Quick answer
For most card makers, start with the circle punch for versatility, then add the heart or star punch when you need a specific motif for occasions like Valentine's Day or birthday cards.
Why shape choice matters in card making
A hole punch is one of the fastest ways to add a clean, repeatable shape to your papercraft. But each shape serves a different purpose. A circle punch works for tags, confetti, and layered embellishments. A heart punch is ideal for romantic or sentimental projects. A star punch fits celebratory cards, kids' crafts, and patriotic themes.
The Crafter's Companion lever-action punches let you slide in paper or card and press down to cut. All three shapes share the same basic mechanism, so your choice comes down to the design you need most often.
Trade-offs to consider
A circle punch is the most versatile because circles work with nearly any theme and can be layered or used as backgrounds. However, if you mainly make Valentine's or wedding cards, a heart punch saves time over cutting hearts by hand. A star punch is more niche—great for birthdays, New Year's, or kids' projects, but less useful for everyday card making.
None of these punches cut through thick chipboard or multiple layers at once. They are designed for standard cardstock and paper. If you need a larger size, note that these punches produce a single fixed diameter; they are not adjustable.
How to choose your punch shape
- Start with the circle punch: If you make a variety of cards and want one punch that works for most projects, the circle punch is the safest first purchase. You can use circles for sentiments, layered embellishments, shaker card windows, or simple confetti.
- Add the heart punch for sentimental themes: If you frequently make Valentine's, wedding, or anniversary cards, the heart punch gives you a consistent heart shape without hand-cutting. It also works for gift tags and love-themed scrapbook pages. Pair it with the circle punch to layer hearts inside circles for a polished look.
- Choose the star punch for celebratory projects: The star punch is ideal for birthday cards, New Year's invitations, patriotic themes, or kids' crafts. It is less versatile than the circle or heart, so buy it only when you have a specific need or already own a circle punch.
Punch shapes at a glance
-
Crafter’s Companion Hole Punch - Circle: The circle punch from Crafter's Companion cuts a clean round shape with a simple lever press. Circles are the most versatile shape for card making—use them for tags, layered toppers, confetti, or background patterns.
Crafter’s Companion Hole Punch - Circle
-
Crafter’s Companion Hole Punch - Heart: The heart-shaped punch creates a detailed cut-out heart design in one press. Perfect for Valentine's Day, wedding, or anniversary cards where a heart motif is the focal point.
Crafter’s Companion Hole Punch - Heart
Which punch fits your style?
Best for
- Card makers who want one all-purpose punch: circle punch
- Crafters focused on Valentine's or wedding cards: heart punch
- Those making birthday or celebration cards: star punch
Not for
- Projects requiring large or adjustable cut-out sizes (these punches are fixed diameter)
- Cutting thick materials like chipboard or multiple cardstock layers at once
