Tips & Tricks for Die Cutting
Die sets, which are also offered separately and are useful for crafting intricate narrative crafts, are also available. Make sure that the ridged, sharp side of the die is facing the paper during cutting just like a die cutting machine. If you look closely, you can see tiny holes in the die that allow you to release the material if it becomes stuck there but aren’t visible in the final product’s design. If the material does become trapped, a die pick can be used to remove it. Keep in mind that not all dies can be used with all machines, so check before you buy a certain die to see if it can be used to cut on your specific machine. Check out the comparison of digital and offset printing.
Nesting Dies:-
These are a collection of dies with the same exact form but varying sizes. With this, you may get the form in the precise size you want. The dies can be offset or layered on top of one another to provide various looks.
Corner Dies:-
These can be used to create elaborate corners for your creations and are frequently sold in pairs of two dies that are the same size and shape. They work particularly well to accentuate edges and add layers to greeting cards and images.
Edgeable Dies:-
These dies may be used for almost all card styles and provide decorative edges to your papercraft creation, but stand up cards showcase their beauty the most. These dies offer delicate, detailed patterns that give your project a little extra oomph with only one cut. These dies can be applied to photo mats, diaries, and greeting cards to create a straight edge or a beautiful multi-edge design. You can now add words to the edges of your paper crafts thanks to the newest edgeable dies, which are words. The same process is working in paper cutting machines as well.
Sandwich Recipe:-
Simply put, this is the order in which the machine’s various parts—such as dies, cutting plates, embossing mats, shims, and so on—must be placed before being fed into your die-cutting machine. To consistently get a beautiful cut, follow these guidelines:
- Make sure your machine is placed on a stable, solid surface, such as a sturdy table, and that it has enough room to accommodate all of your dies, the material you wish to cut, the platform, etc.
- Create your sandwich in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions; you can use low-tack adhesive to make sure the die stays in position.
- Use copy paper to shield paper from worn-out plates.
- Pass the sandwich through the apparatus.
- To ensure proper cutting through, remove and rotate the die. You can use a fine-tip glue pen or spray adhesive to adhere delicate die-cuts to your projects. You can also use a sticker maker or a toothpick to squirt a little amount of glue onto a conventional glue stick. Before you cut your cardstock, try adding double-sided tape or adhesive sheets.
- Run the die through the machine again if it is just partially cut; you can try adding more cardboard or using a metal adapter plate to apply the right amount of pressure. Your die cut will come out cleanly if you purchase a metal shim and feed it through the machine two times.
- Carefully remove the shape from the die using a pokey tool. You can make your own pokey tool by inserting a needle’s eye into a small piece of cork and securing it with glue so that it does not come out.
- Take the negative space from the die-cut shape once more with your pokey tool. Place a piece of greaseproof paper between the die and the cardstock to make it easier to remove the die-cut shape from the die.
Embossing with Dies
Using dies made for cutting and embossing, you may give your creation layers and texture. Make an embossing sandwich, then pass your die through it. The cardstock will be indented along the die’s edges.
With the help of these die-cutting hints and suggestions, I am confident that you will be able to produce crafts. Due to the popularity of die-cutting among the country’s handicraft enthusiasts, die-cutting supplies are now readily available on the market and come in the diversity of shapes, patterns, and sizes described above.