Hello Super Cute!

Welcome to this wonderful tutorial on The Sizzix Dies and Embossing Folders, these elements are fundamental pieces in the elaboration of your projects, they will define your designs and help you to materialize your ideas…  Come and discover them!

I hope that in the other articles you have learned a lot about the Sizzix line, about their machines,  tools, and accessories… What do you think if you now learn a little about the most fascinating elements of this line?

By clicking  on the photos or the name of each item highlighted  in pink, the link will open on  Amazon where you can get it and get more detailed information. 

I tried very hard to find true and complete information so enjoy it! 

What Types of Sizzix Dies Are There and What Are Their Features?

The dies are the blades that will ultimately cut the material you are working with. In the Sizzix line, there are several types of dies but these are divided, according to their thickness, into two categories: Thin or wafer-type Dies and Thick or Bigz-type Dies. 

Thin Dies (Wafer-Thin)

These dies are compatible with all Sizzix line cutting machines: Sidekick, Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Switch Plus, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Pro, BIGkick  and Vagabond.  Except with the Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, as this machine is designed exclusively  for embossing. 

Thinlits

They are the most used dies of the Sizzix line. You find them in a wide range of designs, they are flat, thin, and detailed. 

They are made not only to cut but also to engrave or stamp. 

They can be used on projects with a wide variety of materials such as Cardstock, copy paper, aluminum  foil, EVA foam, adhesive and heat transfer vinyl, felt, thin balsa wood,  vellum, and many more. 

Some designs are created to match embossing folders. This allows you to emboss the paper and then cut the contour. For example, in a tree leaf, first, you give it relief or leaf texture and then you cut it, so it will be more real.

Framelits

These dies share the same characteristics as the Thinlits. They are also widely used, they are made not only for cutting but also for engraving or stamping. 

They usually represent geometric figures such as circles, ovals, triangles, squares, rectangles, stars, flowers, rhombuses, and many more! 

Usually, the same figure in different sizes comes in the same package.

They are used for photo cutting, card making, and even crafts with 3D layers.  They are very precise so they allow a very clean cut. 

Some designs also have matching stamps or embossing folders for embossing and cutting on the same material.

Triplits

These dies are physically the same as the Thinlits. The difference is that they are sets of dies that come together to combine, overlap or stack them generating multiple creative combinations. 

You can use them in card making and in general any project with paper.  They are made not only to cut but also to engrave or stamp cardstock, paper, aluminum foil or vellum.

Mode of Use of Thin Dies

Cut

For this function, you need the two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets), one of the adapters, and the multipurpose platform that comes included with the machine.

For the Sizzix Big Shot Pro  machine, you must use  the Essentials or Solo Platform & Shim which has 3 adapters. The extended adapter or Solo Adapter is required. 

Sometimes these dies have many details, which is why they require up to 3 passes through the machine for an adequate cut. 

Tip: To prevent the design from sticking after being cut and making it difficult to separate it from the die, you can use waxed paper between the die and the material you are going to cut. 

Engrave or stamp

For this function you need: The included platform of the machine and the Stamping and Transfer Set that consists of an impressions pad  and a silicone rubber.

You can do dry engraving to generate relief in the material with the shape of the die or engraving with ink (stamping). In these two cases, you have the option of using the dies to the right (on the side of the blade) and backwards (back or smooth side of the die) for a greater variety of designs. 

Sizzlits

They are details and figures dies. They come as sheets or rulers with one side made of smooth plastic and the other with a velvety foam material. Inside the die is the blade with a predetermined shape.

They are slightly thicker than the other thin die references. 

You find them with individual designs or several designs in the same die-cutting rule. They have decoration motifs, borders, and alphabets.

They only have a die-cut function.

Small, Medium Sizzlits and Decorative Strips are compatible with the Sizzix Sidekick machine. 

Small, Medium, Large Sizzlits and Decorative Strips are compatible with all other Sizzix cutting machines: Bigkick, Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, Vagabond and Big Shot Pro.

How to Use Sizzlits Dies

To cut with these dies, the following are required: The two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets), an adapter, and the multipurpose platform included when purchasing the machine.

Thick Dies (Bigz Type)

Bigz, Bigz L, Bigz XL, Bigz XL 25, Bigz Plus, Bigz Plus Q, Bigz Pro

They are the largest and thickest dies in the Sizzix line. They are presented in the form of boxes or rectangles of different sizes depending on the design. They cut almost anything including cardstock, felt, fabric, foam, magnet, leather, craft aluminum, and many other materials. This makes them useful in multiple projects.

Bigz, Bigz L, Bigz XL and Bigz XL 25″ are compatible with the machines: Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, BIGkick, Vagabond and Big Shot Pro. 

Bigz Plus is compatible with the machines Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus and Big Shot Pro. While Bigz Pro and Bigz Pro 25″ are only compatible with the Big Shot Pro machine.

Originals Small, Originals Medium, Originals Border, and Originals Large

They are physically similar to the Bigz. They have a thicker blade so their cut is more powerful.

They cut cardstock, magnet, Styrofoam, metallic foil, shrink film, and even fabric. They are used to create photo albums, birthday decorations, cards, invitations, t-shirts, hats, textile appliqués and more!

The Small, Medium and Border Originals work on the SophistiCut machine (this machine is one of the oldest in the Sizzix line. It was created for the use of Originals dies, therefore its sale is very limited in the market). 

Small, Medium, Border and Large Originals work on Sizzix cutting machines: Big Shot Original, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, BIGkick, Vagabond and Big Shot Pro. 

How to Use Bigz and Originals Dies

These dies are thick so they do not require the multi-purpose platform or adapters. For its use, only the two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets) are required.

Occasionally it may be necessary to use a Premium Crease Pad instead of one of the cutting pads when using dies that include rules or crease lines.

Movers and Shapers Base, Movers and Shapers L, Movers and Shapers XL and Movers and Shapers Pro

Physically they resemble the Bigz but they are magnetic dies.

They are most used in making ornaments, decorations, and costume jewelry, although their shapes can be adapted to any project.

Base, L and XL sizes are compatible with machines: Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, BIGkick and Vagabond. While the Pro ones are only compatible with the Big Shot Pro machine.

Mode of Use of Movers and Shapers Dies

They can be used with the Movers & Shapers platform  or on any cutting base they fit into. 

Occasionally it may be necessary to use a Premium Crease Pad instead of one of the cutting pads when using dies that include rules or crease lines.

ScoreBoards L, ScoreBoards XL and ScoreBoards Pro

They are physically similar to the Bigz, they are used to make boxes, bags, wallets and more resistant versatile designs.

ScoreBoards L and ScoreBoards XL are compatible with machines: Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, BIGkick  and Vagabond. While Pro ScoreBoards are only compatible with Big Shot Pro Machine.

How to Use ScoreBoards Dies

These dies are thick so they do not require the multi-purpose platform or adapters. For its use, only the two Cutting Pads (methacrylate sheets) are required.

It is recommended to use Cutting Pads with a thickness of 0.04” to 0.05” for best results. Standard Cutting Pads or methacrylate sheets are 0.05″ thick so they are useful with these dies.

Occasionally it may be necessary to use a Premium Crease Pad instead of one of the cutting pads when using dies that include rules or crease lines.

What Types of Embossing Folders Are There and What Are Their Characteristics?

The Embossing Folders, as their name says, are used to generate embossed designs on thin materials such as paper, cardstock, cardboard, aluminum, and leather. This is in order to achieve beautiful projects, with a unique and special touch.

There are different types depending on their size and the depth of relief they can generate.

Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Textured Impressions 3D

They are the most used embossing folders in the Sizzix line. They generate a deeper and more defined embossing than the others.

They are used on materials such as cardstock, paper, aluminum foil, or vellum (thin leather).

Usually, two or more folders come together in the same package but with different designs. They are made of plastic.

They are classified according to their size, the most used of the Sizzix line are:

• A2 Size (4½ x 5¾ x ⅛ in or 11.43 x 14.61 x 0,32 cm)
• A6 Size (4½ x 6½ x ¼ in or 11.43 x 16.51 x 0,64 cm)
• A4 Plus size (8½ x 11 in or 21,59 x 27,94 cm).

This serves as a reference for using a paper size that is compatible with the embossing card. In the market, you can find the bases for the precut cards and they are usually coded with this same denomination.

The smaller or border sizes are used to generate finishes in any creation with paper. 

3D folders generate a deeper embossing. 

Textured Impressions A2

Textured Impressions A6

Texture Fades Embossing Folders

They are embossed folders widely used for their beautiful designs in which ornaments, abstract figures, and wear predominate. They are used to create relief and texture on materials such as cardstock, paper, foil, or vellum (thin leather).

Usually, two or more come together in the same package but with different designs, they are made of plastic.

You can find them in A2 size (4 ½ x 5 ¾ x ⅛ in or 11.43 x 14.61 x 0.32 cm).

How to Use the Textured Impressions and Textured Fades Folders

Slim Folders are compatible with Texture Boutique machines (require a pair of Embossing Pads as an accessory), 3D Folders are not compatible with this machine.

With the Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, Big Shot Pro, BIGkick  and Vagabond  machines, the two Cutting Pads (methacrylate sheets), an adapter depending on the machine are required as an accessory that you are using and the multipurpose platform.

The 3D design only requires a cutting pad and the multi-purpose platform since it is thicker.

The Plus size is compatible with Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus and Big Shot Pro  and requires the included platform of the machine and the two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets) as an accessory.

Advice: It is advisable to hydrate the paper before using it by spraying nebulized water, with a spray bottle, on both sides, in order to give it greater flexibility and prevent it from breaking during embossing. Then you must allow it to dry before applying any type of ink or glue 

DecoEmboss and DecoEtch

They are folders and sheets that are used to give relief or emboss to vintaj metal pieces. These are used to make jewelry, decoration of cards, notebooks, boxes, frames and much more.

You find them with a wide variety of designs, usually, there are several figures or shapes on the same card to have more variety of use.

They are made of metal unlike the other embossing folders that are made of plastic, they measure approximately 2.5 x 2.4 x 0.1 inches.

Advice: To enhance the effect of these folders and embossed sheets, you have Vintaj Metal Relief, this sandpaper helps you to highlight the areas that remain embossed in the metal, after embossing, to generate contrast.

How to Use DecoEmboss and DecoEtch Folders

They are machine compatible Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, Big Shot Pro, BIGkick  and Vagabond, for which the two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets), an adapter according to the machine you are using and the multipurpose platform are required.

2-in-1 Accessories: Die-cutting and Embossing

Die-cutting and embossing at the same time are possible with these magical folders!

There are two types on the market depending on their size and finishes, the Impresslits Embossing Folders and the Embosslits.

Impresslits Embossing Folders

These folders combine die-cutting and embossing in a single step. A part of them is made of engraved plastic that fulfills the function of embossing and inside they contain a die, this allows you to cut designs with an embossed finish around them.

They are used to work with paper, cardstock, vellum (thin leather), and aluminum foil.

You can find them in A2 size (4½ x 5¾ x ⅛ in or 11.4 x 14.6 x 0.3 cm), this serves as a reference for using a paper size that is compatible with the embossing card, since you can find the bases in the market for the pre-cut cards in this size coded with this same denomination.

How to Use Impresslits Embossing Folders

The Impresslits are compatible with the machines Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, Big Shot Pro, BIGkick  and Vagabond, for which the two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets), an adapter according to the machine you are using and the multipurpose platform are required. 

Embosslits, Embosslits XL

These metal folders fulfill the function of die-cutting and embossing.

In one step you can cut a design with an embossed finish inside. 

They work well with cardstock, paper, foil, or vellum (thin leather). They are for making cards, gift bags, journal covers, and anything else you want to create.

They usually come individually, they are made of metal.

The small size measures 2⅜ x 2½ x ⅛ in.

XL size measures 4½ x 5¼ x ⅛ in.

How to Use the Embosslits, Embosslits XL Folders

Small Embosslits Folders are compatible with the Sidekick machine. 

Small Embosslits and XL Embosslits Folders are compatible with the machines Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, Big Shot Pro, BIGkick  and Vagabond, for which the two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets), an adapter depending on the machine you are using and the multipurpose platform are required as an accessory. 

Ink-its Letterpress Plates

These beautiful letterpress plates are used to create engraved ink art prints.

You find them in a variety of ornamental designs to make unique decorations in your creations.

They work on paper, cardstock, chipboard, matte board, leather, vinyl, clay, and other soft and thick materials.

Glossy materials and smooth (non-porous) materials such as plastic are not recommended because the ink will not dry.

They usually come individually, they are made of plastic.

You can find them in Border A7 size (5⅞ ” x 8″ x ⅛ “).

How to Use Ink-its Letterpress Plates

These plates are compatible with the machines Big Shot Original, Big Shot Express, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Switch Plus, Big Shot Pro, BIGkick  and Vagabond, for which the two cutting pads (methacrylate sheets), an adapter according to the machine you are using and the multipurpose platform are required. 

Tip: If you are working with regular cardstock and you are not getting a proper print of the ink on the paper or material, you can try using a thin piece of foam and putting it between the plate and the paper.

These plates can also be applied manually, use the technique with which you feel better!

For cleaning the plates, most of the time, water and a paper towel will suffice, if that doesn’t work you can use a stamp cleaner. 

Well, now you are completely familiar with the Sizzix line, all of its machines, accessories, tools, dies, and embossing folders. 

I invite you to explore this same category, you will find a tutorial on my favorite, the Sizzix Big Shot Plus,  there I will tell you what the essential accessories to maximize the functions of this beautiful machine are… Don’t miss it!

I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did, it took me over 36 hours to make it and I put all my love into it to make sure you understand everything!