Die Cutting – Hints and TipsJamie Priest2020-09-07T12:29:00+01:00
Die Cutting
If you find yourself in need of a little extra guidance, ask us a question by clicking on the button below, or browse through our easy to follow videos, frequently asked questions & answers and handy hints & tips.
Layer a sheet of grease proof paper when die cutting or use a pokey tool. To save time poking all the bits out of your dies – tap them to release the easily removable bits and then pokey tool the more attached pieces out.
You can use elements or sections of your die cut shape, you don’t have to use it in it’s entirety each time. For example ornate corners can be used on their own to create borders or frames.
Cut out your material decreasing your measurements. Align the top of your materials, tape them down and cut them all out at the same time. Once die cut you should have a equal measurement around your material.
Symmetrical designs can easily be made into 3D shapes, by folding in half and gluing several together. You can use them as hanging shapes, on the front of your cards, or glue one half to each side of your insert, so it opens up when you open your card out.
You can use your dies for other craft styles – for instance a symmetrical square or circle die can make lovely folded decorations.
If your die doesn’t cut on the first pass through the machine, twist your card 90 degrees and cut again, sometimes changing the direction of the die will give difficult to cut areas a little more pressure and you’ll get a better result.
Flip your cutting mats between uses and move the die around the plates so it cuts in all areas to help your plates last longer.
