9 Best Die Cutting Machines for Scrapbooking (November 2026)

The best die cutting machines for scrapbooking include the Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit for most scrappers, the Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine for a full starter set, and the BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing for small embellishments.

On this page (9 sections)

1. Best die cutting machines for scrapbooking, by the job they do
2. How these die cutting machines compare
3. How we compared these machines
4. What should you look for in a die cutting machine for scrapbooking?
5. Do you need a big machine for scrapbook pages?
6. Which die cutting machine is best for beginners?
7. Can you use the same dies in different machines?
8. How do you keep plates and dies in good shape?
9. The verdict: which die cutting machine should you buy?

The best die cutting machine for scrapbooking for most people is the Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit, a 6-inch manual machine with simple plate stacks for crisp cuts and embossing. Choose the Joelver Maker when you want a 9-inch opening and a full starter kit, or the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit if a known craft brand matters more to you.

Scrapbooking asks for two things from a machine: an opening wide enough for the paper you cut and a plate stack you can repeat without guessing. A 6-inch machine covers A5 cardstock, titles and page accents.

A 9-inch opening takes larger embossing folders and wide borders. Electric models trade the hand crank for speed.

This guide compares 9 machines on opening size, what comes in the box, plate systems and the materials each one handles. Our score weighs specs, features and how well each machine fits what a scrapbooker actually does at the table.

Every pick is a manual machine except one electric option at the end, so you can see what the extra money buys.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for most scrappers

   Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a full starter set

   Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for small embellishments

   BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing

   8.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   VEVOR Manual Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

   Best for space-saving storage
   Check it
5. 5

   CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting

   Best for cardstock control
   Check it
6. 6

   Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit

   Best for brand confidence
   Check it
7. 7

   Spellbinders Platinum 6

   Best for mixed die brands
   Check it
8. 8

   Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit

   Best for crafting on the go
   Check it
9. 9

   Anna Griffin Empress Elite

   Best for electric speed
   Check it

Best die cutting machines for scrapbooking, by the job they do

The Find Scrapblooms kit wins on size and simple stacking, while the other machines solve narrower needs: a wider opening, a smaller footprint or a motor. Pick by the paper you cut most and the space you have.

1

Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit: Best for most scrappers

9.7/10Our score

• 6-inch opening for A5 paper
• Carbon steel construction
• Plate stacks for cutting and embossing
• Portable and budget-friendly

A 6-inch manual machine with simple plate stacking, so beginners get clean cuts and embossing without electricity.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Clear plate stacks for cutting and embossing
• Carbon steel inner construction
• Works with most standard dies and folders

Cons

• A5 limit rules out full 12-inch pages
• Manual crank takes steady pressure

This kit suits a beginner who wants one box that covers cutting and embossing without extra shopping. The 6-inch opening takes A5 paper, which matches the card panels, photo mats and titles most scrapbook pages use.

It measures 11.5 x 10 x 10 inches and weighs enough to stay put on a desk without being hard to move.

The plate stacks are the real draw for a new crafter. Find Scrapblooms prints a separate stack for embossing and for die cutting, so you aren't guessing which plate goes where.

Embossing takes a 13mm plate, two 3mm PC plates and the folder with paper inside. Die cutting takes the 13mm plate, a 5mm PC plate, the paper, the die and a 3mm PC plate.

Carbon steel inside the body suggests it will hold up to steady use.

The active surface is 44 square inches and the blue and white body stores easily on a shelf. Because it runs on a crank, it works on a kitchen table with no outlet nearby.

The trade-off is size: a 6-inch opening won't run a full 12-inch page border. For that, look at the Joelver Maker below.

2

Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine: Best for a full starter set

9.2/10Our score

• 9-inch opening slot
• 20+ steel dies and folders included
• Foldable and portable design
• Manual hand crank

A wider opening and a bigger starter kit, which suits scrappers who want to make several elements before buying extra dies.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 9-inch opening fits larger folders
• Dies and embossing folders in the box
• Folds away when not in use

Cons

• Heavier than the 6-inch machines here
• Plastic body feels less solid than steel

Joelver Maker suits a scrapper who knows they'll cut wide elements and wants the dies in the box. Its 9-inch opening slot takes larger embossing folders and border dies than a 6-inch machine.

The active area runs 9 x 12 inches, close to a full page.

The starter set includes 20+ steel dies and embossing folders, so you can cut a title, a frame and a border before buying anything else. The crank needs no batteries, and the body folds for storage.

The dies and components are steel, built for repeated projects.

The main trade-off is weight. At 8.62 kg this machine is heavier than the 6-inch picks, so plan a permanent spot or accept lifting it between sessions.

The body is plastic, which is lighter but less solid than the metal builds here. If your pages are mostly A5, the Find Scrapblooms kit is easier to live with.

If wide borders are the plan, the extra width earns its keep.

3

BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing: Best for small embellishments

8.9/10Our score

• Compact 6.3 x 3.8 inch frame
• Built-in suction system
• Cuts tissue paper and thin leather
• Simple two-mat stack

A small machine for cutting and embossing tags, titles and accents without taking up desk space.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Tiny footprint for a crowded desk
• Handles thin leather and foil
• Quick two-mat setup

Cons

• Too small for A5 or full page elements
• Thin materials only

BAOFALI fits a scrapper who works at a crowded desk and cuts small pieces: tags, titles, photo corners and layered accents. The frame measures 6.3 x 3.8 x 3 inches, so it sits beside a cutting mat without taking it over.

The 3-inch opening rules out A5 and full page elements.

It handles more than paper. BAOFALI lists tissue paper, foils, acetate ribbon and thin leather among the materials, which is useful for texture on a page.

The two-mat stack is quick to set up: put the stencils and cardstock between the plastic cutting mats, turn the handle and a pattern appears. The built-in suction system helps hold it in place.

The mats measure about 6.3 x 3 inches in 3 mm and 4 mm thickness, and BAOFALI says it works with any dies, embossing folders and texture plates. Compare it with the Sidekick below and the choice is clear: pick BAOFALI for a very small footprint at a lower price tier, or the Sidekick for a known brand with a 2.5-inch opening.

Neither replaces a 6-inch machine for page-sized work.

4

VEVOR Manual Die Cutting and Embossing Machine: Best for space-saving storage

8.8/10Our score

• 9-inch opening
• Dies, folders, paper and plates included
• Foldable body
• Metal gears and non-slip base

A 9-inch machine that folds down for drawers and ships with everything needed to start cutting.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Folds flat in 1 second
• Starter kit in the box
• Metal gears and anti-loosening crank

Cons

• Large folded footprint for a folding machine
• Handle needs steady even turning

VEVOR suits crafters in small rooms who pack their tools away after each session. The body folds in 1 second and fits in a drawer, which matters when the kitchen table is your workspace.

It opens to a 9-inch slot for larger folders and borders.

The set arrives with cutting dies, embossing folders, paper sheets and cutting plates, so the first session needs no extra purchase. Metal gears and a non-slip base help the crank feel steady, and the anti-loosening crank design keeps the handle from drifting.

The 2-in-1 crank handles both clean cuts and rich embossing, and the machine works on paper, wrapping paper, letter paper and cardstock. It weighs 15.4 pounds and measures 15.75 x 5.2 x 8.27 inches.

Against the Joelver Maker, this machine gives you the same 9-inch opening but a bigger folded footprint. The handle also needs an even, steady turn rather than a quick crank.

Choose VEVOR for drawer storage and Joelver Maker for a lighter carry.

5

CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting: Best for cardstock control

8.7/10Our score

• 6-inch opening for A5
• Plate, shim and magnetic sheet kit
• Dies, folders, stamps and cardstock included
• Manual crank with no electricity

A kit-heavy 6-inch machine with clear stacking instructions, aimed at scrapbookers working mostly in cardstock.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Illustrated cutting and embossing stacks
• Includes dies, folders, stamps and cardstock
• Stop-if-tight guidance protects plates

Cons

• Plain cardstock only, no vinyl or foil
• Stack height must stay near 22 mm

CraftGenes suits a scrapper who works mostly in cardstock and wants clear instructions printed and included. The kit bundles a 13mm base plate, two B plates, a C plate, a shim, two magnetic sheets, two folders, two die sets, 10 cardstock sheets and a stamp set.

That's the most complete plate set here.

Its guidance is unusually practical: keep the sandwich under about 22 mm, stop if the handle feels tight, and rotate the clear plate to spread wear. It also warns to keep the die blade facing down toward the paper and away from the magnetic plate.

The 6-inch opening takes A5, so it suits cards, invitations and page accents.

The limit is material range. CraftGenes says the machine is for plain cardstock up to 240 gsm, and warns against adhesive paper, laminate, vinyl, vellum, fabric and foil.

The included magnetic sheets and shims are for adding pressure when a cut feels light, not for thicker materials. If you cut anything beyond cardstock, choose the BAOFALI or Empress Elite instead.

6

Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit: Best for brand confidence

8.5/10Our score

• 6-inch opening
• 73 Thinlits dies included
• 3D embossing folder and cardstock
• Clip-on handle stores underneath

The redesigned Big Shot with a generous die bundle, a clip-on handle and a compact body for small craft rooms.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 73 Thinlits dies in the kit
• Handle clips under the machine
• Carry handle for craft days

Cons

• No warranty included
• 6-inch opening caps element size

The Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit suits someone who trusts an established craft brand and wants a large die library on day one. The kit includes 73 Thinlits dies, a 3D embossing folder and textured cardstock.

The machine itself is the redesigned Big Shot with a 6-inch opening.

The redesign targets small craft rooms. The handle clips underneath the body when not in use, and an ergonomic carry handle lets you take it to a crop.

Sizzix says the platform handles a wide range of die and embossing technologies, from cardmaking to larger papercraft and home decor projects. The kit also includes a multipurpose platform and a pair of cutting pads.

The trade-off is the opening. A 6-inch machine covers A5 and card elements but not full page borders.

Sizzix also states no warranty on this kit, which is worth knowing next to the Spellbinders Platinum 6's included coverage. Choose it for the dies, not the width.

7

Spellbinders Platinum 6: Best for mixed die brands

8.0/10Our score

• 6-inch platform
• Universal Plate System
• Works with BetterPress and Glimmer
• Includes 3D folder and die set

A portable 6-inch machine whose plate system takes almost any brand's dies and folders, plus Spellbinders' letterpress and foil add-ons.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Universal plate system for mixed brands
• Add-on ready for BetterPress and Glimmer
• Includes a 3D folder and die set

Cons

• Higher price tier for a 6-inch machine
• Add-ons sold separately

Spellbinders Platinum 6 suits a scrapper who already owns dies from several brands. Its Universal Plate System takes almost any product on the market, so old dies and folders keep working.

The kit also includes an exclusive 3D embossing folder and die set.

The machine has a 6-inch platform and runs manual. Spellbinders says the tech allows for detailed, precise cutting and simultaneous embossing, so edges come out smooth.

It's compatible with the BetterPress Letterpress System and the Glimmer Hot Foil System, which opens up letterpress and foil techniques on top of die cutting. A limited one-year warranty backs it.

The metal build weighs 10 pounds and measures 13.62 x 6 x 5.12 inches. Against the Big Shot, you pay more for the plate system and the add-on path.

If you only cut Sizzix-style thin dies, the Big Shot's die bundle is better value. Pick the Platinum 6 when mixed-brand compatibility is the point.

8

Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit: Best for crafting on the go

7.9/10Our score

• 2.5-inch opening
• Vacuum seal base
• Framelits, Thinlits and folders included
• Lightweight at 2 lb

A pocket-size roller machine for small dies and embossing folders, sealed to a table with a suction base.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Weighs 2 lb and travels easily
• Vacuum base holds it steady
• Comes with dies, folders and stamps

Cons

• 2.5-inch opening limits die size
• Cuts lightweight cardstock only

The Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit suits scrappers who travel to crops or work in short bursts at a small table. It weighs 2 lb and its vacuum seal base sticks to any smooth surface for stability while you crank.

The 2.5-inch opening limits you to small dies and embossing folders, which is exactly what accents and titles need. The kit includes Framelits dies, Thinlits dies, small embossing folders and stamps.

Sizzix says it cuts a single sheet of lightweight cardstock to paper and works with other brands' thin dies too. It also carries a three-year limited warranty.

Don't expect it to replace a 6-inch machine. It's an add-on for small elements and travel.

The body is about 7.75 x 4.75 x 3.5 inches, so it slips into a bag with the plates. If you want one machine for a whole page, the Find Scrapblooms kit or the Joelver Maker is the better spend.

9

Anna Griffin Empress Elite: Best for electric speed

7.2/10Our score

• Electric cutting and embossing
• 360-degree turntable
• Large plates
• USB charging port and carry handles

A motorized machine with a rotating turntable and large plates, for crafters who would rather not crank by hand.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Anna Griffin says it runs 10% faster
• Turntable gives plate access from any angle
• Built-in handles and USB port

Cons

• Needs power, unlike the manual picks
• Highest price tier here

Anna Griffin Empress Elite suits a scrapper who runs long sessions and would rather not crank. It's the one electric machine here, and Anna Griffin says it cuts and embosses 10% faster than a manual pass.

Large plates expand the size of what you can feed through.

The 360-degree turntable lets you reach the plates from any angle, which helps when a stack is heavy. Built-in handles make it portable, and a USB charging port lets you top up a phone or tablet while you work.

Anna Griffin says it works with other brands' dies and folders and cuts paper, cardstock and fabric. The active surface runs 51.2 square inches.

The clear trade-offs are power and price. It needs an outlet, unlike every other pick, and at 15.1 pounds it sits in the highest price tier here.

For a first scrapbooking machine, a manual 6-inch kit covers more per dollar.

How these die cutting machines compare

The table lines up opening size, operation and what's in the box, so you can see at a glance which machine fits A5 pages and which takes a full border. Read down the score column to see how each pick ranks.

How we compared these machines

We compared each machine on opening size, plate system, included accessories and the materials the maker lists. Our score weighs those specs and features against what a scrapbooker needs most: repeatable cuts on cardstock and paper at A5 size or larger.

We favored machines with clear plate-stack instructions, because a wrong stack causes most beginner frustration. We also weighed portability and storage, since many scrappers work at a shared table.

Manual machines earned points for cost and control; the electric Empress Elite lost ground on price and power needs.

We don't test machines in a studio. This comparison comes from specs and included contents, and the details on each product page are the final check.

What should you look for in a die cutting machine for scrapbooking?

Start with the opening size your pages need. A 6-inch opening handles A5 paper, which covers most cards, mats and titles.

Move to 9 inches only if you plan to cut full page borders or large embossing folders. Anything under 3 inches suits accents alone.

Then look at what comes in the box. A kit with plates, dies, folders and cardstock gets you cutting the same day.

A bare machine needs plates bought separately. Check the plate material too, since clear plastic plates pick up scratches and metal plates last longer.

Should you choose a manual or electric machine?

Choose manual if you want control, quiet crafting and a lower price. Manual machines need no outlet and let you feel each pass.

Choose electric like the Anna Griffin Empress Elite only if you cut often enough that the crank becomes a chore. For most home scrappers, manual is the better first machine.

How much room do you need?

Measure your work surface, then add space for laying plates flat and turning the handle. The Find Scrapblooms kit is about 12 inches square.

Foldable machines like the VEVOR and Joelver Maker store in a drawer, which helps in small rooms. The Sidekick is the smallest at about 7.75 x 4.75 x 3.5 inches.

Which materials can a scrapbooking machine cut?

Plain cardstock and paper are safe for every machine here. BAOFALI lists tissue paper, foils, acetate ribbon and thin leather.

Anna Griffin says the Empress Elite cuts fabric. CraftGenes limits its machine to plain cardstock up to 240 gsm, so read the maker's material list before feeding anything unusual through.

When in doubt, cut a scrap of the same material first and check the plate stack.

How thick should the plate sandwich be?

Each maker sets its own stack. CraftGenes puts its limit near 22 mm and says to stop the moment the handle feels hard.

Find Scrapblooms lists exact plates for each job, so the thickness is settled for you. When a cut feels light, the usual fix is a thin shim rather than a thicker stack.

Always confirm the plate order before you add anything.

Do you need a big machine for scrapbook pages?

No. Most scrapbook elements are smaller than a full page.

A 6-inch machine cuts titles, frames, photo mats and journaling blocks without trouble. The 9-inch machines here matter when you want wide borders or large embossing folders.

Full 12-inch layouts usually get assembled from smaller cut pieces, not cut in one pass. That's why a 6-inch kit is a sensible first buy.

Add a 9-inch machine later if your pages call for wide elements. The Joelver Maker and VEVOR both give you that width without a huge step up in learning curve.

Which die cutting machine is best for beginners?

The Find Scrapblooms kit is the easiest start. It includes the machine and clear plate stacks, so there's no guesswork about sandwich order.

Its A5 opening covers beginner projects, and the manual crank gives direct feedback on each pass.

If your budget allows more, the Joelver Maker adds a 9-inch opening and 20+ dies. Skip the electric Empress Elite for a first machine: the power requirement and price make more sense after you know your cutting habits.

Our guide to what a die cutting machine does explains the basics if this is your first one.

Can you use the same dies in different machines?

Often yes, within limits. Manual machines like the Find Scrapblooms kit and CraftGenes accept most standard dies and embossing folders.

Opening size still caps what fits: a die wider than the opening won't go through. The Spellbinders Platinum 6's universal plate system is the most flexible for mixed brands.

The Sizzix Sidekick takes thin dies and folders up to 2.5 inches wide. If you own dies from several brands, check the plate stack each machine needs, since the order differs between makers.

Our manual die cutting machine guide covers plate stacks in more detail.

How do you keep plates and dies in good shape?

Keep the sandwich at or under the maker's stack height, and stop if the handle feels tight. CraftGenes puts its limit near 22 mm and warns against forcing the crank.

Rotate clear plates to spread wear and light scratches.

Store dies flat so the cutting edges don't bend. Wipe plates after embossing to remove paper dust.

For card-focused setups, our die cutting machines for card making guide covers plate care for smaller machines. If you'd rather let a motor do the work, the electronic die cutting machine guide covers the powered options.

The verdict: which die cutting machine should you buy?

The best die cutting machine for scrapbooking for most people is the Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit, because its 6-inch opening, carbon steel build and printed plate stacks cover A5 pages and embossing without a learning curve. Buy the Joelver Maker when you need a 9-inch opening and want dies in the box.

Choose the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit for a big die library from a known brand, or the Anna Griffin Empress Elite if you'd rather not crank at all.

Pick by your largest element first. A 6-inch machine covers most pages and costs less.

Add width only when your pages call for wide borders. A manual kit is the safer first buy, and you can move up to electric once you know how often you cut.

Check each product page for current details before ordering.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for most scrappers

   Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a full starter set

   Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for small embellishments

   BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing

   8.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size die cutting machine do I need for scrapbooking?

A 6-inch opening handles A5 paper and most card and layout elements. Choose a 9-inch opening when you plan to run larger embossing folders or full-page die cuts.

Smaller machines like the Sidekick suit accents only.

Can a die cutting machine cut fabric or leather for scrapbooks?

Some can. BAOFALI lists thin leather among the materials its mini machine cuts, and Anna Griffin says the Empress Elite cuts fabric.

Plain cardstock remains the safe default for most kits.

Do I need electricity for a die cutting machine?

No for manual machines, which run on a hand crank. The Anna Griffin Empress Elite is the electric option here and needs a power source.

Manual machines suit quiet crafting and travel.

What is a plate sandwich on a die cutting machine?

It's the stack of plates, paper and die you feed through the machine. Each machine has its own order.

Find Scrapblooms prints a stack for embossing and one for die cutting, and CraftGenes warns against forcing a stack that feels tight.

Is a manual or electric die cutting machine better for scrapbooking?

Manual machines give you control and cost less, while electric machines like the Empress Elite save effort on long sessions. For most home scrappers a manual 6-inch or 9-inch machine covers everyday pages.

How much desk space does a die cutting machine need?

Plan for the machine's body plus room to lay plates flat and turn the handle. The Find Scrapblooms kit measures 11.5 x 10 x 10 inches.

Foldable machines like the VEVOR and Joelver Maker store in a drawer between sessions.