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!

There are two main die-cutting systems—QuicKutz and Sizzix. For this how-to, we’re focusing on the QuicKutz Revolution die-cutting machine. The Revolution is a smooth, sleek, tabletop die-cutting system that is easy to use. Plus, it comes with its own case, for easy transportation!

How it works:

  1. Select your die-cut shape and paper. Revolution die-cuts are available in two main styles:


    2. Cookie Cutter dies

    		  

    Plate dies—in 4x4 and 2x2 sizes


  2. Place your die on the metal plate, away from the edge, with the foam side up and the metal side down. The metal die will stick to the metal plate.

  3. 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!

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

  5. 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!

Click below to see how to use other die-cutting systems!

Plus, click here to see which dies go with each die-cutting machine!