DIE CUTTING FOR BEGINNERS

Ever wondered what the hype is around die cutting? What is it? How do you do it? What the hell do you need that shape of metal for? Welllll I am here to help!

Here's my introduction to die cutting for beginners, so if you haven't been introduced to die cutting yet stick with me!

Die cutting is the process of cutting paper, card sometimes fabric, leather and felt with a metal die. For this you need a die cutting machine to use alongside a metal die, this will enable you to cut your chosen material into the intricate shape of your die. Dies come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from pineapples to cats, you name it there is probably a die for it!

Die cutting gives you the ability to cut intricate designs for scrapbooking, card making and a whole host of other crafts with speed and efficiency.

Hang on, how do it do it?!

Take a die cutting machine, I am using the Crafters Companion Diamond Precision machine, because I like that its small and doesn't take up too much room in my craft room!

You will also need a die of your choice (I've chosen to demonstrate with a pineapple die! Of course!)

Your machine will come with die cutting plates which you will need for the die cutting process.

Step one:

Cut your card or paper to the size of your plate, my machine is little so this might not be a step you need to do!

Step two:

In-between the Cutting plates sandwich you paper, right side up. Then lay down your die, pattern side down.

Be sure to only cut with one die at a time inside a folder.

Step three:

Place your plates into your machine, Mine has a handle to turn but some machines are automatic. You may need to apply pressure to the top of the machine to keep it steady. Turn your handle to feed the plates all the way through the machine, One feed through the machine should be enough, but for thicker card and materials roll back through the machine to cut twice.

Step four:

Remove card and die from the plates. You may need to push the card out of the die using a pin. Start removing any unwanted parts form the die cut card.

You can also craft with the left behind card! Great for cards and scrapbooking!

Ta da! One die cut pineapple! You can use your die cuts for lots of projects and craft ideas.