Die Cuts For Card Making

Die cuts are used to create fun and interesting shapes that can be used on a card to add embellishment. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and designs, some even include sentiments or words which are a great addition to a handmade card. They are an essential tool for any crafter to have and they make creating cards a lot quicker and easier as they are quick to cut out and can be easily placed on the card.

Die cutting is the process of using metal shapes called dies to cut paper, card or in some cases other materials like fabric. The dies have one side that is sharp which when rolled through the machine with pressure will efficiently cut through the material creating a perfect shape, word or design. These shapes can be used over and over again to create the perfect embellishment for any project.

There are a variety of different machines available to help you die cuts for card making. Most die cutters are small, portable and can be stored away when not in use. They are ideal for anyone who has limited space or wants to travel with their crafting supplies and can also be a great option for the beginner who doesn't want to invest in a larger machine right away. There are also more substantial machines that can be used on a table or desk, but these tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance.

When choosing a machine, it is important to consider the type of materials you will be cutting as this will impact how much pressure is needed. A steel rule die, for example, requires a higher amount of pressure to cut through material than thin metal or wafer dies. It is also worth looking at the size of the plate that holds the die as this will vary from machine to machine and may influence the thickness of your finished product.

Some of the most popular dies for card making are cover dies and layering dies. These are designed to fit over the front of a card and can be used on all standard card sizes. You can also use these to create a fun fold in your card, such as an accordion fold or a gatefold.

When using your die cutting machines it is a good idea to have some shims on hand, these are usually pieces of cardstock that are designed to fill gaps and add pressure. They are especially useful for those times when your die doesn't fully cut through the card or you have a hard-to-cut area. If this happens you can try adding a shim to your sandwich, this could be a piece of card or in some cases you can buy plastic or metal shims specifically for this purpose. A magnetic shim is also helpful as it can be used to keep your sandwich together and also reduce any unwanted noise from the machine.