How to Use a Sizzix Big Shot: The Basic Sandwich

On this page (9 sections)

1. How do you use a Sizzix Big Shot step by step?
2. How do you use a Sizzix Big Shot with Thinlits dies?
3. What does each part of the Big Shot sandwich do?
4. How do you use the Big Shot with other dies and folders?
5. Why is the Big Shot sandwich too tight or not cutting cleanly?
6. How do you clear scraps from an intricate die?
7. Which Big Shot supplies should you choose?
8. How do you use a Sizzix Big Shot without common mistakes?
9. Which Big Shot option should you choose?

To learn how to use a Sizzix Big Shot, match the platform and cutting pads to your die, layer the material and die as instructed, then turn the handle to roll the sandwich through. For a Thinlits die, the usual stack is platform, cutting pad, die, material, and a second cutting pad.

The exact layers depend on the tool. Check its instructions before each new die or embossing folder, and never force a sandwich that catches or feels too thick.

How do you use a Sizzix Big Shot step by step?

Set up the platform, position the die and material between the pads, then turn the handle to feed the sandwich through. Follow the instructions for that die to confirm the layer order and any platform tabs or adapters.

1. Put the correct platform on a stable work surface.
2. Add one cutting pad.
3. Place the die on the pad with its cutting side facing the material.
4. Position the paper or other compatible material over the die.
5. Add the second cutting pad.
6. Feed the stack into the machine and turn the handle until it passes through.

Keep fingers clear of the roller opening while turning the handle. If the layers shift, stop and realign them before continuing.

The starter kit suits a new crafter who wants the machine and several paper-crafting supplies together. Skip it if you already own a compatible Big Shot and only need replacement pads or a particular die.

The kit includes 73 Thinlits dies, one 3D embossing folder, a Multipurpose Platform, one pair of cutting pads, and cardstock. Use the instructions for each included tool, because the Thinlits sandwich may not match the folder's required layers.

How do you use a Sizzix Big Shot with Thinlits dies?

Put the Thinlits die and material between two cutting pads on the platform. Set the die flat with its cutting edge facing the material, then roll the stack through the machine.

Thinlits are wafer-thin dies for detailed designs. The Tim Holtz set works with Sizzix Big Shot models and is intended for materials including paper, cardstock, metallic foil, vellum, shrink plastic, and stencil film.

This set suits you if its tailored shapes fit your cardmaking or papercraft ideas. Skip it if you need a general assortment of basic shapes or don't want designs in this set's style.

Check each die's instructions for the material you plan to cut.

How to use a Sizzix Big Shot when placing the die

Face the die's cutting side toward the material. Many Thinlits dies have a raised cutting edge, but check the die packaging if the cutting side isn't clear.

Keep the die and material flat between the pads. Position the die before adding the top pad, especially when you need to place a small shape precisely on a piece of paper.

What does each part of the Big Shot sandwich do?

The platform supports the stack, the die shapes the cut, and the pads sit around the die and material. Use the platform setup specified for your tool rather than adding layers by guesswork.

The platform may have instructions or tabs that show which layers to use. Read those directions before you feed the sandwich through, particularly when you switch between Thinlits, steel-rule dies, and embossing tools.

These see-through pads suit Big Shot owners who need a replacement pair and want to position dies over a specific spot. Skip them if you need a machine or a different style of platform or pad.

They're made for die-cutting with compatible Sizzix steel-rule dies.

Cutting pads can develop marks with use. Keep them clean and check that they sit flat; replace them if wear or damage makes it hard to position a stable sandwich.

Hand wash only.

How do you use the Big Shot with other dies and folders?

Use the platform and pad combination specified for each die or folder. Steel-rule dies and embossing folders may need a different sandwich from Thinlits.

Don't assume every tool uses two cutting pads. An extra layer can make the stack too thick, while leaving out a required platform layer can prevent the tool from working as intended.

The Big Shot Starter Kit includes a 3D embossing folder. Check its instructions for the correct setup rather than using the Thinlits sandwich automatically.

For more on machine types, read what a die-cutting machine does. If you're choosing between manual and electronic models, our manual vs electronic die-cutting machine guide explains how their workflows differ.

Why is the Big Shot sandwich too tight or not cutting cleanly?

Stop if the sandwich will not feed through smoothly, then check the layers and die instructions. Don't force the handle through a stack that catches or feels too thick.

Before trying again, confirm the platform setup matches the die type, remove any extra layer, flatten curled material, align the pads, and check that the die is compatible with the Big Shot. Also make sure the cutting side faces the material.

If the die passes through but leaves parts uncut, check the instructions before changing the sandwich. Don't add shims or extra layers unless Sizzix or the die maker recommends them for that die.

The Sizzix Big Shot plates guide helps you identify the pads and plates used for different setups. For an overview of the machine and its included pieces, see our Sizzix Big Shot review.

How do you clear scraps from an intricate die?

Use a pick to lift small paper pieces carefully from an intricate die. Work gently around the edges to avoid damaging a delicate cutout.

The Sizzix Die Pick suits people who regularly use detailed dies and want a dedicated scrap-removal tool. Skip it if you mostly cut simple shapes that release cleanly.

If scraps remain, turn the die over and release pieces one at a time. Keep the removable cap on when storing the pick.

Which Big Shot supplies should you choose?

Choose the supplies that match what you have and the projects you plan to make. A starter kit is for setting up, replacement pads are for an existing machine, and a die pick helps with cleanup.

Choose the Big Shot Starter Kit if you want a manual machine with a 6 in opening plus several supplies for papercrafts. Its manual handle suits you if you prefer feeding each sandwich by hand.

If you want an electronic workflow, compare options in our craft cutting machine guide.

Choose Standard Cutting Pads if you already have a compatible machine and need a replacement pair. Choose the Die Pick if intricate cuts leave scraps to remove.

Choose the Tim Holtz Thinlits set if its shapes and listed material options fit your projects.

If you want to compare manual machines before choosing a model, see the best manual die-cutting machines. For a closer look at this model, read the Sizzix Big Shot machine review.

How do you use a Sizzix Big Shot without common mistakes?

Follow the die's instructions, keep the stack flat, and stop when it resists. Most avoidable problems come from using the wrong layer order, shifting the die, or adding thickness without guidance.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using the Thinlits sandwich for an embossing folder or another die type.
• Adding a pad because a cut looks incomplete before checking the instructions.
• Rolling a sandwich that catches or won't pass through with steady handle movement.
• Letting the die or material shift while assembling the layers.
• Guessing whether a die is compatible or which material it can cut.

Measure your material against the die before cutting, and use only materials its instructions allow. When a cut is incomplete, check the setup first instead of forcing the handle or changing several layers at once.

Which Big Shot option should you choose?

Pick the Starter Kit to begin, replacement pads to maintain a compatible machine, and the Die Pick to clear scraps from intricate cuts. Choose the Thinlits set when its shapes and supported materials suit your project.

For how to use a Sizzix Big Shot, the key decision is the die-specific sandwich: Thinlits use the material between the die and two cutting pads, while other tools may require another setup. Check the Big Shot plates guide whenever you switch die types.

External guidance: Sizzix Thinlits die instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the basic Sizzix Big Shot sandwich?

For a Thinlits die, put one cutting pad on the platform, set the die on it, place your material over the die, and add the second pad. Follow the instructions for your die and platform, since steel-rule dies and embossing folders may need different layers.

Which side of a Thinlits die faces the paper?

Place the die's cutting side against the material, following the instructions for that die. If you can't tell which side cuts, check the packaging or Sizzix guidance before rolling so the die sits in the right position.

Why won't my Big Shot sandwich go through?

Stop if the sandwich will not enter or turn through the rollers with steady handle movement. Check that you have the correct platform and pad combination, the layers are flat, and no extra pad or material is making the stack too thick.

Can I use any die in a Sizzix Big Shot?

No. Check the die maker's compatibility guidance and required platform or adapter first.

Thinlits dies are compatible with Sizzix Big Shot machines, while other die styles may call for a different sandwich or accessory.