Are you planning to buy a Sizzix Big Shot or perhaps your Big Shot has arrived and you are looking for all the top tips and advice on how to make the most of your lovely new manual die-cutting machine? Read our guide and top tips for cardmaking and crafting with the Sizzix Big Shot - an iconic machine in the craft industry!

What do I get in the box with Sizzix Big Shot?

1 Big Shot Machine
1 Standard Platform
1 Thin Die Adapter
1 Pair of Cutting Pads

You can of course buy additional accessories many of which you will find available as bundles if you haven't yet purchased your new Big Shot. Find all of the Sizzix Big Shot Bundles at CraftStash.

Sizzix Big Shot user Guide

There's a useful user manual available to download that goes through step by step all of the basics of creating the 'sandwich' for your machine. It shows you how to cut Sizzix Originals™, Bigz™, Sizzlits®,Embosslits™, Framelits™, Thinlits™ and Triplits™ dies, as well as Textured Impressions™, Texture Trades™ and Texture Fades™ Embossing Folders

Download the Sizzix Big Shot User Guide

Sizzix Big Shot Beginners Video Tutorial

Expert Crafter Katie Skilton shows you exactly what you get in the box and then takes you through using the the cutting pads. They can look complicated at first but you will soon get used to them and it will become second nature.

You will find loads of great videos on YouTube which are perfect for learning to use your Sizzix Big Shot properly to get the best results, we share tutorials regularly so be sure to subscribe to our channel - CraftStash YouTube Channel

10 Top Tips for making the most of your Sizzix Big Shot!

1. If possible, make a dedicated space for your Big Shot so that it doesn't become a hassle to get it out and use it.

2. To extend the life of your cutting pads, don't always use them on one side, keep flipping them alternately as you cut.

3. If you are having problems turning the crank then try turning the top cutting plate over.

4. If using double sided paper, make sure the side that you want faces down so that your die comes out the right way around.

5. Dies can be very small, start your collection off by using magnetic sheets or plastic sheets with a ring-binder, you can't underestimate how annoying it is to lose integral dies in your collection and they are so easy to lose when stored loose.

6. It can be hard to visualise how the die will look when cut out, so store a sample of the die-cut with the die to help you visualise your designs.

7. If using any kind of iro-on material, apply to the paper before you cut for a neater finish.

8. For little and intricate dies that are tricky to glue down, add an adhesive backing before you cut.

9. Don't over estimate what a thin die can cut, make sure you have the right thickness of die for the material you plan to cut.

10. Invest in a crease pad so you can use dies to create perfect folds.

Most of all we hope you have lots of fun with your new Sizzix Big Shot - be sure to share your makes with us by tagging us on social media, or why not join our CraftStash Closed Facebook Group