Papercraft Dies for Card Making

Papercraft dies are shaped metal tools used with a compatible die-cutting machine. The die, material and machine plates pass through the rollers, where pressure pushes the cutting edge through the paper or card. This creates a clean topper, aperture, sentiment, frame or layered decoration. Most thin metal dies are designed for paper and card, so check the product details before cutting thicker materials.

Find Cutting Dies by Project and Design Type

Choose Cutting Dies by starting with the result you want.

• Sentiment and word dies for greetings
• Nesting and frame dies for mats or apertures
• Background dies for patterned card fronts
• Edge-cutting designs for borders
• Stamp and die sets for coordinated images

For decorative borders that cut into the side of a card blank, browse our Edge’able dies. They suit gatefold cards, shaped edges and side panels.

Why Choose Metal Cutting Dies?

Metal cutting dies are reusable, making them practical for matching invitations, batch-made Christmas cards and repeated scrapbook elements. They also reproduce the same shape more consistently than hand-cutting.

Before buying, compare the finished die size with your machine opening. Check the recommended plate combination and which materials the die is designed to cut. Thin metal dies are usually intended for paper and card, while deeper multi-media dies may cut felt, foam or fabric.

What Can You Make with Paper Cutting Dies?

Paper cutting dies can create card toppers, windows, gift tags, scrapbook titles, bunting and layered embellishments.

Try cutting one floral shape from three shades of card and offsetting the layers. Stack two or three sentiment cuts for a raised finish, or use nesting frames to mount a photograph or stamped image.

For stamped designs with a matching cut edge, explore our stamp and die sets. They reduce hand-cutting and help images sit neatly.

Card Making Cutting Dies for Sentiments, Frames and Backgrounds

Card making cutting dies are easier to shop for when you know the job each design needs to do. Sentiment dies add greetings, frame dies create layered focal points, and background dies produce larger decorative panels.

Think about the card size you use most often. A large panel die may suit a 5" x 7" card but be too wide for a smaller machine. Check the die dimensions and machine opening before adding it to your basket.

How Do Die Cutting Dies Work?

Die cutting dies work through pressure. Place the die against your paper or card, build the plate combination recommended for your machine, then pass the sandwich through the rollers.

For a cleaner cut, keep the die within the machine’s cutting width, position intricate areas towards the outer edge of the plates and rotate the die if one section needs a second pass. Remove small waste pieces with a poking tool and replace worn plates when they affect the result.

Browse Gemini die-cutting machines and accessories for machines, plates, shims and storage options.

Shop Papercraft Dies for Your Next Make

Whether you need a quick greeting, a detailed card front or matching shapes for invitations, the right die can save time and help produce consistent results.

Browse by theme, design type or Gemini compatibility. Check the finished size, confirm the recommended material and choose a design that suits the projects you make most often.

Shop papercraft dies and find your next card-making favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do papercraft dies work in every die-cutting machine?

Not always. Check the die dimensions against the machine opening and follow the plate combination recommended for your machine. Large panel dies may not fit compact models.

Can thin metal dies cut more than one sheet at a time?

They may cut more than one very light sheet, but results vary. For the cleanest finish, cut one layer at a time unless the product instructions say otherwise.

What is the difference between die cutting and embossing?

Die cutting removes a shape from the material. Embossing presses a raised or recessed pattern into it. Some dies add embossed detail as they cut.

How should cutting dies be stored?

Keep dies on magnetic sheets, in labelled wallets or inside storage folders. Store multi-part sets together so smaller pieces do not go missing.