Scoring and Creasing

Sheet materials may be scored or creased to make folding easier - and more accurate. Scoring is the process of scribing, or even partly cutting through, the material along the line to be bent or folded.

When working with card, this can be done using a pair of scissors but thicker sheets may need to be partly cut through with a craft knife.

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Safety Point! Always use a Craft Knife together with a Safety Ruler and Cutting Mat to protect fingers and table tops.

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Note: Scoring or scribing cuts or scratches the surface of material. This can create a stress concentration and be a potential failure point. Scribed lines on soft metals such as Aluminium should therefore be placed on the inside of a bend where they will be closed up.

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Creasing is similar to scoring but the surface is compressed rather than cut. It is a good way of preparing soft materials such as card for folding and can be done using an empty Biro or the back edge of a pair of scissors.