole punch for binding, which you might need to buy separately.
Paper punches are essential for scrapbooking, card making, and other paper crafts. A good starter kit should include versatile shapes and sizes, while also being comfortable to use. We compared top-rated sets to find the best options for beginners.
Whether you are a teacher, a hobbyist, or a parent, having the right punches can make your projects easier. This guide breaks down the best kits based on user feedback and specifications.
The top picks, ranked
Fiskars 3-Piece Craft Punch Set
This set includes circle, square, and star punches with a lever handle that reduces hand fatigue. Owners report clean cuts on cardstock and a sturdy build.
Pros
- Comfortable lever action
- Sharp cuts on multiple layers
- Compact storage
Cons
- No hole punch for binding
- Limited shape variety
Martha Stewart Crafts 6-Piece Punch Set
Includes six different shapes: butterfly, flower, heart, leaf, circle, and scallop. The punches have a soft-grip handle and a clear bottom for precise placement.
Pros
- Multiple designs
- Clear positioning window
- Good for detailed work
Cons
- Smaller punch sizes
- Handles may be stiff initially
Carl CP-80 Heavy Duty Paper Punch
This is a single 2-hole punch, not a kit, but it is essential for any starter kit to bind documents. It punches up to 80 sheets with a sturdy metal construction.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Handles thick stacks
- Adjustable paper guide
Cons
- Only 2-hole pattern
- Bulky for storage
We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile Hole Punch
A single-hole punch that can handle chipboard, leather, and multiple sheets of paper. It has a long handle for leverage and comes with a 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch punch.
Pros
- Handles heavy materials
- Two sizes in one
- Ergonomic grip
Cons
- Not for small shapes
- Price is higher for single punch
EK Success Cutter Bee Shape Punch Set
This set offers four small punches: butterfly, flower, circle, and heart. They are about 0.5 inches in size, ideal for embellishing cards and journals.
Pros
- Tiny and cute shapes
- Easy to press
- Good for scrapbook accents
Cons
- Very small for some uses
- May jam with thick paper
Swingline Paper Punch Kit with 6 Punch Heads
This kit includes a heavy-duty base and six interchangeable punch heads for 3-hole, 2-hole, and other patterns. It is designed for office use and can punch up to 20 sheets.
Pros
- Versatile hole patterns
- Built-in paper stacker
- Punches accurately
Cons
- Not for shapes
- Heavier to store
Papercraft Punch Set with 12 Shapes
This budget set includes 12 different shape punches, including stars, hearts, and flowers. They are lightweight and come in a storage case.
Pros
- Many shapes for low cost
- Good for kids
- Easy to store
Cons
- Less durable blades
- Handles may hurt with repeated use
How to pick the right one
How they stack up
| # | Model | Shapes | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiskars 3-Piece Craft Punch Set | Circle, square, star | Essential shapes for beginners | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Martha Stewart Crafts 6-Piece Punch Set | 6 designs | Variety of shapes for creative projects | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Carl CP-80 Heavy Duty Paper Punch | 80 sheets | High-volume punching up to 80 sheets | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile Hole Punch | 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch | Punching through thick materials | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | EK Success Cutter Bee Shape Punch Set | Butterfly, flower, circle, heart | Small decorative shapes for journaling | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Swingline Paper Punch Kit with 6 Punch Heads | 6 interchangeable | Office and school binding | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Papercraft Punch Set with 12 Shapes | 12 designs | Budget-friendly variety | 8.2 | Check price |
Common questions
What is the best paper punch starter kit?
For most beginners, the Fiskars 3-Piece Craft Punch Set is the best overall. It offers essential shapes with a comfortable handle and durable construction.
How many punches come in a typical starter kit?
Typical starter kits include 3 to 6 punches, but some budget sets have up to 12. For beginners, a set of 3 to 6 is enough to get started.
Can paper punches cut cardstock?
Most paper punches can cut cardstock, but check the punch capacity. Some craft punches handle only a few sheets, while heavy-duty punches can handle up to 80 sheets.
What shapes are most useful for beginners?
Circles, squares, hearts, stars, and flowers are versatile shapes used in many projects. A kit with these shapes is a good choice.
Do I need a hole punch as part of a starter kit?
If you plan to bind pages or create tags, a hole punch is useful. Many starter kits do not include one, so you may need to buy a basic hole punch separately.
How do I prevent paper punches from jamming?
Punch through a piece of wax paper occasionally to keep blades sharp and lubricated. Also, avoid punching more layers than recommended.
Are expensive paper punches worth it?
Higher-priced punches often have sharper blades and more durable construction. They may last longer and provide cleaner cuts, but budget options can work for light use.
Can I use paper punches on materials other than paper?
Some heavy-duty punches can cut thin plastic, leather, or foam. Check the product specifications for the maximum thickness and material compatibility.
Final word
Start with the Fiskars 3-Piece Craft Punch Set for its reliability and comfort. If you need more variety, choose the Martha Stewart 6-Piece Set. For binding, add the Carl CP-80. This combination covers all beginner needs without overspending.
