Die-Cutting 101: What You Want to Know

Struggling to get clean and precise shapes for your cards, packaging, or craft projects? Wondering how professionals achieve those flawless, intricate cuts with ease? You've probably heard the term die cutting, but what exactly is it? How can it take your creative projects to the next level?

If you’re new to crafting and unfamiliar with die cutting, this blog can help. We will discuss everything you want to know about die cutting, from basics to how you can use it to make your crafting projects stand out.

Whether you're a beginner or a pro looking to sharpen your skills, we'll explain the die cutting process, explore different types of die cutting machines, and show you how to use them to achieve professional results every time.

What is Die Cutting?

Die cutting in crafting is a manufacturing process where a machine uses a die, a specialized tool, to cut or punch out shapes in consistent sizes from various materials, including paper and metal.

You no longer need to cut shapes manually with scissors or craft knives. Think of a die as a cookie cutter for crafting; it’s a metal blade shaped in the exact design you want to create.

Die cutting:

• Saves time 
• Produces shapes with exact dimensions consistently and professionally every time
• Cuts quickly and accurately

What is a Die Cutter?

A die cutter is a tool that uses a die (a precisely shaped blade) to cut complex shapes from materials such as:

• Paper
• Vinyl
• Leather
• Cardboard
• Thin metal sheets

This process, known as die cutting, is used across many industries. Die cutters produce accurate and consistent cuts in multiple shapes quickly and efficiently.

Die Cut Shapes

Die cut shapes are small pieces of paper, fabric, or other materials cut into specific forms using a die. The die cut printing technique creates custom designs and shapes in printed materials by cutting specific shapes or patterns. Die cut boxes with unique shapes, such as stars, are good examples for better understanding.

Who Invented Die Cutting?

The history of die cutting begins in the 1300s from the English word “De,” which formed the Latin word “datum” for “given”. Initially, the term die was used for smaller sizes and shapes till the 1800s.

It was developed during the Industrial Revolution in the 1900s to streamline the production of leather goods. Shoemakers used to make shoes by hand, and the soles were cut by hand, which led to improper cutting.

These inconsistencies and errors led to the invention of die cutting machines, which meant cutting leather for shoes in the standard size we see today. They started using die cut technique to cut the leather into the desired shoe shape.

What is A Die Cutting Machine?

A die cutting machine uses a metal die similar to a cookie cutter to press into materials and cut precisely:

• Shapes 
• Patterns 
• Designs

In the exact dimensions, and give a professional look to crafting projects.

What are Manual Die Cutting Machines? How Do They Work?

This is a simple type of die cutting machine, like a mangle that uses manual hand crank operations with an opening slot for scrapbooking and cardmaking.

The metal die passes the machine’s rollers. Based on the shape of the die, the machines put pressure to cut the shape out of the material. You can easily use this machine without electricity or batteries.

It creates a simple sandwich between metal plates and puts the die in with its shape edge face down onto the material. When you twist the handle, pressure is applied to the whole die, which results in cutting through the card or paper.

Read More: RSC Box vs Die Cut Box: Which Packaging Fits Your Needs Best

What is Digital Die Cutting Machine? How Does it Operate?

A digital die cutting machine powered by electricity is a computer-controlled machine that cuts and shapes materials such as paper or fabric with precision and accuracy.

In this machine, no steel dies are required as a blade inside the machine is present. Digital die cutting technology helps to create complex designs or shapes through software on your device like a computer or smartphone.

What is a Die Cut Sandwich in Crafting?

Die cut sandwich is a combination of layers used in die-cutting machines. It involves a cutting pad, the material, and another pad on top. The layered sandwich is passed through the machine, which applies pressure to cut the material into the desired shape.

How to Use a Die Cutting Machine? 5 Easy Steps

Here are the simple and easy steps to help you use a die cutting machine properly.

Step 1: Prepare your Materials

Select your die and material (e.g., paper) for preparation.

Step 2: Layering up the Sandwich

Make it like a sandwich using the material, a die, and another cutting pad.

Step 3: Insert into the Machine

Insert this sandwich into the die cutting machine.

Step 4: Operate the Machine to Handle the Cut

Wind the handle to move the sandwich through the machine.

Step 5: Remove and Check the Cut

Remove it and check your cut shape.

How to Use Die Cuts Without A Machine? 6 Simple Steps

Here’s how you can use dies without a machine.

Step 1: Pick Your Die & Material

Choose the die and the material you want to cut and shape.

Step 2: Position Your Die Perfectly

Place the die on the material to cut its sides down.

Step 3: Shield Your Table Surface

Place a protective cutting mat underneath.

Step 4: Trace Your Design

Use a pencil or pen to trace the die cut around the edges.

Step 5: Trim & Cut Neatly

Use a craft knife to carefully cut along the traced lines.

Step 6: Strong Finishing with Tape

Use washi tape or glue to adhere the shape to your DIY project.

Where is Die Cutting Being Used?

The use of die cutting in manufacturing a wide range of items such as shoes and other items is great. It speeds up the process and cuts materials from paper and fabric to plastic and foam quickly and efficiently.

Crafters prefer using die cutting machines and techniques to create the shapes of:

• Scrapbook pages
• Custom Cards
• Party favors
• DIY projects for waterproof cardboard (more efficiently than scissors)

Die cut packaging creates custom shapes for packaging boxes, labels, and other materials. The die cut printing produces intricate designs for greeting cards and invitations.

Some of the common industries that take advantage of using die cutting are:

• Packaging & Printing
• Crafting & DIY
• Textile
• Metalworking

Bottom Line

Die cutting is a precise manufacturing technique to create custom shapes and designs from various materials in the production of various products. Its versatility and speed make it indispensable in crafting, packaging, printing, and manufacturing.

The global die-cutting equipment market will reach $4.2B by 2027. (Grand View Research) Ready to create with die cutting? Partner with the Custom Product Packaging team of experts specializing in die cutting, packaging, and printing to create a design in your desired style. Get your custom die-cut packaging started today. Email us at orders@customproductpackaging.com.