There are many die cutting machines available on the market that target a multitude of crafting segments ranging from quilting, scrapbooking, jewelry making, party planning, and more. When it comes to working on your own arts and craft projects, having the right tools available to you can help to save time and offer a wider range of project solutions for your ideas. Here is a look at some of the top die cutting machines currently available in the marketplace. Be sure to share what your own favorite die cutting machine is and what you like to use it for below.
1. Cricut Expression 2
This machine is perfect for the papercraft enthusiast. With a library of more than 50,000 professionally designed images, the Cricut Expression 2 software and interactive touch screen will get you completed a variety of projects ranging from greeting cards to scrapbooking layouts. For more complex projects, you can use the software to arrange your layout before sending your file to be cut on the mat. Basic editing tools include image resizing, rotating, and flipping images. Cutting sizes vary from 1/4in to 23 1/2in with a full 12 inch width. Use as a stand alone machine thru inserting a single cartridge.
2. Silhouette Cameo2 Electronic Cutter
The Silhouette Cameo is a perfect choice for electronic cutting with a simple plug and play connection. Capable of cutting through paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more the user is given a 12in x 10 foot long surface. When purchased through an authorized dealer, the crafter is giving a single month basic subscription for free to access more than 100 free designs. Includes LCD touch screen, crosscutter, optical scanner, and PixScan compatibility.
3. Brother ScanNCut
Brother has entered to electronic die cutting marketplace with their new ScanNCut that specializes in precise cutting of fabric. With an erasable draw function combined with cutting, the ScanNCut allows for seam allowance and is a perfect option for those that chose to sew, quilt, and wish to create appliques for their projects. The crafter can create their own patterns and materials for any project without being limited by the use of cartridges. Personalize any project with the ability to cut your own handwriting offering unlimited creative potential.
4. Cuttlebug V2 Die Cut and Embossing Machine
The Cuttlebug V2 is a great machine offering the ability to die cut and emboss a variety of materials or fabrics. A manual die cutting machine, the Cuttlebug is great for operating in smaller spaces that allows for a compact fold and store design. Dimensions are 9.5in x 10in x 4in and can work with a variety of die cuts from other manual die cutting machines in the marketplace ranging from Sizzix to Spellbinders brands.
5. Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine Quilting Edition
The Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine for Quilting has allowed a variety of crafters to enjoy the steel precision of die cuts without the need to ever sharpen their blades, maximizing the lifetime use of your machine. With the ability to cut through batik and cotton to batting and denim, the crafter may be able to even apply several layers at once when using this machine. The Big Shot Pro Machine is known for its industrial strength and compatibility to operate with 12 inch wide die cuts with extended length capabilities based on accessories purchased. Purchasing pack includes an extended sliding tray, extended adapter pad, extended cutting pads, and a die pick.
6. Sizzix Vintaj Edition Big Kick Machine
This special edition Sizzix Big Kick Machine, brings the Vintaj Edition focused on the versatility of the original Big Kick machine with a new product library for creating one of kind jewelry accessories and pendants. This machine can also be used for your normal die cutting projects for creating cards, invitations, scrapbook pages, home decor, fashion, altered art, and more. This machine works best with Sizzix DecoEtch and DecoEmboss Dies.
7. Sizzix Big Shot Starter Edition
The newly revised Sizzix Big Shot brings about this special Starter Edition in powder blue and teal colors. This machine is a great option for manual die cutting, offering the versatility of working with the entire Sizzix product library with the exception of the Bigz Plus and Bigz Pro dies. A perfect multi purpose machine for die cutting and embossing and comes with a basic shapes die, several medium sizzlits dies and a framelits die set of basic shapes. Also included in this starter edition is an A2 large textured impressions embossing folder and assorted samples of Craft Asylum Cardstock.
8. Cricut Explore Machine
The original Cricut Explore is the first design and cut system from this line offering a unique design space software with preloaded material settings and ready to make projects perfect for gifts, parties, and other DIY ideas. Personalize your home decor and party favors with minimal challenge. The Cricut Explore can cut through more than 60 materials ranging from cardstock, vinyl, fabric, balsa wood, leather, and more. The Cricut Design Space software system stores your projects in the cloud allowing access to make images and project ideas from your computer or iPad. Compatible with Cricut cartridges and can operate wireless with a Bluetooth adapter.
9. Making Memories Slice Die Cut Machine Starter Kit
The Making Memories Slice Die Cutting Machine Starter Kit comes with a basic shapes design card, glass cutting mat, and 5 blades with replacement tool and adjustable tacky adhesive. With a simple interface and easy to view graphics window allows the crafter to cut through cardstock, vellum, vinyl, and more. Operates in size variations from .5 inches to 4 inches that is portable and easy to transport and travel with. Create scrapbook projects to 3D greeting cards.
10. Silhouette Portrait Electronic Cutter
The Silhouette Portrait Electronic Cutting tool functions in a 8.5 inch by 11 inch size surface and is perfect for card making, party projects, school projects, gifts, vinyls, and more. Cutting images from a quarter inches up to 8 inches to 10 feet long, this machine comes with a USB cable, power cable, download card, instructional DVD and instruction manual.
11. Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
The all new designed machine now comes with stronger support beams and gears. With a 8.5 inch wide cutting platform, it is considered the widest in its category of die cutting machines and is capable of cutting all leading Spellbinder brand dies and other manufacturer thin dies available on the market. Perfect for all papercrafting projects ranging from scrapbooking, card making, school projects, mini albums, and more.
12. Pazzles Inspiration Vue
This premium personal electronic die cutting machine is perfect for unlocking your own creative freedom. Connecting directly to your computer, you can create designs ranging from 1.8in to 12in x 24in on a variety of materials ranging from paper, cardstock, chipboard, and fabric. Added tool accessories can allow you to draw, engrave, emboss, distress, and pierce. Join the Pazzles Craft Room and gain access to more than 400 images each month with expanded library of more than 5,000 images and access to hundreds of video tutorials, instructions, and more.
Is a Die Cutting Machine Right for You?
With so many options available to you to choose from when it comes to making your project idea come to life, is a die cutting machine right for you?
Die cutting machines work on a variety of materials. For scrapbookers, you can use designs that work with cardstock and paper types or even cut through chipboard. Other material types that work well with die cutting machines can range from cardboard, foil, and foam. For quilters and sewers, you can cut through cloth for appliques or patterns to incorporate into your projects.
If you are a decorating enthusiast or mix media crafter, expand your material options towards wood, light metals, thin metal mesh, and vinyl. Other materials compatible with many machines are rubber and plastic.
Great Die Cutting Project Ideas
Die cutting machines serve a variety of purposes for project ideas. Here are some of the most popular types of projects made with these versatile machines.
- Place card settings.
- Gift tags and bags.
- Greeting cards.
- Photo mats and frames.
- Collages and Wall art.
- Faux flowers.
- Customized stationary.
- Memo board decorations.
- Party decorations.
Be sure to share below what you would like to use your die cutting or electronic cutting machine for.
