What Is a Die Cutting Machine and What Does It Do?

On this page (8 sections)

1. What is a die cutting machine, and how does it work?
2. Which type of die cutting machine suits your projects?
3. What materials can a die cutting machine cut?
4. What is the difference between a machine and a die?
5. How should you set up and use a manual die cutting machine?
6. What should you check before buying a die cutting machine?
7. What common die cutting mistakes should you avoid?
8. What is a die cutting machine best for, and which should you choose?

A die cutting machine cuts shapes from material with a physical die or a moving blade. Manual models press ready-made dies through material; electronic cutters follow digital designs.

Crafters use these machines to make repeatable shapes for cards, scrapbooks, labels, décor, and other projects. To decide what is a die cutting machine for your needs, start with whether you want to work with physical dies or create and change designs on a screen.

What is a die cutting machine, and how does it work?

A die cutting machine makes a shape by pressing a physical die through material or guiding a blade along a digital design. The finished shape is called a die cut.

On a manual machine, the die sets the outline. You place it and the material between plates, then feed the layers through rollers or a press.

Electronic cutters use software to position and size a design, then move a blade to cut it.

Some machines also emboss. An embossing folder presses a pattern into a surface, leaving it raised or recessed rather than cutting through it.

Which type of die cutting machine suits your projects?

Manual machines suit crafters who use physical dies and want to make the same shapes repeatedly. Electronic cutters suit people who want to create, resize, or arrange designs digitally.

A manual machine can be a straightforward choice for cards and scrapbooks built around purchased dies. It doesn't require you to prepare a digital design, but each shape depends on having a compatible die.

The Big Shot Starter Kit is a useful starting point if you want a general purpose manual setup for paper crafts. Its clip-on handle stores under the machine, which helps when you need to put it away between projects.

For small shapes and a limited workspace, the Sidekick is a compact manual option. Its narrow opening suits lightweight paper projects and small compatible dies, but it will not suit large designs or projects that need a wide working area.

An electronic cutter may suit you better if your projects call for custom lettering, resized artwork, or designs that aren't tied to a physical die. Skip it if you mainly want to use ready-made manual dies and don't need digital design flexibility.

Compare the tradeoffs in our manual vs electronic die cutting machines guide.

What materials can a die cutting machine cut?

A machine can cut only materials supported by its machine and its blade or die. Paper and cardstock are common, but compatibility varies by tool and material.

Sizzix says its Thinlits dies can cut a single sheet of paper, card, metallic foil, vellum, shrink plastic, or stencil film. That range applies to those dies, not every die or machine.

For any material beyond basic paper, check the guidance for both the machine and the cutting tool before buying. See our guide to cutting fabric and felt with a die cutting machine, or read the separate guides to Cricut cardstock limits and cardboard or chipboard.

What is the difference between a machine and a die?

The die determines the shape, while a manual machine applies pressure to cut it. With an electronic cutter, the design and blade define the cut.

Dies come in different forms and sizes, so check that the specific die works with your machine. The Tim Holtz Thinlits set is designed for several Sizzix Big Shot models and makes small shapes for paper crafts.

It suits someone who already owns a compatible machine and wants to add those designs; skip it if you need a machine or want a different kind of shape.

Don't assume a digital cutter can use manual machine dies. Check our guide to using metal dies in a Cricut before buying a set for that purpose.

How should you set up and use a manual die cutting machine?

Set up a manual machine with the plate and die combination specified for your machine and project. The layered arrangement, often called a sandwich, can change with the die, material, and task.

Start with a small scrap of the intended material and a simple shape. This lets you check the orientation and result before using the material you want to save.

For a Big Shot walkthrough, see how to use a Sizzix Big Shot.

Keep the plates and work surface clear of loose scraps before rolling a sandwich through. Don't force layers that feel too thick or assume a setup that works for one die will work for another.

What should you check before buying a die cutting machine?

Check your largest project, tool compatibility, material needs, and included parts before choosing a machine. These details help you avoid buying a compact model for oversized work or discovering that you need separate accessories.

• Working area: Compare the opening or platform with your largest planned die and material.
• Compatible tools: Confirm that your dies, blades, and embossing folders fit the machine.
• Material limits: Check whether both the machine and the tool support the material and thickness you plan to cut.
• What's included: Find out whether the kit has the plates or pads needed for your first project.
• Storage and setup: Consider where the machine will sit and whether you'll store it after each use.

The Big Shot kit includes its multipurpose platform and a pair of cutting pads. The Sidekick is easier to carry and store, but its smaller opening limits project size.

The Spellbinders Platinum 6 offers another manual option with a 6 in platform and Universal Plate System. Its kit includes an embossing folder and die set, making it a fit if you want those features in one setup.

What common die cutting mistakes should you avoid?

Most avoidable problems come from using an incompatible tool, material, or plate arrangement. Confirm the setup before feeding the sandwich through the machine.

• Buying before measuring: A die or design wider than the opening won't fit through as intended.
• Assuming every die is interchangeable: Check machine compatibility and the width of the die or folder.
• Ignoring material guidance: A die that works on cardstock may not be suitable for thicker or different material.
• Stacking extra plates: Follow the machine's instructions rather than adding layers to compensate for a poor cut.
• Skipping a scrap test: A small trial can reveal whether the material and setup are right before you use a finished piece.

Store cutting tools and plates together so you can find the parts needed for the next project. Keep the work surface clear and follow the maker's care guidance for the machine and accessories.

What is a die cutting machine best for, and which should you choose?

A die cutting machine is best for repeatable craft shapes, with the right choice depending on how you want to design and cut them. Pick a manual model for physical dies and embossing; choose an electronic cutter for designs you want to create or resize digitally.

Choose the Big Shot Starter Kit if you want a manual machine with a broad starter assortment and a 6 in opening. Choose the Sidekick if portability and small paper shapes matter more than working area.

Consider the Platinum 6 if its platform and Universal Plate System fit the dies and embossing projects you plan to use.

If you already own a compatible Big Shot and want small paper craft designs, the Tim Holtz Thinlits set adds dies without requiring another machine. Start by listing your typical project sizes and materials, then compare options in our craft cutting machine guide and die cutting machines for card making guide.

Frequently asked questions

What does a die cutting machine do?

A die cutting machine makes shapes or patterns from material such as paper and cardstock. A manual model presses a physical die through the material, while an electronic cutter guides a blade along a digital design.

Some machines also emboss, pressing a raised or recessed pattern into a surface.

What is a die in die cutting?

A die is a shaped cutting tool that gives material a specific outline. Thin metal dies are often used for detailed paper shapes, while other dies are made for different materials and machines.

The die supplies the cutting edge; a manual machine supplies pressure to push it through the material.

Is a die cutting machine the same as a Cricut?

A Cricut is an electronic cutting machine, one kind of craft cutter. It follows a digital design and moves a blade to cut material.

A manual die cutting machine uses a physical die and pressure instead.

Choose between digital flexibility and shapes made with compatible dies.

What materials can a die cutting machine cut?

It depends on the machine, blade or die, and material thickness. Paper and cardstock are common choices, while some dies and machines can handle foil, vellum, shrink plastic, fabric, or chipboard.

Check compatibility guidance for the specific machine and die before cutting.