Can You Use Metal Dies in a Cricut Machine?

On this page (8 sections)

1. Can you use dies in a Cricut machine?
2. Why won't a metal die fit a Cricut?
3. What can a Cricut do instead?
4. Which machine should you use for physical dies?
5. Is a compact manual machine enough for small dies?
6. Which metal dies work with a manual machine?
7. Can you use both tools for one project?
8. What should you choose for your project?

No, you can't use metal dies directly in a Cricut machine. A Cricut cuts designs from digital files with its blade, while a manual die-cutting machine presses a physical die through material.

The tools can still work side by side. Use a Cricut for digital shapes and lettering, and a compatible manual machine when you want to cut with a physical die.

Can you use dies in a Cricut machine?

A Cricut can't use a metal die as its cutting tool. It follows a digital design and moves its blade across the material, while a manual machine presses the physical die through the material.

A metal die has a raised cutting edge shaped like a design. Place it with the material between the machine's plates, then roll the sandwich through a compatible manual machine.

The pressure makes the cut.

The distinction matters when choosing supplies. A die's shape isn't a digital file, and a Cricut blade won't press it into paper.

For an overview of how physical dies work, see what a die-cutting machine does.

Why won't a metal die fit a Cricut?

Cricut machines are built for digital cutting workflows, not for rolling physical dies through plates. The blade holder and cutting process don't provide the pressure or setup a metal die needs.

You can often recreate a die's general shape with a digital design, if you have access to a suitable file. The result comes from the Cricut blade following that design, rather than from the die itself.

Don't try to place a metal die on a Cricut mat and cut around it. That doesn't make the die compatible, and it can interfere with the machine's normal cutting setup.

For a closer look at the difference between machine types, read our guide to craft cutting machines and which type fits your projects.

What can a Cricut do instead?

A Cricut can cut digital shapes, letters, and designs from materials supported by your specific model and blade. You choose or create a design, set the material and tool in the software, then load the material for the machine to cut.

For cardmaking, digital files can make repeated shapes without a physical die. The Cricut Joy Xtra Card Making Bundle includes the machine, a card mat, insert cards, pens, printable sticker paper, tools, and paper crafting supplies.

This bundle suits digital cutting and writing for greeting cards. It doesn't include a manual die-cutting machine, so choose one separately if physical dies are part of your plan.

See whether a Cricut can cut cardstock for material guidance. For blade choices, Cricut blade types and what each one cuts explains how the blade affects digital cutting projects.

Can a Cricut cut metal sheets?

Cutting metal sheets with a Cricut and using a metal die in a Cricut are different questions. Whether a Cricut can cut a particular thin sheet depends on its material limits, compatible blade, and machine instructions.

A metal die is a reusable physical cutting shape. Thin sheet material is something you might feed into a machine as the material being cut.

Read what a Cricut can cut about metal before trying a sheet, and don't assume a die can be used in place of a blade.

Which machine should you use for physical dies?

Use a manual die-cutting machine when you want to cut with a physical metal die. Check the machine's opening, the die's width, and which plates or platform the machine requires.

The Sizzix Big Shot has a 6 in opening and comes with a Multipurpose Platform and Cutting Pads. It's a manual machine for compatible dies and embossing folders.

Choose the Sizzix Big Shot if you want a machine with a 6 in opening for varied paper crafts. Read how to use a Sizzix Big Shot for the basic sandwich, and check which Sizzix Big Shot plates you need before running a die.

The Big Shot's opening isn't the maximum size of every die or project. Check that your die fits the plates and platform setup, and follow the machine's instructions for the die type.

Is a compact manual machine enough for small dies?

A compact roller machine can suit small dies, but its opening limits the width of the dies you can use. Match the die width to the machine's compatibility.

The Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit works with Sizzix Thinlits and Framelits dies, plus embossing folders up to 2.5 in wide. It's a portable manual option for lightweight paper and smaller projects.

Choose the Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit if your dies fit that width and you want a small machine for paper crafts. If you have larger dies, check their dimensions against a machine with a wider opening.

The starter kit includes the Sidekick machine, 6 Framelits dies, 2 Thinlits dies, 2 small embossing folders, and 7 stamps. Check that the included shapes suit your projects, since the compact opening won't accommodate every die.

Which metal dies work with a manual machine?

A die works only when its size and type are compatible with your machine and the required plate setup. Check the die's compatibility before using it.

The Tim Holtz Thinlits Die Set includes 9 dies. It's compatible with the Sizzix Big Shot, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Foldaway, Big Shot Pro, and Big Shot Express.

This die set suits someone who has, or plans to use, a compatible Sizzix machine. It won't work as a Cricut blade or turn a Cricut into a manual roller machine.

Thinlits dies can cut designs from paper, card, metallic foil, vellum, shrink plastic, and stencil film. Check both the material and machine guidance before cutting, since compatibility with one machine doesn't automatically make every material suitable.

Can you use both tools for one project?

Yes, you can combine a Cricut and a manual die-cutting machine in one project. Use each tool for the parts it is designed to make.

For example, cut names or a digital background on the Cricut, then use a physical die for a compatible decorative shape. Keep track of each material's limits, and make sure the cut pieces will layer at the sizes you need.

If you're choosing one machine first, consider how you want to make designs. A Cricut suits digital files and adjustable shapes, while a manual machine suits physical dies and the plate sandwich they require.

Our craft cutting machine guide compares the main types.

What should you choose for your project?

Choose a Cricut for digital designs and a manual machine for physical metal dies. If you want both workflows, plan to use two separate machines.

Pick the Cricut Joy Xtra Card Making Bundle for card projects that use digital cutting and writing. Pick the Sizzix Big Shot for a manual machine with a 6 in opening, or the Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit if your compatible dies and folders are no wider than 2.5 in.

For a physical die set, the Tim Holtz Thinlits Die Set fits several Sizzix Big Shot machines. Check the machine and die setup before use, then follow the relevant instructions for your materials.

If you're comparing machine types before buying, start with manual vs electronic die-cutting machines. That distinction is the key: digital files go through an electronic cutter, and physical dies go through a compatible manual machine.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use Sizzix dies in a Cricut?

No, Sizzix dies are physical cutting tools for compatible manual die-cutting machines, not Cricut cutters. A Cricut uses a digital design and a machine blade.

You can use a Cricut to create a similar shape if you can find or make a suitable digital file.

Can you cut metal dies with a Cricut?

A Cricut can't operate a metal die as a cutting tool. Its blade cuts materials according to a digital design, while a manual die-cutting machine presses a die through material.

The word metal describes the physical die, not a material the Cricut uses to cut shapes.

Can you use a Cricut and metal dies on the same project?

Yes, you can use both tools on a project, but at separate steps. Cut digital shapes with the Cricut, then use a compatible manual machine and metal die for another shape or detail.

Plan the sizes and materials first so the pieces fit together.

What machine do you need for metal cutting dies?

You need a manual die-cutting machine that fits the die and its required plates or platform. Check the machine and die compatibility before buying.

A compact roller machine can suit small dies, while a larger machine gives you more room for wider dies and projects.