Die-cutting for Beginners - everything you need to know about die-cutting

Including LOADS of links to top die-cutting tips, techniques and tutorials from craft experts at the end of this post

Find out exactly what you need to start your die-cutting journey and master this beautiful cardmaking technique. We will explain all the different kinds of die-cutting machines, types of dies and give advice on other essentials you will need to begin die-cutting!

What Is Die-Cutting?

With regards to cardmaking, Die-cutting is using metal shapes known as dies in an array of shapes and designs to cut out paper, card or in some cases other materials such as fabric. One side of the die is sharp and with pressure it will efficiently cut through the material creating a perfect die-cut shape, sentiment or design over and over again!

A freshly cut die-cut ready to be glued to a card

Dies were first used in making shoes, they were created for cutting out the leather more efficiently and accurately than by hand. The process has since evolved and die-cutting is used by many industries. It has also become a favourite technique for cardmakers and crafters as it enables us to very simply cut out shapes and designs for use on cards.

There is probably not a shape or design you can think of where there isn't a die available giving you so much more scope for creativity than using punches. Join for free and explore CraftWorld for a huge archive of die-cutting projects and tutorials to try - Die-cutting inspiration

What are die-cutting machines?

In order to create the pressure needed for the metal dies to cut you need a die-cutting machine. You can buy machines in many different shapes and sizes and from lots of crafting brands. There are machines aimed at beginners right the way through to industrial machines that will cost thousands.

Die-cutting machines are also used for embossing, where an impression is made rather than a cut - find out all about embossing in our complete guide to embossing techniques article.

Manual die-cutting machines

The simplest form of die-cutting machine is essentially like a mangle. You create a simple sandwich between plates and put the die in with the sharp edge face down on the material. Then you wind the handle and the pressure is applied across the whole die, cutting through the card or paper as it passes through.

Electronic die-cutting machines

You can also buy die-cutting machines which don't have a handle, the process of cutting is automated. You still need to create the sandwich but these machines can be great for people who find manual die-cutting hard work on their arms and wrists.

Cricut machines are cutting machines designed for crafters, DIY enthusiasts, and small businesses to create intricate designs and shapes from various materials such as paper, vinyl, fabric, and more. The machines work by using blades and tools to cut, score, and draw according to the designs loaded into their software. Users can create designs either through the software provided by Cricut or by uploading their own designs. Cricut machines have gained popularity for their versatility and ease of use in creating custom projects like greeting cards, scrapbooking elements, home decor items, personalized gifts, and even apparel embellishments.

Computerised die-cutting machines

Computerised die-cutting machines are not in reality die-cutting machines at all! They do not use a die to cut, instead they have a blade which works more like a printer as it moves around the card, paper or fabric cutting out the design.

Die-cutting basics for manual machines

What other tools and essentials do I need for die-cutting?

Pokey tool / Craft Pick
Metal Shim
Masking Tape or Washi Tape
Magnetic sheets for storing dies

Different types of dies - check before you buy!

When buying dies you need to make sure they are compatible with your machine, all machines have different sized 'mouths' so you'll need to double check, especially if buying online when it can be tricky to quickly assess the size of the die.