Dec. 23, 2024
New to the crafting and curious to find out what die cutting is all about? This is the post for you!
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Here at Crafter's Companion we are dedicated die cutters, we love that it's such a fantastically versatile technique and can be used for pretty much any kind of project or occasion. In fact it's so popular that there is an almost overwhelming amount of information out there.
So we've come up with this handy guide to the what's, whys and how's of die cutting and die cutting machines.
Die cutting is using a machine that applies pressure to cut out delicate shapes from paper, card fabric and other materials.
By die cutting you can achieve amazing intricate cut out pieces that you wouldn't usually be able to create with scissors or craft knives. You can use your die cut shapes to embellish and decorate your crafting creations in card making, scrapbooking, gift box and gift tag making, home décor, quilting and more!
A die is a metal shape with a sharp cutting edge which is pressed into your chosen card or fabric when it goes through the die cutting machine ' a bit like a cookie cutter. They can be used over and over to create the same shape, each with exactly the same dimensions ' giving you an amazingly professional finish on your crafting projects.
They come in all shapes and sizes for a whole host of occasions. From words, numbers and sentiments to delicate lace borders and starbursts, adorable animals and sweet treats to blooming florals and whole landscapes ' the world really is your oyster!
Die cutting machines are amazing devices, they come in all shapes and sizes and apply pressure evenly to cut out shapes from metal dies.
All you have to do is make a 'sandwich' using cutting plates (more on those below!), your chosen card or other material and feed it through the machine to cut amazingly intricate designs.
Die cutting machines come in all shapes and sizes, with something to suit all levels of interest and ability!
The Gemini machines are a go-to favourite among crafters around the globe, offering amazing power and pressure throughout the whole range. You can choose to use an electronic machine or a hand-powered manual machine.
All of the electronic machines feature pause, resume and reverse buttons. So, if you're concerned you've put an incorrect sandwich combination through ' you can simply pause it and reverse it out to check!
Check out and compare the full range of Gemini machines here
Yes! The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted from the titles above that Gemini machines can also emboss. Embossing is the process of adding a raised image to your papercraft projects. All you have to do is choose your Embossing Folder, select the card or paper you'd like to use, pop it inside the folder, create a 'sandwich' according to the included instructions and roll through your machine!
You can choose between 2D Embossing Folders, 3D Embossing Folders and Cut & Emboss Folders to add amazing depth and dimension to your projects! Some metal dies include embossing detail, so you can also use them to create embossed detail!
Cutting plates are needed to make the die cutting 'sandwich'. This is a combination of cutting plates, dies and materials that are put together to roll through your machine.
The plates provide a surface for the die cutting machine to press down on, to ensure even pressure, from edge to edge so you can achieve amazing results. Cutting plates are essential tools for effective cutting. This means they'll take quite a lot of use and will need to be replaced from time to time.
There are quite a few different types of cutting plate to choose from. But don't worry we've laid them all out so you can take a look and see which are right for you!
Each different combination creates a different effect using different cutting plates ' take a look through our list of Gemini Cutting Plates and accessories:
Make sure you get the right sized cutting plates and shims for your die cutting machine. With the plates and shims, it's vital to remember to flip and rotate them after each use. This will help to prevent bowing, but it's always good to have some extra in your stash, just in case.
Yes! With Multi Media dies you can cut through a range of fabrics including cotton, denim, faux leather, corduroy and felt! So you can cut out perfectly accurate pieces for quilting, bag making or clothes projects in a snap! Multi-media dies will cut a whole host of materials as well, including:
Multi Media dies are thicker than standard metal dies, with a more pronounced cutting edge. This means they can cut through thicker and more 'difficult' materials, as well as multiple layers of fabric! Multi Media dies are perfect for so many soft crafts, including patchwork, applique, bag making and more!
Die cutting machines are so versatile, you're bound to be using them all the time! It's important to take proper care so they'll keep you crafting for years to come! Here are a few die cutting machine maintenance tips:
If this post has got you thinking about all the things you can do with die-cutting why not tune into the below episode of The Craft Class on Crafter's TV to find out even more about how to create amazing effects!
We hope this ultimate guide to die cutting machines has answered your questions and helped de-mystify this wonderful craft technique! Why not start your first project today?
We can't wait to see your die cut delights, so make sure you let us know and share your project photos with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #crafterscompanion
How would you like to cut out your shapes with a machine instead of by hand? It's called die cutting, and it's made possible with a die cutting machine! Die cutting machines come in many forms, given that the process of die cutting is used across all kinds of industries. You can guarantee that almost every item in your household has had its parts gone through a die cutting machine before it is assembled into the finished product that you see.
In paper crafting, a die cutting machine is usually a small, portable device that can cut out shapes quickly to save time on your paper crafting projects. They are a go-to tool for creating multiple handmade pieces or producing large numbers of cutout shapes with the same design. Die cutting machines can also be used for crafting techniques like embossing, debossing, and hot foiling techniques! So they are a multi-functional tool worthy of a place in every crafter's studio.
Die cut flowers made with Altenew Mini Blossoms Die Cutting Machine
How Does a Die Cutter Work?
There are two types of die cutters or die cutting machines: manual, hand-cranked die cutting machines, and digital or electronic die cutting machines.
There are electric powered or motorized manual die cutting machines too! These are different from digital or electronic ones where you'll need the help of a computer to make these work. Motorized or electric manual die cutters still need to be manually operated. However, instead of a lever, you press a button for the machine to start cutting.
A manual die cutter works by cutting shapes through pressure. These typically use a roller mechanism manually operated by a handle or crank to put pressure between dies and die cutting plates to cut out the designs.
A digital die cutter works by using programmed blades or even lasers to cut shapes. They are far more complex than manual die cutting machines. So both differ significantly from each other despite being used for basically cutting out shapes!
In the paper crafting industry, a manual die cutter is typically used, and it works by sandwiching paper or cardstock between the cutting plates with a die to create a die cut. These machines sometimes are bundled with die cutting tools which include metal shims and cutting plates along with the dies.
To use a manual die cutter for paper crafting, simply place a die on a stamped image or on a cardstock. Then place them between two cutting plates and put them all through the machine to get a clean cut.
Die Cutting Essentials for Paper Crafting & Card Making
What Are the Advantages of Die Cutting?
Paper crafters, hobbyists, professionals, and various industries see the value of die cutting tools. That's because die cutting offers many advantages for getting projects done more efficiently! Below are some of the main reasons why die cutting is used:
1. Consistency or Uniformity - Using a die cutting machine instead of cutting by hand allows you to have multiples shapes of the same design. You don't have to worry about one piece being different from the rest!
2. Speedy & Efficient - Die cutting helps you cut shapes much quicker than cutting by hand. Because of this, your efforts are reserved, and you become more efficient with time!
3. Less Waste & Cost-Effective - Using a craft cutting machine gives the advantage of cutting and layering multiple shapes together. Because of this, you can arrange your die shapes close to each other to utilize your paper or cardstock fully. Less paper wasted, more designs created!
Die Cut Flowers and Cats
4. Seamless Cuts - When you use a die cutting machine, there won't be any curving and bowing on the edges of your die-cuts. Because these machines cut shapes uniformly, all edges of the shape are spared from any curves you'd typically get when using a scissor or blade cutter.
5. Achieve Complex Shapes - Using a die cutter, cutting shapes with tiny curved details and intricate outlines is quick and easy.
6. Promote Creativity - Die cutting is a process that essentially reduces much of the time, labor, and costs of creating shapes for you. You'll get more headspace for figuring out what to do with these die-cuts!
7. Multiple Cutting & Layering - As mentioned, die cutting offers a considerable advantage in mass-producing the shapes you want. You can create at least two or more of the die-cuts you need!
What Does 'Die Cut' Mean?
Die cut is simply the cutout shape produced by a die cutting machine and die. They are the pieces of paper, leather, fabric, wood, etc., that have been cropped using the metal shape or mold (called dies). When you layer your chosen medium and die together and pass them through a die cutting machine, you produce die-cuts!
Gorgeous Red Die Cut Flower
in Paper Crafting
6 Card Making Ideas With Die-Cuts
Die-cuts are an elegant way to embellish cards! You can even customize your die-cuts with different coloring techniques and arrange them through different styles. Below are some of these techniques and styles that you can try on your next (or very first) card project:
Want more information on Die Cutting Equipment? Feel free to contact us.
When arranging your die-cuts, you can leave some parts unglued. You can angle these unglued parts away from the cardstock, making a 3D effect! You can also use foam dimension tape to achieve a 3D look.
Gold and Orange Die Cut Pieces
Add texture to your die cuts through layering and coloring effects. In the second image, you can use washed-out watercolor to mimic the texture of a petal.
Watercolor Die Cut Card Embellishments
3. Add Glitter Die Cuts as Accents
Another way to texturize die cuts is by gluing the top layer of a die cut and sprinkling on some glitter or heat-setting with embossing powder. You can also use glitter cardstock like our designer Erum did.
Focal Die Cut Layers
4. Colorful Floral Card With Die-Cuts Only
Create a card with vibrant colors and designs that stand out using only die cuts! Layer die cuts into your desired arrangement. Perhaps arrange them to look like a bouquet and top it off with a die cut sentiment, just like Aga did!
Die Cut Colored Cardstock
5. Marker Coloring Die Cuts
If you are running low on colored paper or cardstock, you can even color your die cuts by hand. Use alcohol markers for colors that truly stand out.
Alcohol Marker Colored Die Cut Pieces
6. Watercolor Monogram Card With Die Cuts Only
You can arrange your die cut pieces into a 3D wreath with a die cut monogram in the middle. This design instantly makes your card look minimalistic yet classy.
Floral Die Cut Monogram DIY Card
3 Scrapbooking Ideas With Die Cuts
Die cuts for paper crafting can also be used as elements for your journals and scrapbooks. These are very handy for this type of paper craft as you can fully customize your design ideas through die cuts!
7. Create Scrapbooking Frames With Die Cuts
Create your scrapbook photo frames using die cuts. Die cut frames are perfect for scrapbooks, especially when you want a page to follow a specific theme or color palette.
Cute Scrapbook Page Made With Die Cuts
8. Add Details to Your Everyday Photos
Aside from enamel dots and pins, you can use die cuts to add more fun designs to your scrapbooks!
Die Cut Embellishments for Scrapbooking and Journaling
9. Make Shaped Cards & Tags
Die cuts can also be made as tags or mini-shaped cards. Use these die cuts for organizing your craft studio by hanging them as name tags!
Die Cut Shaped Cards & Tags
5 Other Ideas to Use with
Craft Die CutsDie cuts can also be used for crafting projects other than card making and scrapbooking. Below are some enjoyable and easy non-card projects that you can create using die cuts.
10. Create Ornaments & Decor with Die Cuts
You can customize your home and seasonal decor using die cuts! Create ornaments during your favorite seasons with their help.
DIY Paper Craft Home Decor
11. Easter Paper Ornaments with Pysanka Die
Easter paper ornaments are simple decors you can make with die cuts. Once you've got the hang of creating egg or oval-shaped ornaments, try out other shapes during other seasons and occasions too!
Die Cut Lace Details for Gift Wraps
12. Use Die Cuts As Gift Wrapping Accents
A unique way to wrap presents is through die cuts. Die cut your loved one's favorite objects and use them to embellish your gift.
Handmade Home Decor
13. Create Pop up Books With Die Cuts
Did you know that die cuts are also used in making bookmarks and pop-up books? Because you can tailor shapes with die cutting, you'll definitely be able to create elements for these fantastic books.
Cute Handmade Floral and Cat Bookmark
14. Turn Them Into Tapes, Stickers, Magnets, & More!
By adding tapes, magnets, wood, and other materials, you can also create trinkets like fridge magnets, stickers, die cut tapes, and keychains, to name a few! Give these as gifts to your favorite people.
DIY Vellum Floral Sticker
Craft Cutting Machines Should Be a Staple
There are a lot of exciting projects that can be achieved with die cutting machines. By learning how to use metal die cuts and a die cutter, you can turn these projects into reality! It's one tool that every crafter must use. If you already have one, we hope that you get to try out some of the ideas shared in this blog. And if you are looking for more inspiration, you may visit our All About Crafting page to see what else you can do with die-cuts and a craft cutting machine!
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