One of the most popular techniques in card making and paper crafting is die cutting. As a new crafter, (or an experienced crafter who hasn’t jumped into die cutting,) the machines, types of dies, and options might feel overwhelming. Today let’s break it down and simplify the crafty questions you have about die cutting machines and techniques so you can cut and emboss like a BOSS. 

WHAT IS DIE CUTTING?

Let’s start at the beginning and make sure we’re all on the same page. What even is die cutting? Put simply, die cutting involves using a die (a metal shape with cutting lines) rolled through a machine to cut paper or other thin materials. Think of it like a cookie cutter for paper. You can cut the same shape countless times, quickly and easily.

WHAT KINDS OF DIES ARE THERE?

Dies are often referred to as thin metal dies, or steel rule dies. If you’ve ever spent time in an elementary school, you may remember the thick dies and large machine used to create bulletin board letters and shapes. Those dies are steel rule dies. Steel rule dies can cut thicker materials, and more layers of paper at one time.

Thin metal dies are exactly as they sound – thin metal. Often you’ll find thin metal dies that coordinate with stamp sets, allowing you to stamp and cut out that stamped image with ease. You’ll also find nesting dies, which are basic shapes that come in concentric sizes, perfect for creating matted layers or providing just the exact size shape you need. Common nesting die shapes are circles, squares, diamonds, tag shapes, and assorted labels. Nesting dies are a powerhouse addition to your collection, because you’ll use them again and again for everything from cards and scrapbook pages, to household and school projects.

(Here’s a pro tip: die cut commonly used shapes, like circles and tags, ahead of time and keep them handy to pull ready-cut shapes when you’re creating cards and crafts.)

Thin metal dies can also be used to create sentiments, intricate backgrounds, floral elements, and even 3D shapes like boxes and envelopes. From the most basic shapes to detailed works of art, you’ll be amazed by what you can create with die cutting.