Which Gemini Die Cutting Machine is for You? -Crafters Companion UK

Die cutting is a great way to create intricate designs for cardmaking, scrapbooking, sewing projects and more. With a die cutting machine you can achieve amazing, intricate cut out pieces that you wouldn’t usually be able to create with scissors or craft knives.

You can use your die cut shapes to embellish and decorate your crafting creations in card making, scrapbooking, gift box and gift tag making, home décor, quilting and more! It’s an easy and fun craft that can elevate the look of many different creations so it can be well worth investing in a machine of your own.

If you’re just getting into the wonderful world of die-cutting, or you’re looking to expand your horizons, you’re in the right place. Read on for more information about each model of Gemini die cutting machine, their benefits, and which is the best machine for beginners so you can decide which is the ideal fit for you and your craft room.

What is a Die Cutting Machine?

A die cutting machine is used to cut intricate and detailed shapes from various materials such as card or paper, but also extends to craft metal, leather, and fabric. Die cutting machines are paired with dies – metal shapes with a sharp cutting edge to cut out the shapes and designs.

A die cutting machine uses a combination of rollers and cutting plates to put pressure on a die and card or paper to create a shape with neat and precise outlines – the finished shape is called a die cut.

You can create die cuts in all shapes and sizes for a whole host of different occasions. From words, numbers, and sentiments to delicate lace borders and starbursts, adorable animals and sweet treats to blooming florals and whole landscapes, you can create anything for any occasion. Find out more about die cutting with our handy beginner’s guide.

What does a Gemini die cutting machine do?

Used by crafters around the world, the Gemini family of die cutting and embossing machines offers amazing crisp, accurate and professional results. Easy to use, accessible, and with full instructions and tools included, you can get started straight out of the box!

Gemini machines are available in a variety of different sizes and range from manual to electric models. Each machine has its own special and unique features that make it perfect for each different crafter or situation. All Gemini machines can also emboss your projects so the versatility is truly impressive.

Electric or Manual Die Cutting Machine?

You can choose to have a manual or electric Gemini machines. Each has its own unique benefits depending on your needs, budget, and available crafting space. Here are the benefits of both electric die cutting machines and manual machines.

Electric:

Electric die cutting machines are perfect for all kinds of papercrafter. They are fast and quiet. The plates are automatically pulled through the machine by a motor]so you don’t have to run anything by hand – it all happens at the press of a button. The electric machines also feature pause and reverse buttons so you can check plate combinations and correct any errors you may have made to avoid wasting materials. These machines are also equipped with safety sensors to prevent accidental motor activation.

Manual:

Manual machines are ideal for those who are just starting out with die cutting, anyone who likes to craft on the go, or for those who like to save table space. They are smaller in size but are just as effective as an electric machine. Additionally, they’re more lightweight and portable. No power source is required for these machines, simply turn the handle to create your designs. Where the electric machines require you to create your own sandwich using separate plates, the manual machines use a folder system instead.

Now you know the benefits of electric and manual die cutting machines, here is a closer look at the full Gemini family.

Gemini

The original Gemini Die Cutting and Embossing Machine, this is a great all-rounder and is compatible with most leading thin metal dies and embossing folders.

Using higher pressure than most other machines the Gemini offers edge-to-edge precision cutting of materials up to A4 and US letter size.

Its 9” x 12.5” platform can cut intricate dies as well as heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil and multiple layers of fabric. As well as all the tools you need to get started, inside the box you’ll find dies and embossing folders – so crafters of all abilities can craft straight away!

The Gemini is perfect for:

Beginners who want to start with a larger machine that works with most sizes of dies and folders
Crafters looking to level up from a smaller or manual machine
Crafters with space for a sizeable die cutting and embossing machine

What’s inside the box:

Gemini Machine
Two Clear Cutting Platforms
Metal Cutting Platform
Magnetic Shim
Plastic Shim
Rubber Embossing Mat
Gemini 3D Embossing Folder – Ornate Lace
Gemini Multi Media Die – Hexagons
Gemini Die – Floral Frame
Gemini Die- Blossoming Borders
Gemini Die- Flourishing Elements
User Guide
Power Cord

Gemini Junior

The Gemini Junior is a smaller and more compact version of the original Gemini Die Cutting and Embossing Machine. Just like the Gemini, it uses high pressure to cut intricate dies and designs with accuracy.

Its smaller 6” x 9” platform edge offers edge-to-edge cutting for A5 sized materials and is compatible with most metal dies and embossing folders.

The smaller size of the Gemini Junior makes it so much more portable, easy to pick up and go! And it comes with a die set and a 3D Embossing Folder so you can get started straight out of the box!

The Gemini Junior is perfect for:

Beginner crafters who don’t have a lot of space for a larger machine
Crafters keen to try an electric die cutting machine for the first time
Experienced crafters who like to attend workshops and take their makes on the move

What’s inside the box:

Gemini Junior Machine
Two Clear Cutting Platforms
Metal Cutting Platform
Magnetic Shim
Plastic Shim
Rubber Embossing Mat
3D Embossing Folder
Die set
User Guide
Power Cord

Gemini Midi

The Gemini Midi is a manual machine – simply turn the handle to create flawless die cut and embossed designs.

This lightweight and incredible portable machine is quick and easy to use. There are no plate combinations, simply pop your die and material inside the folder and wind it through the Gemini Midi for accurate and crisp designs in seconds.

With a 6” x 9” platform edge it’s larger than the Gemini Mini manual machine and works with larger dies and embossing folders.

And because it doesn’t require a power source you can take it with you wherever you go! Suction cups on the bottom of the Gemini Midi mean it will securely attach to any work surface to stay stable and still while you craft.

The Gemini Midi is perfect for

Beginner crafters keen to get to grips with die cutting before committing to a larger, electronic model
Crafters who attend workshops or take their makes with them when they travel
Crafters with limited workspace who may need to move their tools around regularly

What’s inside the box:

Gemini Midi Machine
Plastic Folder
Purple Plastic Shim
User Guide

Gemini Mini

The Gemini Mini is our smallest manually powered die cutting and embossing machine.

Small, lightweight, and easy to use – the Gemini Mini delivers flawless results. Each turn of the handle applies even pressure across the sandwich, offering crisp and clear die cut or embossed designs. Just like the Gemini Midi, there are no cutting plates required, simply use the included folder and plastic shim to get started straight away.

Its compact design and manual capabilities makes it the most portable of the machines. Perfect for beginners and travelling crafters alike.

The Gemini Mini is perfect for:

People trying die cutting or embossing for the first time
Crafters keen to master die cutting before committing to a larger model
Crafters who attend a lot of workshops or like to craft whilst travelling
People with limited crafting space

What’s inside the box:

Gemini Mini Manual Die Cutting Machine
Plastic Folder
Purple plastic shim
User guide

Gemini Pro

The Gemini Pro is the largest of the Gemini family of die cutting and embossing machines.

Its 12” x 12” platform edge means that the Gemini Pro can die cut and emboss so much more with each pass. You can work with card, craft metal, leather, chipboard, adhesive foam and multiple layers of fabric – the possibilities are endless!

The larger size of the Gemini Pro offers enhanced die cutting and embossing capabilities, as you can cut all elements for a smaller project in one go! Its size and weight means the machine is less portable than some of the more compact models, so is ideal for crafters with a dedicated crafting space.

The Gemini Pro is perfect for:

Experienced crafters who want to level up their die cutting and embossing capability
Crafters who want to save time and cut more with each pass
Batch-makers, crafters who are making projects in bulk for an event or wedding

What’s inside the box:

Gemini Pro Machine
Two Clear Cutting Plates (12” x 12”)
Rubber Embossing Mat (12” x 12”)
Magnetic Shim (12” x 12”)
Plastic Shim (12” x 12”0
Metal Shim (12” x 12”
User Guide
Power Cord

We hope this guide has helped you find your perfect die cutting machine. For more information about how to use your machine as well as some wonderful inspiration, check out our Everything You Need to Know About Die Cutting blog as well as our Getting Started section.

We can’t wait to see your die cut delights, so make sure you let us know and share your project photos with us on Facebook UK, Facebook USA, Twitter, Instagram UK, Instagram US, Pinterest UK or Pinterest US using the hashtag #crafterscompanion