How To Use a Die Cutting Machine?

Die-cutting machines are a fabulous tool for any scrapbooker or card-maker! With a die-cutting machine, you can easily create customized shapes and letters out of any paper, in any color you choose, to perfectly match your project. Best of all, you can use them over and over again, for unlimited die-cuts. You’ll never again be halfway through a project and run out of a certain letter or shape—just cut another one!

1.

SIZZIX BIG SHOT DIE CUTTING MACHINE

The Sizzix Big Shot and Big Kick are two versatile and portable die-cutting machines.  With the adapters included right in the package, either machine can work with all Sizzix dies, as well as QuicKutz, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders and other brand dies.The easy-grip handle at the top makes them easy to transport.

How it works:

1. Place the Big Shot on a flat tabletop surface and find the appropriate adapter to match desired die, if necessary.


2. Choose die-cut shape.


3. Place paper over die, with the pattern or “right” side touching the foam. This is especially important when cutting letters—if you insert paper incorrectly, your letter will come out backwards! Just remember, the correct side of the paper should always be touching the foam.


4. Sandwich the die and paper between two cutting pads. Make sure the die and paper are positioned in the middle of the cutting pads. If the die is too close to the edge, it will not feed through the machine properly and you could end up breaking your machine!


5. Place the layers into the Big Shot opening. With this machine, it doesn’t matter which side is facing up. As you insert the layers, note the rotation direction of the handle and continue to rotate it in the same direction until the layers have passed all the way through the opposite side. If your handle does not rotate easily—stop! Forcing the handle may break the machine. Instead, check to make sure everything is layered together properly, and then try again.


6. Remove the cutting pads, die, and paper. Punch out the die-cut image.

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2.

QUICKUTZ EPIC SIX DIE CUTTING MACHINE

How it works:

1. Select your die and paper. QuicKutz dies are available in two main styles:




Cookie Cutter dies

Dies—in a variety of sizes, including 2x2", 4x4" and 12” borders




2. Select the appropriate platform—for cutting normal dies, choose the cutting platform. If you are working with QuicKutz embossing folders, you will want to use the embossing platform. Both platforms come with the Epic Six machine. For this how-to, we will focus on cutting.
   
   (Please note: The Epic Six machine is compatible with other brand dies; however, using those dies may require a different combination of platform and cutting mat. See http://www.quickutz.com/qk2/whyQK/faq.aspx?solutionid=513 for details.)


3. Place your die on the platform, away from the edge, with the foam side up and the metal side down.


4. Place your paper on top of the die—the “right” side of the paper should be touching the foam. This is especially important when you’re cutting letters!


5. Place the clear cutting mat on top of the paper and insert the platform into the machine.


6. Crank the handle around to move the platform through the machine. (If the handle does not crank easily, do not force it, as you could break your machine! Try repositioning the die on the platform—if it’s too close to the front edge, it may not go through easily.)


7. Once through, pop out the die-cut from the paper. It’s as easy as that!

That’s not all—you can also add extra dimension and style to your die-cuts by layering paper. For example, if you have a flower shape, you can create the flower in one color and the stem in another or make different layers of the flower different colors. It only takes one extra step!

1. Place the first color of paper over the die and run through the machine as instructed above.
2. Once complete, remove die-cut and set aside.
3. Place the second color of paper over the die and run through the machine again.
4. Piece together the shape using pieces from each color paper and adhere.

Why should I invest in a Die Cutting system?

• It’s easy to create customized page titles, letters, and shapes, right in the comfort of your own home. Plus, many die-cutting machines are portable, so you can bring them along to crops, too!
• Cut as many die-cuts as you wish—no more running out of a letter halfway through your project. It saves you money in the long run, too.
• Cut shapes and letters to perfectly coordinate with your project out of cardstock, patterned paper, vellum, specialty papers, photos, and some fabrics.
• Make multiples of shapes or letters easily.
• Besides scrapbooks, use your die-cuts for cards, paper-crafting projects, home décor projects, and children’s school projects, and more!