The Beginner's Guide to Die-Cutting

You all know how much we love die-cutting here at Crafter's Companion. From adding delicate details to creating show-stopping centrepieces, it’s a technique that instantly elevates your makes. It's a technique that can be used for all occasions, styles, and projects, whether you’re making cards, scrapbooking memories, or creating beautiful home décor.  And the best part? You can experiment with a wide range of materials to truly make each design your own.

Die-cutting is the process of using a machine that applies pressure to cut out delicate shapes, achieving effects that usually can’t be achieved with scissors or craft knives. This is done by using dies – a shaped metal with a cutting edge, which is pressed into a material through the die-cutting machine. You can create the same shape again and again with perfect accuracy, saving time while giving your projects a professional finish.

While paper and card are the most popular choices, die-cutting lets you explore so much more. Experimenting with different materials is a great way to add texture, dimension, and unique finishes to your projects, including:

• Foil – perfect for adding a metallic effect to your creations.

• Vellum – this translucent paper product will add a soft and elegant look.

• Chipboard – by adding chipboard, you’ll give your project more stability.

• Vinyl – this would make brilliant stickers.

• Cork – add instant texture to projects with die-cut cork.

• Foam – perfect for multi-media projects or for adding underneath paper die-cuts for height.

Dies aren’t just for cutting – many can also be used to emboss, adding beautiful texture and detail to your projects. Instead of cutting all the way through the material, embossing creates a raised impression for a more subtle, elegant finish.

To achieve this, add an embossing mat to your die-cutting sandwich. This reduces the pressure and provides a softer surface, allowing the die to press into the material without cutting through.

There’s nothing more frustrating than a delicate die-cut getting stuck in your die—but don’t be tempted to pull it out, as this can easily cause tearing.

Instead, use a Die Brush Tool and Foam Pad to release the piece gently. Simply place your die face down onto the foam pad and roll the brush over the back. The bristles will help ease out any small or intricate pieces without damaging your design, making it a must-have for any die-cutting toolkit.

What is a die-cutting sandwich?

When a crafter refers to a 'sandwich', they're talking about the combination of die-cutting plates that are put together before being run through a die-cutting machine. Different techniques – like cutting or embossing – require slightly different combinations, so it’s important to use the right setup. Be sure to check out the sandwich guide for the perfect combination every time.

• White cutting plates – essentially, these are the slices of bread for your sandwich. You need two clear cutting plates, one for the top and one for the bottom, and these protect the contents of your sandwich and provide a surface for the die-cutting machine to press together.

• Metal cutting plates – this is a type of shim that’s perfect for more intricate dies. Imagine a pair of scissors and the two metal blades coming together for a crisp cut – that’s how this shim works with metal dies! You’ll see a much more defined cut with this plate included in your sandwich.

• Plastic shims – this is a durable plate that adds an extra layer to your die-cutting sandwich, creating a better fit in the machine and a level surface.

• Magnetic shims – like the plastic shim, this shim adds an extra layer into your sandwich, but as it’s magnetic, it also helps to keep your dies in place while they’re rolled through the machine.

• Rubber embossing mats – this nifty mat allows you to use dies as embossing tools as it creates a softer impact. Instead of applying enough pressure for the die to cut through the card or paper, it reduces the pressure to result in an embossed image or pattern.

With the plates and shims, it's vital to remember to flip and rotate them after each use. This will help to prevent bowing, but it's always good to have some extra in your stash, just in case. 

Yes, this is completely normal! It might sound like your die-cutting plates are snapping or the machine is breaking, but we promise, everything will be perfectly fine. You definitely haven't done anything wrong if this happens!

• If you’re running a cutting plate through your machine more than once, you’ll need to flip the plate each time to prevent bowing.
• Always use the correct sandwich or plate configuration that is recommended by the machine manufacturer; you could cause damage to your machine.
• Never force your plates through!
• Try to die cut away from the centre of your cutting plates, as this is where the weakest amount of pressure is.
• Make sure you clean your machine periodically. Removing small bits and dirt will help the performance of your die-cutting machine.