What Is Die Cutting? A Beginner’s Guide for Cardmakers

Hello there cardmakers! Welcome back to the Beginners Guide to Cardmaking series. This is Lisa Tilson here with you, and today we are focusing on die cutting. One of my favourite things to do when making cards. The fabulous world of die cutting opens up so many creative options and is very popular amongst cardmakers and scrapbookers. Today, I am going to take you through the basics of die cutting and explain what die cutting is, what machine you might need, and what sorts of things you might die cut. You may well have heard the term “sandwich”. I’ll explain what that is, and it definitely isn’t something you eat! We will talk a little about materials, other tools you might find handy to use when die cutting, and I’ll give you some tips to help you preserve your plates and get the most from your machine.

At the end of this post, I also have a quick and simple step-by-step guide to die-cutting three basic shapes.

What is Die Cutting?

There are two types of dies – thin metal dies (usually made of steel) and steel rule dies. For the purposes of today’s post, the focus will be on thin metal dies as these are more widely used in cardmaking. Steel rule dies cut thicker materials and are often found in industrial settings.

Die cutting is the process where you take a metal die—essentially a thin shape with raised cutting lines—place it on your cardstock with the cutting edge facing down and run it through your die‑cutting machine using the correct “sandwich” of plates and platforms. As you roll the plates through the machine, the pressure forces the die into your cardstock, and that pressure creates a clean, precise cut. It is like using a cookie-cutter!

What Machine Do You Need to Die Cut?

Depending on your preferred use, budget, and space, there are a variety of different machines for you to choose from.

Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine with Universal Plate System – 6” platform. This size can be used for most dies available on the market. It comes in white, lilac, and a special addition sage green, and can be used in conjunction with the Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System.
Platinum Scout Die Cutting Machine with Universal Plate System – 3.5” platform – this machine is great for cutting smaller-sized dies. Because of its compact size, many crafters keep this permanently on their desk or even take it to workshops and events. It comes in a variety of colours – white, lilac, and black.
Platinum Machine with Universal Plate System – 8.5” platform. This larger-sized machine is ideal for cutting larger dies or cutting a lot of dies in one pass.

The Universal Plate System, which accompanies your Platinum machine, allows you to work with etched dies as well as 3D and 2D embossing folders. The longer platform and plates mean that you can cut slimline dies and emboss larger embossing folders if you wish.

What “Sandwich” Do You Need to Use When Die Cutting?

When you purchase your die-cutting machine, you will receive information on what sandwich (combination of platform and plates) you need to use for what specific purpose.

For simple, straightforward die cutting with the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine, you use the following (from bottom to top and also pictured above):

Plate A – Platform Base
Plate B – Platform Top
Plate C – Cutting Plate
Plate C – Cutting Plate

The cardstock/die will be inserted between the two cutting plates with the die sitting on top of the cardstock, cutting side down.

The Universal Plate System Platform Base (A) and Platform Top (B) give you specific details for basic die cutting as well as how to emboss a cut shape, how to build a standard embossing folder sandwich, and how to build a 3D embossing folder sandwich.

The Universal Plate System also includes an Adaptor Plate (D) for use with embossing folders; a Rubber Mat (E), which can be used when embossing dies or stencils, and a Shim (F), which can be used if you need your machine to add a little extra pressure when die cutting intricate dies.

What Types of Dies Are Available?

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to die cutting as there are so many fun and creative ways to use dies! Whether you want to create a background, a focal point, add a sentiment or personalise your card using numbers and letters, you have it all and more! Not only that, but you can pretty much find a die for any occasion. Let’s talk about the types of dies in more detail.

The picture below shows just a few of the many types of dies available. On the left, you have a background die at the top. Below that are some nesting dies, and on the left, there is a set of image dies that create a flower/leaves.

Cover Plate Dies

These dies commonly cover an A2 panel of cardstock (4.25” x 5.5”). They can also be referred to as background dies or simply cover plates. Cover plate dies give you an easy way to add depth, texture, and visual interest to your cards, and they come in a wide range of options so you can tailor the look to whatever you are making. They can often stand on their own without a need for anything other than sentiment.

Below is a card featuring a background die. For this card, the background die has been die cut four times and adhered together, and then glued on top of some strips of cardstock. It’s a fun way to easily add colour behind the openings in the die.

A few things to consider when using background dies.

Floral and geometric designs will help to give you instant, striking, or pretty backgrounds.

Repeating patterns such as plaid, stripes, or grids create rhythm and structure across the card front. These are also great for adding behind a focal image.
Stitching dies include pre‑cut holes or patterns so you can add hand‑stitched details for a tactile, homemade finish.
Pierced or dotted designs offer texture without cutting all the way through the cardstock. Like repeating patterns, these dies are ideal when you want interest without bulk.
Window‑style dies cut openings you can turn into interactive elements, especially shaker cards.
Texture cover plates add backgrounds like woodgrain, linen or woven patterns, giving your card a soft textured finish.

Image/Etched Dies

This covers a huge array of options for you whether you are just starting out on your cardmaking journey or whether you have been creating for longer! You will find plenty of dies to inspire you whatever occasion you want to create for whether that is an adult birthday, a children’s birthday, an anniversary or Christmas. Or if you want to send a thank you, congratulations or a get well soon card. You get the picture, and you are spoilt for choice! Some die sets are more basic than others and they can be a great way to introduce yourself to the very addictive technique of die cutting.

The card below uses solely die cutting and features the Pink Lemonade Die Bundle. Even the sentiment has been die cut. You simply pick your cardstock colors, die cut your shapes, and then assemble the images before adhering them onto your card front.

Image/etched dies can be floral, drinks, animals, baking, marine life, beauty, balloons, cake, houses, birds, stripes to name but a few! You can even find dies that will help you create swatches for your all your beautiful, coloured cardstocks.

Image die sets can include standalone dies, for example, a leaf, or they can include dies that need to be layered together (e.g. the jug and glass filled with pink lemonade in the photo above).

Nesting/Layering Dies

Nesting dies have been talked about in previous posts in this series, and they often form the building blocks of your card. You use them to create dimension and visual interest. They come in different shapes such as hearts, rectangles, ovals, arches, diamonds, tags, labels, and squares to name but a few. With their graduated sizes, they are designed to help you create evenly spaced layers or frames.

Below is an example of a card using nesting/layering dies in their simplest form. This card only uses two layers to create the simple arch shape that frames the stockings, sentiment, and flower.

Border/Trim Dies

Border dies can be a lot of fun to use, especially in scene building! They come in all shapes and sizes – often manufactured so that you can use them on a horizontal or vertical aspect card. If you want to add hillsides or ocean waves, grass banks, clouds or snow to your projects, there are dies that will help you create beautiful scenes. Some border dies have stitched detailing to add that extra little bit of interest to your project.

Trim dies are particularly useful for adding an extra decorative edge to your project. You can cut them multiple times for larger projects or even use them for backgrounds!

The card below shows a thin white trim adhered across the card and sitting behind the stitched hexagon nesting dies. It’s a small and subtle detail in a very simple design.

Number and Alphabet Dies

These dies are perfect for personalising cards! Adding numbers, names, and dates is thoughtful and intentional because you are adding details that are unique to the recipient. They result in a polished, heartfelt card that a recipient is bound to treasure.

The card below uses some alphabet dies, which have been cut to create the word “Hi” and stacked together for dimension.

Stitching Dies

For those who love to add texture to their cards – these dies are a must! They open up a whole new world where you combine needlework with papercraft.

When die cutting a stitching die, it creates:

Perforated holes that allow you to thread embroidery floss, beautiful metallic threads or even twine through them.
Debossed guide lines that press into the cardstock, giving you a helpful visual guide for where each stitch should go.

The card below uses a set of dies that were actually designed to create a felt berry. But you don’t have to use felt if you don’t want to! You can stitch them and add them to a card instead.

Interactive Dies

Now these are something that are definitely addictive! Interactive cards don’t have to be complicated. Yes, of course, you can create complex moving cards, but there are some dies that allow you to create really simple movements. The “Dancin” range definitely does that.

The tag below shows the Dancin’ Penguin Etched Dies. What you can’t see in the photo is the movement as his little skates swing back and forth! All you need to do is assemble the penguin and add a little round foam dot underneath him. Hang the skates on that foam dot and then adhere your penguin on top. Simply delightful!

Shaped Dies

Shaped dies fall into the same category as nesting/layering dies in many ways. You can use them to create frames or multiple-dimensional layers, or you can just use them to create a shaped card. They can be really fun and unexpected for the recipient. They can also be a really good way of focusing the eye towards your focal point.

The picture below shows an oval-shaped Christmas card with some stitched poinsettias. The flowers and leaves sit really well within the oval shape, which is sized to fit into an A2 envelope.

Other Dies – Box, Envelope, Tag, etc

If you don’t want to limit yourself to cardmaking, then why not try something else? Here are a few ideas.

A Gift/Treat Box – this can be a super fun thing to create. Make a personalised gift box and fill it with a treat for the recipient.
A Gift Card Pocket – rather than popping a gift card inside a card, why not make a pocket/envelope for it.
If you want an accompanying tag to go with your card, then there are dies that can help you with that, too! Many Spellbinders Nesting Die Sets contain a tag option, or you can pick up a basic tag set. You can have a lot of fun with these cute shaped tag options! You can even use a tag punch to customise the size and shape of the tag.

The projects above feature a pretty floral envelope with a pull-out message! It has lots of dimension courtesy of the four-layer flower, which takes pride of place on the front. It is sized so that you can pop a gift card inside if you wish.

The box has been created using the Ribbon Box Etched Dies and fastened with ribbon. Embossing was added to all four sides for a Christmassy vibe and topped with a die-cut poinsettia and accompanying foliage.

Coordinating Dies

Coordinating or matching dies are manufactured to use in conjunction with stamped, foiled, or pressed images. They also often accompany sentiment dies or plates. They cut a beautiful, smooth, consistent, rounded border, which helps to give your card a professional finished look. Some coordinating dies have tiny interior cuts (e.g., between petals) which help to create a more open feel to the image.

Coordinating dies are popular because they help save time, and they provide an accuracy that is hard to achieve through fussy cutting. The crisp outline helps the image or sentiment to stand out from the background.

Below is a card that has some Copic-coloured Classic Pooh images as part of the design. These were stamped and cut out with the coordinating dies and mixed in with a customised message using a building blocks embossing folder.

What Materials Can You Die Cut?

As a cardmaker, the most likely materials you will die cut will be cardstock and paper. But did you know that you can use your dies to cut other materials? Here are a few ideas:

Specialty papers such as vellum, acetate, and glitter cardstock
Felt and fabric
Adhesive sheets
Foam sheets
Other materials, such as leather, cork, and vinyl, may be possible depending on your machine. Always check the manufacturer’s information first.

What Other Tools Might You Need When Die Cutting?

Other than your die-cutting machine, you may find it useful to have some extra tools on hand.

Tool ‘n One – this tool has two functions. It has a brush end that can be used to clean paper bits (chads) from your dies. It also has a sharp, piercing tip that can be used to pop out individual chads left in your dies or die cuts.
Handy Foam Mat – this can be used in conjunction with your Tool ‘n One. Simply place your die cut onto the foam mat and run the brush over it. This will help pop out the chads. These little pieces of discarded card will stay on the foam mat and allow for an easier cleanup.
Craft Stax – use these whilst you are working to help keep your dies and die cuts where you can easily find them! If you want, you can place magnetic panels inside them and use them as a more permanent storage option.
Handy Craft Tool Set, which contains:
a precision tool (helpful for holding die cuts in place or popping out chads).
a pick-up tool to help you pick up small objects/embellishments and place them onto your project.
a nudger, which is usual for positioning press and foil plates on their platforms.
Detail tweezers – helpful for picking up embellishments or other small items.
Metal Snippers – these can be used to separate metal dies and snip off the little tabs that remain. The fine, sharp point gets into the smallest of places! Spellbinders dies arrive already separated, but many other dies come joined together.
My Turn Comfort Grip and Handle – these additions to the Platinum Die Cutting Machine help to lessen the strain and tension in your hands. The handle is engineered to deliver twice the torque, which means less effort and more power!

Die Cutting Tips & Tricks

To get the best out of your machine and your die cutting, here are a few tried and tested tips and tricks!

Rotate your plates regularly to ensure even wear. Flip them over from time to time and use both sides — it helps them last longer.
Use one cutting plate for cutting into, and the other as your top cutting plate. Each time you die cut, the die will leave a faint impression in the bottom cutting plate. If you flip your bottom cutting plate, it will last longer. Keeping a clean, clear top cutting plate will ensure that your resulting die cut is free of any cut marks.
Place your die/cardstock at an angle between your cutting plates. The maximum pressure in your machine is found at the edges, not the centre, so placing dies at an angle will help with cutting and promote even wearing of the plates.
Don’t force your plates through your machine. It is not unusual to hear a cracking sound when you die cut (especially with new plates), but if you are struggling to run your sandwich through the machine, stop. Check you have the right sandwich. Maybe move the die/cardstock to a different position on the plate and try again.
When die-cutting multiple dies in one pass, use Best Ever Craft Tape to hold them in place. This stops them from shifting around as they move through the machine.
If you are die-cutting an intricate die or using thick cardstock, you may find you need to add an extra shim. The Universal Plate System includes a shim which you can add to your sandwich, and this creates more pressure as you run your die through. You can also add extra pieces of paper or cardstock to help you.

A Simple Example Of How To Die Cut

Last but not least, let’s take a quick look at how you can do some basic die cutting. I’m using the Gorgeous You Perfume Bottle Etched Dies, and you’ll be die-cutting a few of the bottle’s layers to build up the design.

Place the dies onto three different shades of cardstock and tape them in place using low-tack tape.

All three dies are now placed into the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine between the two cutting plates (C) and will be run through in one pass. They have been placed at a slight angle.

Turn the handle and start to run the dies through the machine.

Remove the dies from the machine and then remove the low-tack tape. Pop the dies out, and you are left with your three perfectly die-cut layers to start creating your bottle. As you die-cut all your pieces, it is wonderful to watch your image come to life!

Thank you so much for staying with us right to the end of this post. We hope that, as a beginner, you’ve found these tips helpful and that they’ve given you the confidence to step into the wonderful world of die cutting. This series has plenty more to explore: later on, we’ll be looking at creative ways to use your dies beyond basic cutting. But next time, we’re diving into the gorgeously shimmery world of Hot Foil Stamping — and trust me, you won’t want to miss it. Have a fabulous day!