Exploring the Basics: To Die (cut) or Not

You may already be a fan of die cutting.  Or not.  Perhaps you are curious about the appeal of die cutting.  Let's explore it!

Just a FYI - I am a HUGE - and I mean HUUUGGGEEE - fan of die cutting.  Some might even say obsessed!  So be warned!  I've already had a stern talk with myself to keep it simple and not go too overboard with how awesome and completely amazing die cutting is!

Dies are preformed shapes that will cut fabric, paper, fusible - and sometimes even heavier materials such as thin wood, cardboard or foam core - into a specific shape.  There are several different manufacturers of dies, and several different types.

For quilting, the powerhouse of die cuts is Accuquilt.  They offer a slew of shapes and sizes, and have just about everything you can think of.  Want to speed cut, accurately, 2 1/2" strips?  Awesome!  They have a die for that.  Need a ton of 5" circles.  Terrific - they have a die for that.

Some other players in the game are Sizzix and Crafter's Edge, who offer not only quilting dies, but also dies more suited to crafting such as scrapbooking, card making, or fusible appliqués projects.

Let's look at the equipment.  You'll need a die cutting machine. Above is my much loved, much used Sizzix Big Shot.  That very scratched plastic sheet is one of two that are a must-use when die cutting.  A second one goes on the top of the die (I have a Raindrops die on the platform right now) to protect the rollers from the sharp edges of the die.  

Once everything is layered - plastic sheet, die face up, fabric, plastic sheet - the entire layered set is cranked through the rollers using the hand crank on the side of the machine.  This presses everything together and pushes the sharp edges of the die (not visible because of the foam that protects your hands AND allows the fabric to lay flat) against the fabric, causes the fabric to be cut into the shape/shapes.

Like most equipment, there are different styles and different sizes of die cutting machines.  If I wanted to use a larger die, I would need to use a larger machine with more width to accommodate larger dies.  If I am cutting a longer die, I would need a longer platform (the plastic sheets) to support the die and protect the rollers.  

Here is a die from the top view.  I've already cut the little raindrop - and this is what my fabric looks like after being cut, and the die cut raindrop removed.  Ah...perfect edges.  I love it!

Your dies may be thick foam dies, like the one above.  Sizzix and Accuquilt both use these types of dies.  Dies designed for quilting - ie they have the shapes you most often cut shapes for piecing blocks, such as squares, half square triangles, triangles, strips and rectangles - are most often the thick, foam covered dies.

However, there are also thin metal dies.  If you look closely at the circles above, you'll notice a little raised lip or edge on the circle I turned over.  It is this lip that will cut your fabric or paper. 

I totally LOVE the thin metal dies because they make it SUPER easy to fussy cut.  I can see exactly where to place the die to take advantage of the fabric motifs or color.  I hold the die in place using washi tape, like the roll you see below.

I like to use washi tape to hold my fabric in place.  This enables me to fussy cut if I want to, and to cut multiple layers at a single time.  The tape has a low adhesive, so it won't gum up my fabric or my dies.

Here's a great example of fussy cutting.  I cut the larger leaf shapes in the burgundy batik, then taped them over a smaller leaf die to cut out the centers.  That's the power of washi tape - and I could do several at a time!  If you decide to do several, you'll need to experiment with how many layers you can cut accurately.  My personal experience is that two layers give the best results.  Over two and my edges aren't crisp.

Another aspect of die cutting, especially if you are cutting applique shapes, is that you can fuse the fabric BEFORE die cutting.  My fusible of choice is Steam-A-Seam II Light.  It is a double sided paper backed fusible by Warm Company that is super easy to use.  By fusing my fabric BEFORE cutting, I simply have to peel the paper off to fuse my cut shapes into place.

Hint: if you are going to cut fused fabric, I find I get the best cuts if I fold the fabric with the fusible to the outside - against the die.  This provides the crispest, cleanest cut.

So why do I die cut?  For my fusible applique projects, it allows me to cut multiple shapes quickly and easily.  All of my edges are crisp and clean.  All of my shapes are consistently the same size.

On the down side - die cutting can be expensive.  While the die cutting machine often comes with a standard shape die or two, all additional dies are sold separately.  Prices do vary based on the size of the die and complexity.  And they are size specific.  If you purchase a 5" circle die, it cuts 5" circles.  Not up to 5" - just 5" circles.  

So for myself, I watch sales.  And I tend to purchase generic shapes that I can layer or fussy cut to make additional motifs, which gives me more flexibility.  There certainly isn't a faster or easier way to cut a ton of circles quickly and accurately!

Do you die cut?  If so, what's your machine of choice?  And your favorite shape?

Head over to Kate's blog.  She is also exploring die cutting pros and cons.

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