Best picks

9 Best Craft Die Cutting Machines (November 2026)

Updated on · By the The Dies Have It team

The best craft die cutting machines include the Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit for beginners on a budget, the Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer for print-and-cut stickers, and the BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing for tiny craft spaces.

On this page (7 sections)
  1. The best craft die cutting machines by project
  2. How these craft die cutting machines compare
  3. How we compared these machines
  4. What should you check before buying a craft die cutting machine?
  5. Which craft die cutting machine fits card making?
  6. What about scrapbooking and journaling projects?
  7. Which machine should you pick?

The best craft die cutting machine for most paper crafters is the Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit, which cuts and embosses A5 paper for a budget price and includes starter accessories. Pick the Liene PixCut S1 for phone-made stickers, a Sizzix model for a large die library, or a 9-inch press for full A4 card panels.

This list looks at craft die cutting machines by the project each one handles best, not by brand name. Some are manual presses with plates and a crank; others are electronic cutters driven by software.

The split matters more than any single spec, because a press and a cutter solve different problems. A manual press pushes a metal die through cardstock under plate pressure, so you choose the shape when you buy the die.

An electronic cutter moves a blade by computer, so the shape comes from a file. Neither is better in general, and each is better for the project in front of you.

Our electronic die cutting machine guide covers the computer-driven side in more depth. If you already know you want a hand crank, the manual die cutting machine picks go deeper on plate stacks and pressure.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit
    Best for beginners on a budget

    Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer
    Best for print-and-cut stickers

    Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing
    Best for tiny craft spaces

    BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing

    8.9/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting

    CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting

    Best starter kit with plates and dies
    Check it
  2. 5Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit

    Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit

    Best for brand-name reliability
    Check it
  3. 6Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha

    Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha

    Best for vinyl and mixed materials
    Check it
  4. 7Find Scrapblooms Die Cutting Machine for Card MakingCheck it
  5. 8CraftGenes 9-Inch Die Cutting and Embossing MachineCheck it
  6. 9Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit

    Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit

    Best for crafting on the go
    Check it

The best craft die cutting machines by project

A manual press wins for cards, embossing folders and small-batch paper crafts. An electronic cutter wins when you need custom shapes, vinyl or print-and-cut stickers.

Each pick below earns its place for a named job. Read the trade-off line on each one before you decide, since most buyers only need two or three of these machines at most.

1

Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit: Best for beginners on a budget

Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit, craft die cutting machines
9.7/10Our score
  • 6-inch opening fits A5 paper
  • Carbon steel inner construction
  • Plate stacking instructions included
  • No electricity needed

A low-cost manual press with a 6-inch opening and a clear plate stacking method for embossing and die cutting. It suits starter cardmakers who want to try the craft without buying an electric machine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Budget-friendly for a starter
  • Works without electricity
  • Fits A5 paper and most standard dies
  • Plate recipes printed in the product info

Cons

  • 6-inch opening limits larger A4 projects
  • Handle effort needed for every pass

This is the pick for someone buying a first die cutting machine and not wanting to spend much. The 6-inch opening takes A5 paper, so it handles A2 card fronts and most standard dies and embossing folders you'll find in craft shops.

The active surface area is 44 square inches. The inner frame is carbon steel, which the maker says gives it a longer life than most rivals in this price band.

A handle turns the plates through, and the product info gives separate stack recipes for embossing and die cutting. For embossing you stack a 13 mm plate, two 3 mm PC plates and the folder with paper inside.

For die cutting it's a 13 mm plate, a 5 mm PC plate, the paper, the die and a 3 mm PC plate. That recipe matters more than the handle itself, because the wrong plate order will either crush the folder or leave a half-cut shape.

Print it out and tape it to the machine.

The trade-off is size. A 9-inch model here takes full A4 sheets, and this one does not.

For cards and journal cards that rarely matters. For large scrapbook layouts or full-page embossing, step up.

It also needs no electricity, so it travels well and works at a kitchen table without a free socket.

Buy it for a cheap, capable first press. Skip it if you plan to cut A4 panels from day one.

Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine KitCheck it on Amazon
2

Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer: Best for print-and-cut stickers

Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer, craft die cutting machines
9.5/10Our score
  • Prints and cuts in one step
  • 300 dpi thermal dye-sublimation prints
  • AI image extraction
  • App control over Bluetooth

A printer and cutter in one unit for custom stickers and labels. It suits crafters who want to design on a phone and get a finished, laminated sticker without a separate cutting machine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Print and cut in one device
  • AI image extraction from photos
  • Stickers are waterproof and scratch-resistant
  • App includes templates and free images

Cons

  • 4x7-inch media limits large projects
  • Sticker paper and ink cartridges add ongoing cost
  • Not a die cutting press for cardstock

This is not a die cutting press. It's a printer that prints and cuts in one pass, which makes it the odd one out on this list and also the best answer for sticker makers.

If your craft is stickers, labels and photo prints, this replaces two machines with one. The PixCut S1 uses thermal dye-sublimation printing at 300 dpi with 16.7 million colors, and its AI image extraction pulls a subject out of a photo while the cutter follows that edge.

You design in the Liene app on a phone, tablet or desktop and send the job over Bluetooth. The maker says a sticker takes about two minutes.

The app includes 50,000+ free images and 10,000+ templates with no subscription, which keeps the ongoing cost to paper and ink cartridges. Stickers come out laminated, waterproof and scratch-resistant because the four-layer process laminates during printing.

The kit includes a pre-installed blade, 18 sheets of 4x6 photo paper and 18 sheets of white 4x7 sticker paper. The limits are real: media tops out at 4x7 inches, so it suits stickers, labels and photo prints, not card fronts.

It also won't take a metal die or an embossing folder. For that, you need a press.

The maker also advises removing each finished sheet before starting the next, or the cutter can misalign.

Buy it if stickers are your main craft. Skip it for cards and embossing.

Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker PrinterCheck it on Amazon
3

BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing: Best for tiny craft spaces

BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing, craft die cutting machines
8.9/10Our score
  • Compact 6.3 x 3.8 x 3 in body
  • Works with dies and embossing folders
  • Cuts tissue paper, foil and thin leather
  • Built-in suction base

A palm-size press for small dies and embossing folders. It suits crafters with a crowded desk or a craft bag who only need to cut small shapes and accents.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Smallest footprint in this group
  • Suction base holds it steady
  • Handles foil and thin leather as well as paper
  • Cheap way to add embossing

Cons

  • Tiny opening rules out A4 and large folders
  • Two plastic mats do the work of a full plate set

This is the smallest press here, and that's the whole point. At 6.3 x 3.8 x 3 inches it sits on a corner of a desk or drops into a craft bag, and a built-in suction base holds it down while you turn the handle.

The active surface area is 18.6 square inches. It takes small dies and embossing folders and cuts tissue paper, foil, acetate ribbon and thin leather as well as cardstock.

Two plastic mats stand in for a full plate set, one 3 mm and one 4 mm thick. The product info gives a simple stack for each job: place the stencils and cardstock in the center of the two mats, set the mat on the embossing table, and turn the handle.

Think of it as an accent machine. It's ideal for small shapes, sentiments and embossed corners that go on a card.

It is not the tool for a full card front or a large background folder. The plastic and steel build is light, and the price reflects that.

The trade-off is the tiny opening. Every larger pick here takes more paper.

If your projects are mostly tags and small die cuts, this is the cheapest way in. If you want to cut a card front in one pass, go straight to a 6-inch model.

Buy it for small dies and a tiny workspace. Skip it if you need A5 or A4 capacity.

BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and EmbossingCheck it on Amazon
4

CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting: Best starter kit with plates and dies

CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting, craft die cutting machines
8.7/10Our score
  • 6-inch opening for A5 cardstock
  • Includes base plate, B, C and shim plates
  • Two die sets and two embossing folders
  • Cardstock and stamp set in the box

A 6-inch manual press sold as a full kit with plates, dies, folders, cardstock and stamps. It suits a new cardmaker who wants everything needed for a first project in one order.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Complete plate stack included
  • Dies and embossing folders in the box
  • Clear stacking instructions
  • Designed for plain cardstock up to 240 gsm

Cons

  • Cardstock only, no adhesive or foil
  • Same 6-inch opening as cheaper picks

This kit takes the guesswork out of the first purchase. In the box you get a 13 mm base plate, two 2.85 mm B plates, a 5 mm C plate, a 0.3 mm plastic shim and two 1.8 mm magnetic sheets, plus two die sets, two embossing folders, 10 cardstock sheets and a stamp set.

The active surface area is 6 x 9 inches. The 6-inch opening handles A5 cardstock for greeting cards and invitations.

The maker's instructions are unusually specific: keep the stack flat and centered, and stop if the handle gets hard to turn rather than forcing it. That advice is worth following because a forced stack is how plates bow and dies dull.

The machine is designed for plain cardstock up to 240 gsm. Adhesive-backed paper, laminates, vinyl, vellum, fabric, leather and metallic foils are all off the list, since they can damage plates or jam the mechanism.

Third-party dies may need different stack adjustments. The maker also suggests flipping and rotating the clear plates to spread wear.

Against the Find Scrapblooms kit, this one includes more plates and a bigger die set, which is why it costs more. Against a 9-inch press, it gives up sheet size but stays easier to store.

It's the most complete first kit in the 6-inch group.

Buy it if you want a complete first kit. Skip it if you need A4 or heavier materials.

CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die CuttingCheck it on Amazon
5

Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit: Best for brand-name reliability

Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit, craft die cutting machines
8.5/10Our score
  • 6-inch opening
  • Clip-on handle stores underneath
  • 73 Thinlits dies included
  • 3D embossing folder and cardstock pack

The redesigned Big Shot with a starter kit of dies, an embossing folder and cardstock. It suits crafters who want a well-known platform with a large die library and a compact storage trick.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Long-established Sizzix die compatibility
  • Large 73-die starter set
  • Handle clips under the machine
  • Carry handle for craft events

Cons

  • Higher price tier than basic manual presses
  • 6-inch opening still limits A4 sheets

The Big Shot is the best-known manual press for a reason. This redesigned version keeps the same trusted rolling action and adds a clip-on handle that stores under the machine, plus an ergonomic carry handle for craft events.

The body has had its first redesign since 2001. The starter kit is generous: a multipurpose platform, a pair of cutting pads, 73 Thinlits dies, a 3D embossing folder and a pack of textured cardstock.

That die count gives you a real library to work with from day one. The cardstock in the kit is smaller than A4, which makes it easier to feed.

The 6-inch opening covers cardmaking, scrapbooking and larger papercraft. Sizzix's die ecosystem is the widest here, so finding a matching die for a project is easier than with smaller brands.

The active surface area is 36 square inches. The trade-off is price and sheet size: it costs more than the budget manuals and still stops at 6 inches.

The machine weighs 5.1 kg, so it stays put rather than moving around the house. If you want the brand name, the die library and a compact footprint, this is the strongest choice in that group.

The manufacturer offers no warranty on this model.

Buy it for a long-lived brand-name press. Skip it if A4 capacity matters more than the die set.

Sizzix Big Shot Starter KitCheck it on Amazon
6

Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha: Best for vinyl and mixed materials

Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha, craft die cutting machines
8.2/10Our score
  • Cuts materials up to 3 mm thick
  • AutoBlade and 12 x 24 in mat
  • 4-point registration for print and cut
  • Cuts, sketches and embosses

A computer-connected cutting machine for vinyl, cardstock, fabric and more. It suits crafters who want one tool for stickers, heat transfers and home decor rather than paper-only die cutting.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Wide material range up to 3 mm
  • Print-and-cut registration for stickers
  • Quiet motor at up to 400 mm/s
  • Sketches as well as cuts

Cons

  • Needs a computer and software
  • Not a press for embossing folders
  • Higher price tier

The Cameo 5 Alpha is the electronic option for crafters who need more than paper. It cuts vinyl, cardstock, fabric, glossy film and photo paper up to 3 mm thick, and it sketches and embosses as well as cuts.

The cutting area is 12 x 24 inches on the included mat. Its 4-point registration system aligns printed images for print-and-cut work, which is what makes it a sticker and heat-transfer tool as much as a die cutter.

Intelligent Path Technology orders the cuts to reduce material stress, and the motor runs quietly at up to 400 mm/s. You get an AutoBlade, a 12 x 24 inch cutting mat, a sketch pen adapter and 100 designs with the machine.

A computer and the Studio software are required, which is the main barrier for a paper-only crafter. The machine weighs 11.5 pounds, so it wants a permanent spot.

Against the manual presses, it costs more and adds a learning curve. Against the PixCut, it's the wider material choice but not an all-in-one printer.

Pick it when you need one tool for stickers, heat transfers, fabric and home decor.

Buy it for vinyl, fabric and print-and-cut. Skip it if you only cut cardstock with dies.

Silhouette Cameo 5 AlphaCheck it on Amazon
7

Find Scrapblooms Die Cutting Machine for Card Making: Best for A4 card panels

Find Scrapblooms Die Cutting Machine for Card Making, craft die cutting machines
8.1/10Our score
  • 9-inch opening fits A4 paper
  • Foldable side panels save table space
  • Includes plates, folders, dies and stamps
  • ABS and carbon steel body

A larger manual press that takes A4 paper for full card fronts. It suits cardmakers who want to cut and emboss larger panels without stepping up to an electronic cutter.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 9-inch opening fits A4
  • Foldable panels for storage
  • Kit includes plates, folders and stamps
  • No power needed

Cons

  • Heavier than 6-inch models
  • More expensive than basic manual presses

This is the A4 manual press in the Find Scrapblooms range. The 9-inch opening takes full A4 paper, so you can cut and emboss card fronts and larger panels without folding or splitting the sheet.

The active surface area is 9 inches. It's a kit as well: 10 colorful cardstock sheets, two die sets, a clear stamp set, an A4 embossing folder, a 5x7 inch folder, and 13 mm, 3 mm and 2 mm plates.

The body is ABS and carbon steel, and the side panels fold in to save table space. The maker says the ABS is new material chosen so it won't break if dropped.

That foldable design is the practical feature. If your craft table doubles as a dining table, you set up and pack away in seconds.

The stack recipes are printed in the product info: embossing uses a 13 mm plate, two 3 mm plates and the folder, while die cutting uses a 13 mm plate, a 2 mm plate, the paper, the die and two 3 mm plates.

The trade-off against the 6-inch kit is weight and price. It's a heavier machine at 19 pounds with more in the box.

Against the 9-inch CraftGenes, the kit includes more accessories but the body is similar in size.

Buy it for full A4 cards and embossing. Skip it if a 6-inch opening covers your projects.

Find Scrapblooms Die Cutting Machine for Card MakingCheck it on Amazon
8

CraftGenes 9-Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine: Best for folding away after use

CraftGenes 9-Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine, craft die cutting machines
8.0/10Our score
  • 9-inch opening for A4
  • Foldable side panels
  • ABS body
  • Hand crank with no electricity

A 9-inch manual press with panels that fold in for storage. It suits crafters who work on a shared table and need to pack the machine away between sessions.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Folds down for small workspaces
  • 9-inch opening takes A4
  • Hand crank gives direct control
  • Simple plate recipes

Cons

  • Plastic body feels less solid than steel
  • No electronic features

This CraftGenes press offers the same 9-inch A4 opening as the Find Scrapblooms model, and both machines have foldable side panels that collapse for storage. The active surface area is 9 x 12 inches.

The hand crank gives you direct control over each pass with no electricity, so it's usable anywhere. The plate recipes are simple: for embossing, a 13 mm plate, a 3 mm cutting plate, the folder set back 1 cm and another 3 mm plate.

For die cutting, a 13 mm plate, a 3 mm plate, a 2 mm plate, the paper, the die and a 3 mm plate. The ABS body is durable enough for regular use but won't feel as solid as a steel press, and for paper crafting that's rarely an issue.

The bigger consideration is that this model focuses on the machine and simple stacking rather than a large kit of accessories. The maker presents it as a gift option for crafters, and the simple operation suits shared use with children.

Against the other 9-inch model, it's the better pick if storage is your priority. Against a 6-inch press, it gives you A4 capacity for larger cards and pages.

It weighs 4.6 kg, so it's movable but not a lap machine.

Buy it for A4 cutting that folds away. Skip it if you need A4 panels but want the bigger accessory kit.

CraftGenes 9-Inch Die Cutting and Embossing MachineCheck it on Amazon
9

Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit: Best for crafting on the go

Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit, craft die cutting machines
7.9/10Our score
  • 2.5-inch opening
  • Vacuum base for stability
  • Comes with dies, folders and stamps
  • Light 2 lb body

A small Sizzix roller press for detailed dies and small embossing folders. It suits crafters who make tags, journal cards and card accents away from a fixed craft room.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Light and portable at 2 lb
  • Vacuum base grips smooth surfaces
  • Sizzix Thinlits and Framelits compatible
  • Starter dies and stamps included

Cons

  • 2.5-inch opening limits project size
  • Only fits small dies and folders

The Sidekick is Sizzix's portable roller press. Its 2.5-inch opening only fits detailed Thinlits and Framelits dies and embossing folders up to 6.35 cm wide, so it's not a general-purpose press.

The active surface area is 81.05 square cm. What it does, it does well for travel: it weighs about 2 lb and stands 4.75 inches tall, and a vacuum seal holds it to any smooth surface so it stays put while you turn the handle.

The kit includes six Framelits dies, two Thinlits dies, two small embossing folders and seven stamps. It also comes with aqua cutting pads and an embossing pad.

It cuts a single sheet of lightweight to medium cardstock. For a crafter who makes tags, journal cards, card accents or event decorations away from home, that's enough.

It's also the least expensive way into the Sizzix die system. The maker backs it with a three-year limited warranty.

The trade-off is capacity, since every other manual press here takes more paper. This is a second machine or a travel machine, not your only one unless your projects are small.

It also warns about small parts, so keep it away from young children.

Buy it for small projects on the move. Skip it as your only press if you make full cards.

Sizzix Sidekick Starter KitCheck it on Amazon

How these craft die cutting machines compare

Manual presses run on plates and a crank; electronic machines run on software. Opening size decides your project ceiling, and included accessories decide how much you spend after the machine.

The table below puts the key specs side by side.

ProductBest forOpeningOperationMaterialOur score
Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kitbeginners on a budget6 inManualCarbon steel and ABS9.7
Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printerprint-and-cut stickersAutomatic9.5
BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossingtiny craft spacesManualPlastic and steel8.9
CraftGenes 6 Inch Manual Die Cuttingstarter kit with plates and dies6 inManual8.7
Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kitbrand-name reliability6 inManual8.5
Silhouette Cameo 5 Alphavinyl and mixed materialsAutomatic8.2
Find Scrapblooms Die Cutting Machine for Card MakingA4 card panels9 inManualABS and carbon steel8.1
CraftGenes 9-Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machinefolding away after use9 inManualABS8.0
Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kitcrafting on the go2.5 inManual7.9

How we compared these machines

Our scores weigh the specs and features each machine brings against what a paper crafter actually needs. We looked at opening size, plate and accessory count, material range and how much setup each one asks of a beginner.

Manual presses were judged on plate recipes and build materials. Electronic machines were judged on material range, registration and software.

A machine that only prints and cuts stickers scored on sticker workflow rather than on cardmaking. The score also reflects what you still have to buy, since a kit with plates, dies and folders in the box rates higher than a machine that needs those added later.

A 9-inch press loses points for weight and table space even when its cutting capacity is better. We did not run a test room, and every detail here comes from the product information each maker publishes.

Prices and bundles change, so check the current contents before ordering.

What should you check before buying a craft die cutting machine?

Start with opening size and plate contents. A 6-inch opening fits A5 and most card fronts; a 9-inch opening takes A4 panels.

Check that the plates you need are included, because buying them later adds cost.

Opening size

The opening is the widest sheet the machine will accept. A 6-inch model like the Find Scrapblooms kit or the Sizzix Big Shot handles A5.

A 9-inch model like the Find Scrapblooms A4 kit or the CraftGenes 9-inch press handles A4. Measure your typical card base before you choose, since an A4 press is wasted on projects that never pass A5.

Plate and accessory contents

Look for the plate set, dies and embossing folders in the box. The CraftGenes 6 Inch kit and the Find Scrapblooms A4 kit include dies, folders, cardstock and stamps.

The budget Find Scrapblooms 6-inch kit focuses on the machine and simple stacking. The Sizzix Big Shot kit leans on its 73 Thinlits dies, while the Sidekick kit bundles small dies and stamps for travel work.

Manual or electronic

A manual press needs no power, costs less and handles embossing folders well. An electronic cutter needs software but cuts custom shapes and materials like vinyl and fabric.

The Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha is the electronic choice here. If you only make cards from dies, a press is simpler and cheaper.

Materials

Plain cardstock up to about 240 gsm is the safe range for most manual presses here. Adhesive paper, laminates, vinyl, vellum, fabric and metallic foils can damage plates or dull dies on some models, though the BAOFALI mini press is rated to cut foil and thin leather.

Electronic machines are built for those materials. The Liene PixCut prints its own sticker paper, so it never handles loose cardstock at all.

Storage and space

Measure your table before choosing. A 9-inch press takes up more room than a 6-inch one.

Foldable panels on the Find Scrapblooms A4 kit and the CraftGenes 9-inch press let you pack the machine away. The Sidekick is the easiest to store at 2 lb, and the Big Shot handle clips underneath to save height.

Power and portability

Only the two electronic machines need a socket. Every manual press here works anywhere, which matters for craft groups, kitchen tables and small flats.

Weight separates them: the Sidekick is 2 lb, the Find Scrapblooms A4 kit is 19 pounds and the CraftGenes 9-inch press is 4.6 kg.

Which craft die cutting machine fits card making?

A 6-inch manual press is enough for most card makers. Pick a kit that includes dies and an embossing folder so your first projects don't need extra purchases.

The CraftGenes 6 Inch kit and the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit both fit that brief. For larger card fronts and A4 panels, go to a 9-inch press.

Our die cutting machine for card making picks cover card-specific kits in more detail.

What about scrapbooking and journaling projects?

Scrapbook pages need A4 or larger capacity. The 9-inch Find Scrapblooms kit and the CraftGenes 9-inch press both take A4, so you can cut photo mats and titles without splitting the sheet.

The 9 x 12 inch surface on the CraftGenes model suits page panels well. The Sizzix Big Shot's 73 Thinlits dies also suit journaling, and the Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha cuts custom shapes for layouts.

For layout-specific advice, see our die cutting machines for scrapbooking guide.

Which machine should you pick?

Pick the Find Scrapblooms 6inch kit if you want a cheap first press for cards and small paper crafts. Pick the Liene PixCut S1 if stickers are the project, the Sizzix Big Shot for a big die library, a 9-inch press for A4 panels, or the Cameo 5 Alpha for vinyl and print-and-cut.

Those are the best craft die cutting machines for the projects most people bring to the craft table. Buy by opening size first, then by materials and accessories, because everything else is preference.

If you're unsure between a press and a cutter, read our electronic die cutting machine guide and manual die cutting machine picks before you decide.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit
    Best for beginners on a budget

    Find Scrapblooms 6inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer
    Best for print-and-cut stickers

    Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing
    Best for tiny craft spaces

    BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing

    8.9/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an electric die cutting machine for paper crafts?

No. A manual press like the Find Scrapblooms 6inch kit cuts and embosses cardstock without power.

Choose an electronic cutter like the Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha only if you want vinyl, fabric or print-and-cut work that a press cannot do.

What is the difference between a die cutting machine and an electronic cutter?

A die cutting machine presses a metal die through paper using plates and a crank. An electronic cutter moves a blade or pen by computer, so it can cut custom shapes without a die.

The Cameo 5 Alpha is the electronic option here.

How large a machine do I need for greeting cards?

A 6-inch opening handles A2 card fronts and most cardmaking dies. Choose a 9-inch model if you want to cut or emboss full A4 panels for larger cards, scrapbook pages or gift boxes.

What plates come with a manual die cutting machine?

Plate sets vary. The CraftGenes 6 Inch kit includes base, B, C and shim plates, while the Find Scrapblooms 9-inch kit lists 13 mm, 3 mm and 2 mm plates.

Follow the stack recipe printed with your machine for each job.

Can craft die cutting machines emboss as well as cut?

Most manual presses here emboss as well as cut. You swap the die for an embossing folder and use a different plate stack.

The Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit includes a 3D embossing folder to start with.

Which craft die cutting machine is best for stickers?

The Liene PixCut S1 prints and cuts stickers in one step from a phone app. The Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha is the better choice for print-and-cut stickers on a wider range of materials, including vinyl and heat transfer.