A Beginners Basic Guide: Die Cutting 101

[@richard1113]

Just wanted to thank you for such an easy to understand video. I literally had no idea about this subject an hour ago and now I feel like I could pick it up!

[@soakaos10172]

Thank you so much you are the first person I was able to comprehend what you were explaining 😊 really easy to listen to and very simple ways of explaining much appreciated 😊

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

That means a lot, Theresa. I am so glad that this was helpful for you. If you have any further questions, I am more than happy to help.

[@frazzledrobin5175]

finally an explanation I can understand easily THANK YOU

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

You are very welcome. I am so grateful for the kind words and glad to be of help to you.

[@sherrik4075]

Thanks! With so many products on the market it becomes very confusing... this video was short and to the point of how they work... Appreciate it!!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

My pleasure, Sherri! 😊

[@amkarei]

Good info! AND...Your VOICE was a DELIGHT to listen to (unlike so many others on Y.T.)

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

amkarei How very kind you are! Thank you for watching! 😊

[@amkarei]

@@lorenzozion9506 With all the rest of the shenanigans being pulled these days, W H Y did you feel you HAD to share that one MORE piece of hatefulness -- knowing FULL WELL S O M E O N E is going to use it for malicious behavior?!?

[@RosyJalifi]

You did an outstanding job in explaining ...no commercials just facts and tips.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

My sincere thanks, Rosy! ♥

[@faithmas4422]

I used to draw, make diy cards, anything that has to do with color pens and pretty card stocks. Then marriage and motherhood happened, I set my passion aside in order to prioritize my family. Now, I'm planning on doing it sgain, 23 yrs later. While I'm still saving and planning what type of die cutting machine and the different kinds of supplies and rools should I buy, I'm familiarizing myself or preparing myself by watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your passion thru your videos. A fan from the Philippines.

[@karenjoslyn4051]

Thanks so much for being an awesome demonstrator!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you for your kind words, Karen.

[@cristyablad]

Thanks for explaining... I've been having a ton of trouble understanding the plates! This was helpful.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Oh good, Julie... that makes me happy to know it helped you. 👍🏻❤️ Let me know if you have any other questions. I am happy to help.

[@janellfree3127]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! When i tried out my die cutting tool i thought i ruined it when the die outline was etached into the cutting plate. Seeing your plate really helped me not to worry about it! Thank you! I'm so new to this!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

You're good... that is perfectly normal. 😊

[@baggal21]

I’ve been looking for someone to explain all this. Thank you!!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

My pleasure!

[@macymay9288]

Thanks for your patience and education. It was much needed

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

❤️

[@indiesindie1984]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights on die cutting machines. I am happy that I can make an informed choice on which die cutting machine I will purchase. I appreciate that your presentation was methodical and to the point, explaining only the relevant details with no obnoxious music, or anything distracting from the tutorial. You also have the most pleasant voice. 😊 There are so many influencers with incredibly whiney voices! OMG! You don't know how many times I've had to mute them!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you so much for your super kind words.

[@ms.sophia9799]

Extremely helpful. Instructions were very clear. I'm happy you compared the two machines. Just what I needed to know.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

I am so happy you let me know it was helpful. Such a delight to know. Have a great week!

[@oregongir1]

Thank you!! I couldn’t figure out how to make the plates thicker to cut.

[@lindaswisher5905]

Exactly the information that i was looking for, thank you.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Linda Swisher You are very welcome, Linda.

[@CourtneyCates]

This is my 1st video of yours I watched. I like the way you teach, style your videos, all the info you include & your voice is amazing! I just love it!! I’m definitely going over to your channel to check out your content & become a new subscriber! Thank you!!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Welcome Courtney! You are so kind and I am incredibly grateful for your kind words. 😊

[@ebaby148]

Thanks for the video. I’m super excited about learning how to use dies along with stamping and embossing. This is so cool.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Absolutely! Have fun!!

[@suevans6436]

Because your video was so informative I had the confidence to order one and several dies, I am so grateful. I ordered a Big Shot from Amazon.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

That makes me so happy to know, Su! Enjoy! 😊🎉

[@joycefitz-hugh1667]

I am a beginner and have bought a big shot machine ,your video was the best I have seen most helpful thank you.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

That means a lot to me, Joyce. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help. 😊

[@shawnfirek4818]

I know this is an older video, but it was very informative. Thank you!!

[@bonniehaugh8512]

So helpful for a beginner to understand the process.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

I am grateful that this video was easy to understand, Bonnie. Thank you for commenting.

[@gailzeiba1839]

Very well done! Pacing was perfect.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you

[@Happytravellerkimmy]

This was great! I used my Big Shot for the first time, saw the impressions left on the plate and thought I'd done something wrong!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Nope, you did nothing wrong... that's perfectly normal. 😊 I'm glad this video could bring some reassurance to you, Kim.

[@pattiecoxey]

Thank you for sharing these tips. I cut fabric and card stock paper for English paper piecing templates through my new machine. My question was about the cracking and popping noise I kept hearing! I thought the cutting plates were breaking. The fabric was quiet. I expect I can cut more than 2 pieces with fabric. It's just normal sewing fabric. Also which side of a framelit is the actual cutter. I follow the instructions but that wasn't something that was there. Can you tell me how much cardstock I can actually run through a big shot. I did two and it seemed fine but would like to do more if possible. Thank you for answering some of my questions. 🙋

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you! To answer your question, you are probably at capacity with 2 sheets of paper. The dies likely wouldn't go as smoothly through 3 sheets and it would struggle going through. And the popping noises are normal. 😊 I hope this reply helps you.

[@alexiadewald4535]

Totally was tripping over the cracking sound. Thanks for the tips!!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Hahaa!!! Yes! I completely understand... I was too when I first got it, Alexia! I thought, "Oh my, I've done broke the thing!" haha! But it's normal and you're good! :)

[@gothlish]

I’ve been doing it wrong this whole time 😭 I hope I wasn’t the only one putting the die cut upward, I always found it hard to see the die to cut the paper. This is probably why 😂 Thank you, this helped me with longitivtiy on my cutting pads 💖 mine were waring down so quickly.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Don't feel bad... I have made plenty of mistakes in die cutting too. We live and we learn. 😊 So happy to know this has been helpful for you.

[@marymccloskey9450]

Thank you so much. I’m new to this and it was confusing me. Sadly, I missed out on a cricut machine really cheap last month because I didn’t understand what I was holding:(. With your help, I now know better. Lol

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

I am glad this was helpful, Mary. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

[@rdpj7791]

Great tutorial, thank you for sharing!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

My pleasure

[@ritaroberts2745]

finally what I needed !!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you!!!!!!!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you for watching, Rita.

[@lydiasudduth4637]

So thank you very much in detail very slow and calm it was nice did give me an idea on how to use it

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Lydia Sudduth I am happy to help. 😊

[@suevans6436]

really useful thank you so much, I had no idea before watching.

[@hannahpung5608]

thank you for the informative video! do you have any tips or tricks for a new crafter/ card maker? are there any brands you recommend for dies or stamps? thanks in advance!

[@dilemmix]

Thanks for this video! Does the Cricut Cuttlebug machine still exist? I'm trying to find it but I'm in Australia.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Unfortunately, it was discontinued. However, a somewhat comparable model would be the Sizzix Big Shot.

[@iceeei108]

Thank you for this information! Are we able to make our own custom dies? I have a hard time finding letters the size I need

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Not that I'm aware of, unfortunately.

[@bitsurfer0101]

Have you tried cutting something thicker like cardboard or bare carbon fiber(non-prepreg)?

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

I haven't tried cutting cardboard but did try chipboard. It doesn't work so well, at least, with the dies I own.

[@paperdrama]

Great starter vid!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you - I appreciate you dropping by to watch. Happy crafting! ♥

[@tenapenley253]

Thanks for explaining to a beginners who finally understands and not go so fast that can't figure out where to start.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

You're very welcome. So glad this was helpful. ☺️

[@Oldschooldiva66]

Great informative tutorial! Thanks for sharing! I'm new to die cutting and honestly will really just use it to create faux steampunk gears/cogs. Can either of these machines handle EVA foam? Thanks in advanced for your assistance.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

If your foam is not too thick, it will work. You might need to run it through the machine a couple of times to get a good cut or possibly use a shim. I hope this helps. 😊

[@tracker5849]

What please is Eva foam..ive never used a die..YET

[@karenrudder6565]

What is a shim? I’m so new to this.

[@ThePennyArcade]

What happens if the tiny holes do show up on your die cut paper? Help! I haven’t been able to find info on this anywhere. It’s so frustrating. It seems like nobody else has this on their die cuts. I get circle imprints

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Oh my, I am so sorry. Did you maybe try flipping the die around (it is possible it might be backwards, but unlikely). Another thing that I suspect is that the die, paper, or cutting plates are too tight and thick which could make the die cutting rollers bear down too much on the die/paper leaving the tiny holes. If you use a shim, try removing it to see if this may help. May I ask what type of die cutting machine you use?

[@ThePennyArcade]

@@MultiplicityCrafts hi! Sorry for the late reply! I thought I had replied back. Thank you so much for your response. I use the second gen of the Vagabond. It’s only a few months old and I don’t use a shim. I just have the cutting pads with the required platforms. I’ve tried doing it so many different ways and haven’t had much luck

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

@@ThePennyArcade I am really sorry to hear that it's not working out. If you have a Facebook, go onto the Stamp Junkies group and ask. There are many helpful crafters in this group who can be of assistance. :)

[@melindaward3117]

Thank you for making the video. I'm going to be a newbie n this was very helpful. 💜💜💜💜💜Will be watching alot💐💐💐

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

You're very welcome, Melinda. Please let me know if you have any questions in the future. 😊

[@amig4732]

Hi did you mean same dies can be used for both machines cuttle bug or sizzix big shot.

[@debstanton7711]

Most dies are interchangeable unless they are to big or thick like the Tim Holt Sizziz dies. Of course there are some small die cut machines like the Side kick that only allow small dies but still work awesome for the smaller dies.

[@vmm5163]

@@debstanton7711 Ah. You've just hit on my problem. The Sissix dies won't go through my Hobbycraft machine. It's a relief to know all dies aren't as thick as Sissix, so thanks for that important information. I thought the machine was broken. I'm completely new to this lovely hobby.

[@bettybedford2333]

Really helpful, many thanks.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

You're very welcome, Betty.

[@sittahpsr3696]

Thanks a lot for this! Super helpful. But I’m kinda wondering, whats the best type of paper to use for this?

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

You're very welcome. Most cardstock should work for you. If it's a thicker cardstock, it might take several passes through the machine. If it's thinner cardstock, you can always add a shim if it won't cut.

[@sittahpsr3696]

@@MultiplicityCrafts oh greaaatt!! Thanks a toonnn

[@tracker5849]

I just bought my first die...flowers I don't have a machine..saw a lady on you tube use a rock to rub the die!! I tried it..for 30 minutes. It did not work. I love your little cuttlebug..its small..folds up and no electricity..looks perfect!! I hope they aren't expensive..im going to look..I live in a small rv so don't have alot of room or plug ins. Thank you

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

tracker 584 I am unsure if the Cuttlebugs are still being produced. If not, there are similar options. Also, If you need a very small machine for small cuts, the SideKick by Sizzix is a great tool. But it is only for smaller cuts and not full size.

[@marlenejones6266]

Tracker 584...Theres a Bira that's so small it almost looked ,like a toy. The cutting area is 3 inches wide. It works fabulous. I use it a lot. I have a few dies from Tim Holtz. Wildflowers, mushrooms, and another one. It comes with all the plates. And crank away. It cuts with one pass too not 3 like some of the other machines. The bigger one by Bira has a dial to dial up the resistance so you do not need to shim up the plates to get the proper resistance to cut the paper. Etsy has Biracraft. Its 39.95 for the smallest. Then theres the 6 inch and the 9 inch. I'm gettin the 9 inches next. I love my little one butni would like to be able to cut some larger dies too

[@lorraineferguson231]

very good video! thank you

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thanks Lorraine!

[@minaakbar7411]

Hello, thank you for your video. Do you absolutely need the machine? Can you use pressure on your own to do the cuts? Or something like that.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Great question! I have seen it done with a rolling pin. You need to put a craft mat underneath to protect your desk. I have never tried it myself so I cannot say how well it works, but it can be done. 😊

I'm still a bit confused as to what happens in the machine.. Does it just "press" the pieces together, or what is happening inside??

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

In a way, yes. As I understand it, there are rollers inside. Pretty cool, huh? 😊

[@vegasjill21]

Well, what if I can't even tell where to cut?? This die is very thin, and it's nesting or whatever it's called. This die is to make around a 5x3 inch decorative pocket for journals, etc . I can't even believe I can't figure this out. I got it on WISH and theres no instructions. I've been watching tuts for over an hour now and no one has covered this subject. I really can't tell WHERE I'm supposed to cut to separate it...cuz I KNOW I will ruin it. 😠 Thanks so much in advance.😅

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

You don't necessarily have to cut it apart if you don't want. It will usually have thinner pieces of metal where you cut. If you can't find where, email me a picture. Multiplicitycrafts@ gmail .com

[@vegasjill21]

@@MultiplicityCrafts Oh, I see what you mean. Yea, maybe that's it! They are really tight together so I guess I could use a flat razor blade. I'll try that tomorrow. I GAVE UP FOR TONITE. Lol Thank you for your quick reply!! Much appreciated. If I can figure out how to send pic in email, I'll send you the pic so you can see what I mean. Thanks again. 😉

[@carlathompson7976]

Great info

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thanks Carla!

[@vickiweiss311]

Thanks tons.. just trying to figure out what to buy 🙄

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Please let me know what you decide.

[@vmm5163]

Thanks for the video. I'm very new to this and already got a problem. I have the Hobbycraft machine (£50) to begin with. My sandwich is too thick when I use Sissix dies. They won't go through at all. I can find answers to sandwiches which are too thin, but not any tips on using the plates when sandwich is too thick. I've probably wasted money on the Sissix dies ☹️ they were so beautiful

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Hobbycraft is a UK brand which I do not have any experience with; however, I have heard of others having trouble with the Hobbycraft sandwiches. I don't think it is anything you are doing wrong, it may just not be compatible with the dies you are trying to use. I am unsure if you are using the regular Sizzix dies or the wafer thin ones - but if you cannot get it to work with the wafer thin dies, it may just not be compatible, unfortunately.

[@vmm5163]

@@MultiplicityCrafts Ah, Thankyou for that info! 👍👍 the Sissix dies seem very chunky so they must be the regular size. I didn't know they had thinner ones. That makes so much sense now. I'll look for thin dies from now on. Sigh of relief now that I know what's going on. Thankyou for your expertise! ❤️

[@tracker5849]

@@MultiplicityCrafts is that what they call thinlets? I never heard that term TILL a few days ago

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

tracker 584 Yes, they call them thinlits and some call them wafer dies.

[@bernardvorster6170]

How do you make your own die???

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

I do not fully know. You would have to contact a company that makes metal dies for more information.

[@Usernameisvalid8968]

I've been using a portrait cutter and the results are not very good. Could this work on laminated gloss sticker paper? I'm not sure how it would be possible I'd say the cut piece would have to be custom made and prints would have to be consistent.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Emsflea It should work on glossy laminated paper but you might need to run it through the die cutting machine a couple of times or else use a shim.

[@Usernameisvalid8968]

@@MultiplicityCrafts Hi - thanks. i think I understand how it works. Im just not sure how id make a custom "cut piece" at the moment im just using a 1.4inch vertical and 4.1 inch horizontal square sticker with rounded edges. I think id then print to paper by a few Millimeters bigger than normal so it gave me minor room for error but still remaining usable on my final product. I just dont know how id make up the custom cutter piece.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Emsflea What shape/size are you needing?

[@lauriecarter6990]

I am being gifted a Cricut Maker for my birthday. The important thing I want to do is emboss. Will I need a separate machine to emboss?

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Laurie carter Yes, you will need a separate machine.

[@Samiahusain]

Can you tell me plz if Hobbycraft teal die cut machine would be a good idea to begin with..

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Hi there, I honestly have not had any experience with the Hobbycraft machine so I am unsure. Sorry I can't be of more assistance.

[@Samiahusain]

Thanks for replying .... Love your VDO

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

@@Samiahusain No problem... :) Thank you!

[@lilianamarisolquenanortiz6068]

Cual es la maquina que hace no corta sino que plasma la figura en el papel para darle textura al papel

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

No habla espanol

[@vanessapagan9526]

Yo creo que te estás refiriendo a las máquina o modos de impresionar una imagen al papel con el uso de un folder. La que yo tengo se llama Sizzix Texture Boutique Machine. No corta el papel; sólo le da textura.

[@amkarei]

Liliana said, "What is the machine it makes does not cut but captures the figure on the paper to give texture to the paper". "The Sizzix Texture Boutique Machine" was the response below from Vanessa Pagan. (As I said below, I HAVE used this lil dude, in a pinch, to cut dies, but I could tell I didn't want to do that on any regular basis!!)

[@autumnmarchand6661]

Thank you

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

My pleasure, Autumn. 😊

[@shereeg404]

If cutting a solid image die, will the image and finish of the paper be the same on both sides?

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

If the metal die you are using has any embossing features on it (which many do), then one side will have the embossing and the other side will not. I hope that answers your question. :)

[@amkarei]

I have found that I can tell a difference between the "top" side & the "bottom" from the fact that most of my dies will "bend" the fibers of the paper down & into the cut line as they cut the image. When I need a reverse image, I place the die on the side of the paper that looks like the "wrong" side (IF your paper is colored double-sided), and then run it thru the machine. I, then, use my finger nails to flatten that slight curve or even reverse it the other side. I've also used a tool with a good-sized ball on the end and, placing the cut image on a spongy placemat or a not-too-thick mouse pad, run the ball on the opposite side of the downward curving edge. Probably showing my OCD here, but...

[@lucyweston2179]

Great help Many thanks 👍👍👍👍

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you, Lucy!

[@bkkorner]

I just got one and I can't figure it out and the company I bought it from is useless

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Which model did you get?

[@abbielowesmith2562]

I’m new to die cutting and just tried out my machine but had no success it in working :-( does anyone know what I may be doing wrong. My machine came with 4 plates and using all 4 wouldn’t fit through the machine (seems odd) and only 3 don’t apply enough pressure. Hope someone can help, thanks x

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

What brand is your machine?

[@abbielowesmith2562]

Multiplicity Crafts It’s a hobbycraft one x

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Abbie Lowe Smith Try this link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKLXg6F_qZmpoaM

[@abbielowesmith2562]

Multiplicity Crafts I watched that video as soon as u got the machine! Not sure if the machine is faulty or maybe I was using it wrong but I did what that video told me to do

[@amkarei]

@@abbielowesmith2562 If it's not cutting AT ALL, I'd take it back to wherever you bought it. If it is just "sorta cutting", either try trading out each of the plates -- IF they are actually of different thicknesses -- to see if that makes a difference. If not -- and you still want to keep that machine -- try adding varying layers of copier paper, or card stock, or maybe even one of the thin "cutting boards" we, in America, can get from the $ Tree, BETWEEN the base plate and the 1st "cutting plate". If none of this works, DO take it back!

[@mlpisa8734]

I have a sizzix BigKick what’s the difference between it and the BigShot

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

I don't think there is much difference other than the colors it comes in and maybe a slightly different handle. They are both excellent machines.

[@amkarei]

I was told "NO Difference; One was marketed through the "chain stores"; the other was through "craft & hobby stores"". (I think there's a Y.T. vid that tells about this).

[@kimmesis7832]

Thanks for sharing info. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

My pleasure, Kim! ♥

[@hellokimmy5112]

Good tips!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thank you!! ♥

[@lindyjohnson2908]

This was very very helpful! Thank you!

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

That's great to hear, Lindy! Thanks so much for letting me know. ♥

[@sislertx]

Lol. Only.video.i found that.said flat side up. I know now it makes since.but.dang...

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

😉

[@aoutsky]

I have no interest in die cutting but I enjoyed watching this.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

D N Thank you!

[@ellenhofer3343]

Never heard of using an embossing folder as a spacer before.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

It helps in a pinch - so glad that you have found this helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting, Ellen.

[@t.terrell7037]

Anyone have a strong argument for why these manual die cutters are better than electronic ones like cricut and silhouette, which seem to be more trouble than they are worth at times.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

I think it's just personal preference. The manual ones don't have to be plugged into a wall outlet, but the electric ones might be easier for someone with shoulder or wrist problems.

[@debbiesimon2467]

Sound isnt high enough can barely hear

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Hmm, I didn't have anyone else mention that... make sure your volume is up on your side. I am so sorry.

[@mechellehoward7655]

I cannot find the cuttlebug ANYWHERE

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Mechelle Howard I am pretty sure that they are no longer manufactured. I like my Sizzix Big Shot but if you need something more compact, there are lots of other great options at Scrapbook.com.

[@mechellehoward7655]

Thanks!

[@ClassyGyal]

@@mechellehoward7655 I found one on amazon but I'm in the UK.

[@TejasEngineeringWorkskripanand]

J

[@lindabrady1773]

Wow I loved your video, it was so helpful because I'm just about to buy one, Thank you so much