Most metal dies and embossing folders are compatible with the Gemini Die Cutting Machine, including Sizzix Thin Metal Dies, Spellbinders Dies, Cricut Cuttlebug Dies, Lawn Fawn Dies, Darice Dies, Tattered Lace Dies, Fun Stampers Journey Dies, My Favorite Things Dies, and ALL Embossing Folders, including Craftwell 8.5 X 11
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Is it possible to utilize different dies with Sizzix?
Congratulations for making the decision to buy the Big Shot Plus! If you’re still undecided about which Sizzix manual die-cutting machine to get, you might find any of our comparative tips helpful – Review all Sizzix Die-cutting Machines
How to use the Big Shot plus – Beginners Video Tutorial
Remember that your Big Shot Plus has a 9-inch broad platform, so you can cut A4-sized cards with it.
Because your Big Shot Plus has larger rollers, it offers somewhat more cutting power and can cut thicker materials (with the correct dies)
You can now use the largest dies and embossing folders on the market, giving you a plethora of new crafting possibilities!
Sizzix Big Shot Plus User Manual
You can obtain a user manual for this machine that explains how to put together a die-cutting sandwich using a variety of Sizzix dies. The Big Shot Plus has the advantage of being able to utilize any die!
TOP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SIZZIX BIG SHOT PLUS!
1. If possible, establish a spot for your Big Shot so that getting it out and using it isn’t a hassle.
2. To extend the life of your cutting pads, don’t only utilize one side at a time; turn them over and over as you cut.
3. If rotating the crank is proving difficult, try turning the top cutting plate over.
4. If you’re using double-sided paper, make sure the desired side is facing down so your die will come out correctly.
5. Because dies are so little, start your collection using magnetic sheets or plastic sheets bound with a ring binder. You can’t overestimate how frustrating it is to lose integral dies in your collection, yet they are so easy to misplace when stored free.
6. Because visualizing how the die will look when cut out might be difficult, keep a sample of the die-cut with the die to aid in visualizing your ideas.
7. For a neater finish, use any type of iro-on material to the paper before cutting.
8. Apply an adhesive backing to small and complicated dies that are difficult to stick down.
9. Don’t overestimate the cutting power of a thin die; be sure it’s the proper thickness for the material you’re going to cut.
10. Get a crease pad so you can make flawless folds with dies.
Most importantly, we hope you enjoy your new Sizzix Big Shot be sure to tag us on social media or join our CraftStash Closed Facebook Group to share your creations.
Is it possible to use original Sizzix dies in a huge shot?
With the first Sizzix dies, you can easily embellish and improve any creative task. Sizzix Originals dies employ our steel-rule construction to cut up to three sheets of cardstock, as well as fabric, fiber, foam, magnet, metallic foil, photos, sandpaper (in limited use), and vellum, to create beautiful shapes for any occasion.
The basic Sizzix Machine (with one Cutting Pad) and the SophistiCut, BIGkick, Big Shot, and Vagabond machines are all compatible with any medium Originals die (with two Cutting Pads). All goods are available for purchase separately.
Is it possible to use Spellbinder dies in the Sizzix Big Shot?
The Sizzix Adapter does allow the SidekickTM & Tag-a-LongTM to cut SpellbindersTM dies, however because to the Sizzix Adapter’s limited size, this is limited to most SpellbindersTM Fonts or Mystery Dies.
SpellbindersTM dies cannot be embossed with the SidekickTM or Tag-a-LongTM.
1. Place the die on a Sizzix Adapter, blade side up.
2. Roll through the SidekickTM or Tag-a-LongTM with the paper over the die.
Framelits vs. Thinlits: What’s the Difference?
Thinlits are used to cut out an element for a stand-alone card no matching stamp set is required.
Framelits are used to cut out a shape that frames a stamped image or creates a window quickly and easily.
Many of our stamps come with complementing Framelits, which eliminate the need for fussy cutting.
I embellished this card with the Hello from the Hello You Thinlits.
The patterned paper comes from the All Abloom paper stack.
The small bundles of paper are ideal for card makers.
This card uses the same template as the previous one, but I used the thinlit’s negative section to make a see-through with cardstock behind it.
Is the Sizzix Big Shot capable of cutting metal?
If you’ve ever used a Sizzix machine, you’re probably aware of how well it cuts and embosses paper and scrapbooking materials. However, it’s great to experiment with different materials like as leather, felt, and even metal.
The Sizzix Big Shot, as well as the Pro and Plus models, can cut thin metal up to 0.5mm or 25G in thickness. When cutting metal, steel rule dies, such as Sizzix Bigz, should be used. Cut only mild metals such as aluminum and copper. Embossing folders can also be used to emboss metals.
Is it possible to use Sizzix dies in the Accuquilt?
Do you want to learn more about your particular cutter? Are you looking for information on adapters for various dies? Continue reading.
Before I started die cutting, the Baby GrandMark was phased out in favor of the GrandMark. According to my understanding, it’s simply a smaller version of the GrandMark that can use all of the GrandMark’s dies as long as they’re less than 12 inches wide.
The GrandMark (GM) and the GrandMark 2 are two different versions of the same machine. Where the GM is fixed, the GM2 folds up for storage and transit. The AccuQuilt Studio and Studio 2 were also re-branded and marketed as this machine. They’re the same machines; the labels are just different.
The GrandMark is not the same as the Mark I, II, III, IV, V, or any future version.
This machine has a 1 tall x 16 broad opening and uses a metal tray. With the right adaptor, you can successfully utilize any steel rule die on the market for consumer use. No matter what die you’re using, always place the mat on top of the fabric that matches your machine.
- Die sets from AccuCut, AccuQuilt Studio, or Ellison SureCut: There’s no need for an adaptor. Place the die in the tray directly. Purple mats should not be used to cut fabric. When buying AccuCut dies with creasing, scoring, or perforating blades, be cautious. There are ways to get around them, but the outcomes may be unexpected.
- Sizzix Originals, Bigz (and all dies that begin with the letter Bigz), and Ellison All Star: My website has the Sizzix Adapter for Studio Set. You may use all sizes of Sizzix steel rule dies with this adaptor. AccuCut also provides a Sizzix Adapter, but this adapter is too small to use XL, Pro, or XL 25 dies.
- Thinlits, Sizzlits, and other wafer-thin dies from Sizzix: This machine is not advised for use. Even if you do get a few decent cuts, you will most likely crush and distort them, in my experience.
- Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby AccuQuilt offers the largest GO! adaptor for the Studio. They come in four different sizes, but I don’t think you need all of them if you have the Super Giant Die Tray.
These are the most common machines found in schools and libraries. These machines differ from the GM/Studio in that they do not have a mat on top and the upper roller is made of rubberized material. I don’t recommend these cutters for fabric since the rolling movement causes the cloth to be pulled around the roller during the cut, distorting it and making it difficult to shape accurately. Die-cutting cloth for quilting defeats the point!
Is there any way you can get around this? Quite a few people do. One of them is not me. I don’t suggest using this group of machines to cut cloth, but if you have access to them and want to keep using them, I won’t stop you.
AccuQuilt’s smallest die cutter is the GO! Baby. It may be folded for storage and transportation. The size is what sets it apart from the other cutters in the GO! line.
Please be very explicit when asking questions about how to operate this equipment and say that you have a GO! It’s not enough to say you’ve got a “AccuQuilt,” baby. That is the company’s name, however there is insufficient information to provide a proper response.
This machine has a 1/2 height x 6-3/8 broad hole and uses dies with a plastic tray attached. Only dies made expressly for this machine can be used, and there are only two businesses that make them right now. In the United States, AccuQuilt, and in Australia, A1 Craft & Quilting. No matter what die you’re using, always place the mat on top of the fabric that matches your machine.
- GO! Baby & Blue Wren: This machine will fit any die that is labeled as 6 wide or less. The GO! dies are technically 3/8 wider than the stated size on the package, which is one of the strategies utilized to develop their own line and prohibit these dies from being used with machines that were already on the market when they were produced.
- Thinlits, Sizzlits, and other wafer-thin dies from Sizzix: You can use these, but the adapters and the number of layers you can cut are a lot of trial and error. I haven’t found the price difference or the variety of forms available to be sufficient reasons to recommend these over typical steel rule dies. This is why I don’t have any specific adapter recommendations, but if you use them and have any feedback, please put it in the comments section below.
The GO! is AccuQuilt’s most popular hobbyist die cutter. It may be folded for storage and transportation. The size is what sets it apart from the other cutters in the GO! line.
Please specify whether you have a GO! or a “normal GO!” when asking questions about how to operate this machine; it is not enough to state you have a “AccuQuilt.” That is the company’s name, however there is insufficient information to provide a proper response.
This machine has a 1/2 height x 10-3/8 broad hole and uses dies with a plastic tray attached. Only dies made expressly for this machine can be used, and there are only two businesses that make them right now. In the United States, AccuQuilt, and in Australia, A1 Craft & Quilting. No matter what die you’re using, always place the mat on top of the fabric that matches your machine.
- Blue Wren: GO! Baby, GO! This machine will fit any die that is marketed as 10 broad or smaller. The GO! dies are technically 3/8 wider than the stated size on the package, which is one of the strategies utilized to develop their own line and prohibit these dies from being used with machines that were already on the market when they were produced.
AccuQuilt’s electric die cutter is the GO! Big. It may be folded for storage and transportation. The size and the fact that it’s motorized rather than hand-crank distinguish it from the other cutters in the GO! line.
Please be very explicit when asking questions about how to operate this equipment and say that you have a GO! Big; just having a “AccuQuilt” isn’t enough. That is the company’s name, however there is insufficient information to provide a proper response.
This machine has a 1/2 height x 14-3/8 broad hole and uses dies with a plastic tray attached. Only dies made expressly for this machine can be used, and there are only two businesses that make them right now. In the United States, AccuQuilt, and in Australia, A1 Craft & Quilting. No matter what die you’re using, always place the mat on top of the fabric that matches your machine.
- Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby This machine will accommodate any die that is 14 broad or smaller on the market. The GO! dies are technically 3/8 wider than the stated size on the package, which is one of the strategies utilized to develop their own line and prohibit these dies from being used with machines that were already on the market when they were produced.
The Studio and Studio 2 are two different machines. Where the Studio is fixed, the Studio 2 folds up for storage and transit. The AccuCut GrandMark and GrandMark 2 have been rebranded as this machine. They’re the same machines; the labels are just different.
The machine, which I’ll refer to as the Big Shot from now on, has gone by many other names throughout the years. They’ve been licensed to other firms including Stampin’ Up, and they’ve come in a variety of colors. Because it has a different name on the label, you might not even realize you have a Big Shot. The Big Shot Express and Vagabond are a little different because they are electric, but they perform similarly to the other Big Shot versions.
This machine has a 5/8 tall x 6 wide hole and uses dies with a plastic tray attached. With this machine, you can utilize a variety of dies, albeit the size will limit your options. No matter what die you’re using, always place the mat on top of the fabric that matches your machine.
- Sizzix Originals, Bigz (and all dies that begin with the letter Bigz), and Ellison All Star: In theory, these dies can be used in any Sizzix machine by placing a cutting pad (mat) underneath them. Cutting pad, die, fabric, and another cutting pad on top are the proper layers.
- Only the 510 GO! Baby and Blue Wren dies will fit through this machine. For the Big Shot Plus, you can use Adapter G, but you’ll need to cut it down to 6 wide. Between the lower mat and the die is the adaptor.
- The GO! dies are technically 3/8 wider than the stated size on the package, which is one of the strategies utilized to develop their own line and prohibit these dies from being used with machines that were already on the market when they were produced. Because the opening here is a real 6, even though they have some 66, 612, and other dies, they will not fit in the Big Shot.
- I’m not certain about the Blue Wren dies because I’m not sure if they manufacture to the real 6 or the 6-3/8 standard; I’ll update once I have more information.
- Thinlits, Sizzlits, and other wafer-thin dies from Sizzix: These, and most of these versions, can be used with the Big Shot, which comes with a multi-purpose platform from Sizzix. However, due to the shape’s complexity, you’ll have limited success cutting fabric. However, it’s fantastic for cutting wool!
Sizzix’s Big Shot Plus is a newer machine that is positioned as a direct competitor to AccuQuilt’s GO! Because this is a recent machine, the catalog of 9 wide dies is still being built, however there are hundreds of dies that will fit. Because you receive a huge bump in compatibility for not much more money, I’m starting to recommend this over the Big Shot.
This machine has a 5/8 tall x 9 broad opening and uses dies with a plastic tray attached. With this machine, you can utilize a variety of dies, albeit the size will limit your options. No matter what die you’re using, always place the mat on top of the fabric that matches your machine.
- GO!, GO!, GO!, GO!, GO!, GO!, Wren, Blue: Any die with a width of less than 9 inches will fit through this machine. For the Big Shot Plus, you can use Adapter G, which fits between the lower cutting pad and the die.
- Thinlits, Sizzlits, and other wafer-thin dies from Sizzix: If your machine didn’t come with one, you can use these with a multi-purpose platform from Sizzix. However, due to the shape’s complexity, you’ll have limited success cutting fabric. However, it’s fantastic for cutting wool!
Sizzix’s Big Shot Pro is the company’s largest die cutter. Even though it’s a little smaller, it’s positioned as a direct competitor to the Studio and GrandMark. There are two variants of Big Shot Pro on the market, both of which are called Big Shot Pro. One is geared toward scrapbookers and has a 1212 tray, while the other is geared toward quilters and has a 1226 tray. If you don’t start with the extended tray, adding the tray and the necessary set of adapters and cutting pads will set you back roughly $150, which can fast turn a great offer into a bad one.
This machine has a 1 tall x 12 broad opening and uses a metal tray. With the right adaptor, you can effectively use any steel rule die (less than 12 broad) on the market for consumer use. No matter what die you’re using, always place the mat on top of the fabric that matches your machine.
- Die sets from AccuCut, AccuQuilt Studio, or Ellison SureCut: Only purchase dies with a width of 12 inches or less. There’s no need for an adaptor. Place the die in the tray directly. When buying AccuCut dies with creasing, scoring, or perforating blades, be cautious. There are ways to get around them, but the outcomes may be unexpected.
- Sizzix Originals, Bigz (and all dies that begin with the letter Bigz), and Ellison All Star: For use with these dies, your machine should have come with a tray, adaptor pad, and a set of cutting pads. The adaptor pad should be placed the tray first, followed by one cutting pad, die, fabric, then another cutting pad on top.
- Blue Wren: GO! Baby, GO! This machine will accommodate any die that is 12 wide or smaller, with the exception of GO! Big dies. Adapter G can be used with the Big Shot Pro; it sits on top of the lower cutting pad and beneath the die. AccuQuilt also sells the 1024 GO! adapter for the Studio directly. If you’re using this adapter, remove everything from the tray and place the adapter, die, and fabric on top, followed by the Sizzix cutting pad.
There are more cutters out there, I’m sure. If there are enough requests, I’ll gladly add additional cutters to the list. The Crossover is the only other cutter I’m actively considering at the moment, but if you have another cutter in mind, please let me know in the comments section.
What exactly are Sizzlets?
Sizzlits Decorative Sets are easy to use, compact, and portable, making them ideal for making crafts at home or on the road. These complementing die sets are designed to cut a single sheet of cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum, and give a limitless number of design options.
Each medium Sizzlits die in this set is compatible with the BIGkick, Big Shot, and Vagabond machines, as well as the Sidekick Machine (when used with a pair of Cutting Pads and the machine’s accompanying Platform) (with a pair of Cutting Pads). All goods are available for purchase separately.