How to Cut Felt with Felt Die Cutter - Sizzix Big Shot
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Crafting with felt can be so much fun! From home decor to clothing, felt is an incredibly versatile material that can be used for many different types of projects. In this blog post, I'll explain how to use a Sizzix Big Shot machine felt die cutter. I think it's the best manual die cut machine for felt on the market. It's easy to use and cuts perfect felt shapes. I'll teach you how to use Sizzix Big Shot, select a die, make a Sizzix sandwich, and finally have a perfect cut. Follow this tutorial and create your adorable felt crafts with perfect edges.
Why do I like Sizzix Big Shot?
It's a small machine compared to other felt die cutters.
It is an excellent felt fabric cutter that provides crisp cuts, making it a most popular manual machine among crafters.
The Sizzix machine has a low price compared to digital machines, just be mindful of the investment in dies.
The Sizzix Big Shot results are better when cutting felt circles than the Cricut machine. I know it from experience.
You can cut several layers of felt using the steel-rule (Bigz) dies.
In my opinion, a manual felt die cutter is a good option for felt flower crafters.
What Is a Manual Die Cutter?
Manual die cutters are machines that need your hand to cut felt. They have a hand crank that you turn around to cut your shapes. You'll also need a steel rule die, cutting pads, and the material you want to cut. The good news is that many dies from different brands are interchangeable, and you can use them with your manual die cut machine. My favorite manual die-cut machine is Sizzix Big Shot. I have had one at home for four years and am very happy.
What Is a Sizzix Big Shot?
A Sizzix Big Shot is a manual die cutting machine that cuts shapes from different materials using dies. Sizzix can cut cardstock, fabric, leather, copper, chipboard, cork, vinyl, foam, and of course, felt. The die, felt, and cutting pads are rolled manually through the Sizzix Big Shot machine to get the result. Cutting pads are clear plastic rectangles that the due cuts into as they cut the felt fabric. I was frightened the first time when I heard the die cutting into the cutting pad. It makes a cracking noise and leaves a mark on the pad. Don't be frightened, this is completely normal! And if needed, it's always possible to buy a cutting pad replacement. But this is going to happen after many many cuts.
A die cut machine like the Sizzix is essential for cutting out precise, intricate shapes from your felt fabric. The Sizzix Big Shot has two rollers that work together to press down on the "Sizzix sandwich." This pressure makes the die cut the felt fabric into the shape that the die has. With Sizzix dies, you can unleash your creativity and design wonderful projects like flowers, animals, monograms, letters, and more!
Some dies (for example, Bigz) can cut through multiple layers of felt at once with accurate and consistent results, making it faster and more efficient than cutting your projects by hand. The dies are also durable so that they will last for many future projects. The cut is cleaner and faster than with scissors, making it a great option for cutting felt.
The basic model called Sizzix Big Shot Machine Only (White & Gray) w/Standard Platform comes with the thin die adapter, standard platform, and cutting pads. Unfortunately, it doesn't include dies. These you need to purchase separately.
What is the difference between Sizzix Big Shot and Sizzix Big Shot Plus?
The difference between Sizzix Big Shot and Sizzix Big Shot Plus is the workspace size. Big Shot Plus fits 8 1/2" (A4) x 11" materials, while Big Shot has only a 6” (A5) wide opening. In addition, the Big Shot Plus also has slightly more cutting pressure due to larger size rollers and uses larger cutting pads.
3. Manual vs. Digital Die Cutter for Felt
When comparing manual versus digital die cutters for felt, there are certainly pros and cons to consider. Digital machines are known for their precision and versatility, with the ability to cut a wide range of materials and intricate designs. On the other hand, manual cutting machines are praised for their durability and ease of use. If you want to learn more about manual vs. digital die-cutting machines for felt, explore Cricut vs. Sizzix - the best machine for felt? Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual crafting needs and preferences.
4. Types of Sizzix Dies and Other Dies Brands
To get started cutting felt with your Sizzix machine, you'll need two components: the Sizzix die cutter and the compatible dies for cutting out the felt pieces.
Dies are metal pieces with a blade and come in two categories: steel-rule dies (called Bigz in Sizzix) and thin metal dies (called Thinlits or Framelits in Sizzix).
Thin metal dies are narrow metal shapes with a raised area that serves as the cutting edge.
Steel rule dies are more robust than thin metal dies. Bigz seem like cookie cutter encased in foam. Due to its strength, the steel rule die can cut through several layers of felt at once. Moreover, the steel-rule die can cut any felt. However, be aware that thin metal dies might not perform well with all types of felt.
The Sizzix Big Shot dies are made from high-quality materials and come in various sizes, shapes, and textures. Sizzix's large selection of dies includes small shapes like circles, stars, and hearts, as well as larger pieces such as snowflakes, leaves, animals, or letters.
Other Brands of Dies
You can also use dies from other brands. I love the wafer thin dies from Benzie Design. Also, their wool blend and wool felt are of very good quality. My favorite in their dies is the Home Sweet Home, Deep Etch Die Bundle.
Another brand selling dies for Sizzix Big Shot is Spellbinders. Check out Spellbinders steel rule dies here.
Artemio from Belgium also has a lovely collection of thinlits (note that the cut might not be perfect for acrylic felts). They have many kids' and babies' related designs.
You can also see dies from First Edition. They have lots of good quality steel dies.
Bigz Die, Thinlit and Framelit Dies from Sizzix
Framelit Die from Sizzix
5. How to Use Sizzix Big Shot to Cut Felt
Making a “sandwich” refers to how all three layers (felt, cutting pad, and die) are placed onto the Big Shot machine before rolling through it. The “sandwich” will differ depending on the die you're using. Let's have a look at the “sandwich” using steel-rule die and the one using thin metal dies.
Steel-rule Die Sandwich
As for the steel-rule die (the bigger black die), start by placing the die (with the cutting side up) on top of your Sizzix Cutting Pad, then add your felt over the die, finally placing another Sizzix Cutting Pad on top of everything. Once your "sandwich" is ready, simply slide it through the Sizzix Big Shot Machine opening using the handle. When the "sandwich" passes through the opening, disassemble it and get your die-cut felt shape.
Steel-rule die (Bigz die) sandwich:
Cutting pad
Steel-rule die (with the foam facing up)
Felt (can be more layers of felt)
Cutting Pad
Thin Metal Die Sandwich, Standard Platform, and Thin Die Adaptor
In the case of a thin metal die, you'll need to place your "sandwich" onto the standard platform, followed by the thin die adaptor. Start by preparing the standard platform and adding the thin die adaptor. Then follow by adding the Sizzix Cutting Pad, placing felt on top of it, and adding the thin metal die facing down with the blade. Finally, place another Sizzix Cutting Pad on top of everything. It's going to have 6 layers altogether. Once all the layers are ready, simply slide it through the Sizzix Big Shot Machine opening using the handle. Hurray, your perfect die-cut felt shape is ready!
The thin metal die sandwich uses the standard platform, followed by the thin die adaptor and:
Cutting pad
Felt
Thin metal die (with the blade facing down)
Cutting pad
Sizzix Bigz Die Sandwich
Sizzix Framelit Sandwich with Standard Platform and Thin Die Adaptor
6. Beginners Tips for Crafting with Sizzix Big Shot
Starting a Big Shot die cutting machine felt project can be daunting for beginners, but the right technique and some helpful tips can make felt crafting with Sizzix Big Shot cutting machine a breeze. And let me tell you, it's much easier than cutting felt with Cricut Maker.
Have a dedicated place for your Sizzix die cutter so that you don't have to move it around when you want to use it. Some of the machines are rather heavy.
It's normal to hear cracking noises when the cutting pads are used and see scratches on the cutting pads (btw. I freaked out when it happened for the first time).
The cutting pads last quite a lot, even with scratches. Make sure to use all the cutting pad area, and flip the cutting pad when worn out on one side. How long the pads will last, will depend on the usage. With frequent usage, it's going to be about 6 months.
For perfect results, use steel-rule dies (Bigz) for felt.
If the thin die is too thin, it won't cut every felt.
Ensure your felt is laid flat and well into position before cutting. This is to avoid movement and not cut a piece of the shape.
It may be beneficial to use tape to secure your felt in place so that it doesn't shift in the sandwich.
When you are cutting multiple felt pieces at once, place them on the cutting pad one by one and make sure you align them.
For dies organization, use magnetic sheets with your thin metal dies or plastic sheets with a ring-binder. Some dies are tiny, and you might lose them when stored freely.
Keep samples of your projects with your dies to help you visualize the design.
Sizzix Accessory - Bigz Die Storage Rack
from: Sizzix
7. To Wrap Up, Cutting Felt with a Sizzix Felt Die Cutter
With a felt die cutter, like the Sizzix Big Shot Machine, crafting with felt is easier and more efficient. You can create beautiful felt projects with just a few simple steps—choosing the right fabric color, selecting a die, making a sandwich, and finally cutting out shapes. Crafting with felt isn't just fun but also very rewarding. Whether you're making decorations for around the house or creating unique clothing applique items - crafting with felt is one of those activities that will never go out of style!
Happy felt crafting!
Be sure to visit more on this website for free embroidery and sewing tips & tricks to help you out as you stitch my patterns. For free felt patterns, visit my Freebies page.
Let's craft together!
XO, Anna
