Die Cutting Techniques-Tips And Ideas

Welcome to the wonderful world of die cutting! If you are new to paper crafting you are going to be taking your art to a new level with these amazing machines.

If you have been die cutting for a while, we hope to help you get better results on all of your projects. Let's get started.

Die cut Basics

Die cuts are made from the pressure that is applied to a piece of cardstock with a die on top. The die is sandwiched between a set of acrylic plates. When the pressure is applied by passing the sandwich through the machine, the paper is cut in the shape of the die. 

There are all kinds of dies. Some are simple shapes. Others are words, borders, flowers and things like tags. You name it and there is a die for it. 

A die is a metal shape with sharp, raised edges that cut through paper when pressure is applied as we said. They are typically made of steel with sharp edges. 

While you might think about using them just in greeting cards, their use goes way beyond that. They can be used is just about any kind of papercraft you can imagine. Think about scrapbook pages, journals, tags, invitations and decor. 

Types Of Paper Dies

• Shape dies – basic shapes (circles, hearts, stars, etc.)

• Word or sentiment dies – phrases like “Happy Birthday” or “Thank You”

• Frame or border dies – for decorative edges or card frames

• Embossing dies – add raised patterns instead of cutting through

• Layering dies – multiple dies that fit together to build 3D or dimensional designs

Dies can be simple or intricate. Once you get started you will find that you will want to add more to your collection. They are easy to use and add so much to all of your papercraft projects.

Die Cutting Machines

There are two types of die cutting machines. You can opt for either a manual machine or an electronic machine. Most machines offer an embossing option that uses embossing folders to create raised designs on cardstock as well.

Manual machines use a crank handle while electronic die cutting machines use electricity to move the sandwich through the machine. 

The machines have acrylic plates that are included with the machine. These are referred to as cutting plates. Other plates that are most often used with die cutting machines are a base plate that supports the stack and the cutting plates that create the pressure to make the cut. Optional plates that may or may not be included in the package are a shim used to add more pressure to certain dies, an embossing mat used for embossing rather than cutting, and a metal shim that helps to cut intricate dies. There is also a magnetic plate that helps hold a die in place.

There are options in the sizes of the machines. Of course, the more options the machine has, the higher the price. If you are choosing a die cutting machine, make sure that you review what is included in the package to get the best option for your needs and budget.

Materials You Can Die Cut

• Cardstock-Cardstock is one of the basic materials that is used in die cutting. It comes in different weights, so the best thing is to experiment with different papers to see what weight works best with a specific die. 
• Patterned Paper-Patterned paper is fun to die cut. It can be mixed with colored cardstock to create interesting combinations. It can create a lot of visual interest.
• Vellum-Vellum is one of my personal papers to die cut. It comes in different soft colors that create an elegant look to all of your projects. You can also add color to it to create just about any custom shade you can think of. 
• Cork-Look for a cork paper that has an adhesive backing so that you can die cut it and create instant stickers.
• Kraft Paper-It has a slightly rough paper that has enough weight to hold the shape of the die cut. For this paper, you need to use a very sharp die and may need to run it through the die cutting machine twice. Gives a rustic look. 
• Watercolor Paper-Using watercolor paper to create to create die cuts that can be colored and customized. It's both strong and thick. It absorbs color quickly and easily. Distress inks and crayons as well as watercolor can be used for a customized effect. Stay with clean detailed dies rather than intricate dies. Stick with a smoother watercolor paper for best results.
• Adhesive Backed Paper- This is one of my favorite papers to use! Die cutting with adhesive papers creates instant stickers for all of my paper craft projects. Mo messy glues or warping. You can make instant letter stickers that lay perfectly flat. Always cut with the backing on! Use a sharp die and steady pressure. Weed the die cut carefully with a pokey tool or tweezers.
• Glitter Paper-Who does not love die cutting glitter paper to add shine and texture to your projects? Thin glitter paper cuts easily. Chunky glitter paper may need extra pressure. Extra shims will make it happen. Always place your glitter side down. It will make less of a mess. You will need to clean your dies as the glitter dust will leave residue for future projects.
• Aluminum Foil - Aluminum foil is a fun, inexpensive material to die cut as it is thin and flexible. It adds a metallic shiny element wherever it is used. Since it is so thin, you will want to use and cut several layers at the same time. Or you can glue it to cardstock to add strength to the die cut piece. Use a little low tack tape to keep it from slipping on the cutting plate. 

It is perfectly normal to hear cracking noises as you roll your die through your machine. That sound is the die cutting into your paper. It's totally normal and no, you didn't break anything!

Die Cutting Techniques

Basic Die Cutting

In this, the most basic form of die cutting, you are using a die cutting machine to cut shapes.

How To Do It

1. Choose the die and cardstock that you want to use
2. Make the "sandwich" as recommended for your specific die cutting machine. Usually, this is a die cutting plate, the die sits on top of that with the cutting side up, the paper on top of that and then another cutting plate.
3. Roll it through your machine.

Tips For Basic Die Cutting

• Use washi tape to hold down your die for precise cuts.
• Experiment with different papers to see what cuts best

Layered Die Cutting

Layered die cutting uses multiple layers to create a three D or shadow effect

How To Do It

1. Cut the same shape multiple times.
2. Glue them together aligning the edges.
3. For a shadow look, offset the bottom layer slightly in a darker color
4. Used for titles, sentiments, or dimensional embellishments.

Inlay Die Cutting

Inlay die cutting involves cutting out shapes (using dies) from a base material and then inserting or “inlaying” differently colored or textured pieces into those cutouts, so the final surface is flat and smooth.

How To Do It

1. Cut a shape in one color
2. Cut the same shape in a different color
3. Swap pieces and glue them into the empty spaces.
4.  Works beautifully with geometric or floral dies.

Tips For Inlay Die Cutting

• Quality dies: Choose dies with crisp, well-defined edges and even pressure distribution. Intricate or symmetrical designs work especially well.
• Use a fine tipped glue bottle or adhesive sheet. Avoids glue oozing.
• Use a pickup tool or tweezers for handling small inlay pieces.
• Use low tack tape to get better and cleaner cuts.
• Dry fit before gluing. Lay all pieces in place first to ensure perfect alignment and color balance.
• After adhering all pieces, cover the inlay with a clean piece of paper and run it through your die-cut machine (with no die) or press under a book for a few minutes.

Embossing With Dies

Use your dies to press texture into paper instead of cutting.

How To Do It

1. Use a rubber or silicone embossing mat in your die-cutting machine.
2. Follow your machine’s embossing sandwich instructions.
3. A raised, tactile impression — subtle and elegant.

Tips For Embossing With Dies

• Use the right pressure. If the die cuts through instead of embossing → reduce pressure (use fewer shims or thinner plates).
• Mist the paper-Lightly mist the cardstock with water before embossing. This softens the fibers so the design presses deeper and cleaner without cracking.
• Combine with inking or foiling-Lightly swipe an ink pad or metallic wax over the raised areas for contrast. Or, heat emboss the raised pattern with clear or metallic embossing powder for shine.
• Try specialty papers-Pearlized, vellum, or metallic cardstock highlight embossed details beautifully. Thinner paper shows finer detail, while thicker paper gives bold, deep texture.

Partial Die Cutting

Partial die cutting is a versatile technique used in papercraft, packaging, and print design to create shapes that are partially cut—leaving some edges attached so the piece can fold, pop out, or reveal something underneath.

 

How To Do It

1. Position your top cutting plate to cover only the part you want cut.
2. Roll it through — only covered areas will cut.
3. Perfect for interactive cards, fold-over designs, and borders.

Tips For Partial Die Cutting

• Adjust the pressure-Use a shim (extra cardstock layer) or reduce the pressure so the die only cuts partially through. Do a test cut first — every machine and die differs slightly.
• Use a “Partial Sandwich”-Position your top cutting plate so it only covers the area you want cut. Wherever the top plate stops, the die won’t cut — perfect for hinge effects or partial outlines.
• Mark the plate edge-Use masking tape to mark where the plate should start/stop — helps with consistent results.
• Rotate or reposition the die-Try angling the die slightly (rather than cutting it straight on) for smoother transitions and less pressure on the edges.
• Use a sharp blade for clean partial cuts—dull ones tear instead of scoring.
• For thicker materials (chipboard, kraft, specialty papers), lower pressure but increase passes if needed.
• Clean your die regularly—paper fibers build up and can affect cutting depth.

Stencil or Mask with Die Cuts

Uses die cuts as temporary stencils or masks for ink blending or painting.

How To Do It

1. Cut the desired shape from cardstock or acetate.
2. Lay it on your project/
3. Ink or paint over it, then lift to reveal a design.
4. You can use both the negative (stencil) and positive (cut shape) pieces.

More Tips For Stenciling Or Masking With Die Cuts

• Choose the right materials for your stencil or mask-Post-it sheets or masking paper: Ideal for masking because they stick lightly and peel cleanly. Cardstock: Perfect for one-time use; works well for ink blending or light sprays. Acetate or Mylar: Great for reusable stencils — easy to clean and durable. Vinyl (adhesive or non-adhesive): Excellent for clean lines and intricate designs.
• Cut Cleanly-Use sharp die-cutting plates and make sure your paper is flat — this prevents fuzzy edges. For intricate dies, use a metal shim or precision plate for extra pressure. If you want a durable stencil, run acetate sheets through your die cutter (check that your machine can handle it).
• Adhere the Mask Securely-Use low-tack adhesive (like Pixie Spray, Post-it tape, or a repositionable glue stick). Press down edges, especially on intricate designs, to avoid paint or ink bleed. For masks, cover surrounding areas with extra paper or tape to protect them from overspray.
•  Apply Color Carefully-Use a light hand — build up color gradually. When ink blending, start off the stencil and move onto it in circular motions for soft edges. For paints or sprays, use light, even layers rather than one heavy coat to avoid seepage. If using texture paste, smooth it with a palette knife and lift the stencil straight up to prevent smudges.

Die Cut Shaker Elements

Turns die-cut windows into fun shaker cards.

How To Do It

1. Cut a window shape from cardstock
2. Add acetate behind it.
3. Create a foam border and fill with sequins or glitter.
4. Seal with a backing layer.

Die Cut Shaker Element Tips

• Choose the Right Window Material-Clear acetate or window sheets work best for the see-through window. You can also use recycled packaging (like from stamps or dies) — it’s sturdy and free! Cut it with your die-cutting machine or scissors, making sure it fits snugly inside your frame.
• Create a Clean Frame or Border-Use nesting dies to cut a perfect frame (e.g., two circles or rectangles). Double up layers of cardstock or foam for more depth if you’re not using foam tape. Make sure your frame is even so the acetate lays flat and seals properly.
•  Build the Well (the Shaker Compartment)-Use foam tape (double-layered for chunkier fillers) to create the walls of your shaker. Make sure there are no gaps between foam pieces — even a tiny gap can leak sequins. For intricate shapes, use foam sheets die-cut with your shape instead of tape for a clean edge.
• Choose the Right Fillers-Sequins, microbeads, confetti, seed beads, or die-cut bits move easily. Add a few flat or lightweight pieces so they don’t all sink to the bottom. Avoid glitter powder—it tends to cling to the acetate due to static. Add an anti-static treatment (like a dryer sheet or anti-static powder) to the inside of your acetate before sealing to keep pieces from sticking.
• Seal It Securely-After adding the shaker mix, carefully place the backing piece over the foam to trap the elements. Press firmly around all edges to prevent leaks. If you’re worried about adhesion, add a thin line of liquid glue along the foam edges before closing.

Here are some additional resources chosen especially for you on die cutting techniques. Just click on the topic you may be interested in for more ideas, tips and information.

Dry Embossing With Dies

How To Choose A Die Cutting Machine

The Gemini Embossing And Die Cutting Machine

Top Beginner Die Cutting Tips For Perfect Cardmaking

We hope that you have enjoyed our tips and ideas on die cutting. Please leave a comment to let us know that you stopped by. We love to hear from you. Drop a comment, thought or suggestion. We will always answer any questions that you may have. Our community is here for you.

Till next time, Happy Crafting!

Linda