Die Cutting and Embossing for Beginners: Cards and Scrapbooks

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Die cutting lets you cut intricate shapes, lace patterns and lettering from paper and card in seconds, far more detailed than you could cut by hand. Pair it with embossing and your handmade cards and scrapbook pages look professionally finished. This guide explains how a die cutting machine works and how to get clean results.

Die cutting machine basics

A die cutting machine presses a metal cutting die through paper using rollers. You place the die and paper between cutting plates, wind the sandwich through, and the shape pops out.

The A6 Craft Buddy Die Cutting Machine is a compact A6-size machine for metal dies that both cuts and embosses, making it ideal for card making and scrapbooking at home.
Metal dies such as Pattern Dies (Small) and Pattern Dies (Medium) cut detailed patterns. Small dies suit toppers and accents; medium dies suit card fronts and larger frames.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

The die cutting sandwich

Machines work with a stack of plates, usually called a sandwich. The exact order depends on your machine and its instructions, but a typical cutting sandwich is:

Base plate (if your machine uses one).
Cutting plate.
Paper or card.
Die, with the sharp cutting edge facing down onto the paper.
Second cutting plate on top.

Wind the sandwich slowly and evenly through the rollers. If parts of the shape do not cut fully, run it through again, or add a thin shim of paper as the machine instructions suggest.

Embossing

With your machine: follow the machine’s embossing instructions, which usually use a softer mat so the die presses a raised design into the card instead of cutting.
By hand: place card over a stencil on a soft surface and trace the shape with a Metal Ball Tool Set (4 pcs), which has eight ball sizes for embossing and dotting.

Die cutting step by step

Choose card or paper; medium-weight card such as Ivory Paper 240gsm gives sturdy shapes.
Position the die where you want the cut, and hold it in place with a little low-tack tape.
Build the sandwich in the order your machine shows.
Wind it through the machine slowly and steadily.
Remove the plates and gently press out the shape. A pokey tool or pin helps release tiny pieces.
Glue the shape onto your card with a glue stick or double-sided tape.

Project ideas

Lace-edge cards: cut a pattern die from white card and layer it over coloured paper.
Shaker cards: cut a window and fill a sealed pocket with sequins.
Gift tags and toppers for presents and wrapping.
Scrapbook embellishments such as frames, flowers and borders.
Party decorations: banners and cupcake toppers.

Our handmade greeting cards guide and paper craft tools guide have more card ideas.

Care and troubleshooting

Cutting plates curve and get marked with use. Flip and rotate them between uses so they wear evenly.
Store dies flat, for example on magnetic sheets or in a folder, so they do not bend.
Do not force very thick materials through; check what your machine can handle.
Keep the machine clean and dust-free.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any brand of die?

Many thin metal dies work across machines, but sizes vary. Check that the die fits your machine’s cutting area, which is A6 for the Craft Buddy.

Why are my shapes not cutting through?

The paper may be too thick, or the sandwich needs a thin paper shim. Try running it through again.

Is die cutting suitable for children?

Older children can turn the handle with adult help. Keep dies, which have sharp edges, away from young children.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose a die cutting machine and dies.

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