How to Use Sizzix Dies With a Cuttlebug

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Things You'll Need

  • Flat, smooth work surface

  • Cutting materials

The Cuttlebug Die Cutter can press cut pieces of foam for use in numerous craft projects.
Image Credit: Prill Mediendesign & Fotografie/iStock/Getty Images

The Provo Craft & Novelty Cuttlebug Die Cutter and Embosser from Cricut is a manual die cut machine that allows users to press cut shapes from a wide variety of cutting materials, including not only paper, but also thin foam, fabric, cork, metal, foil and even wood. No matter your project, Cuttlebug easily works with thick and thin dies up to six inches in width, whether produced by Provo Craft & Novelty or other manufacturers such as Sizzix.

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Thick Dies

Step 1

Prepare your Cuttlebug machine. Place your machine on a flat, smooth work surface with at least 15 inches of open space on both sides of the machine. Lower the machine platforms into a horizontal position.

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Step 2

Layer your cutting surfaces. Lay a "B" cutting pad on your work surface and then place a thick die -- foam side facing up -- on top of the cutting pad. Align your paper or other cutting material on top of the foam and then follow with another "B" cutting pad.

Step 3

Position the materials on your Cuttlebug. Pick up the layered materials carefully from your work surface and then slide the materials into place on a horizontal platform.

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Step 4

Press the layers. Place one hand behind the layered materials and then crank the Cuttlebug's handle to push the materials through the machine.

Step 5

Pull the layers apart to reveal your cut paper or other cutting material. Pop your Sizzix design cutouts from the cutting material to use in your projects.

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Thin Dies

Step 1

Prepare your Cuttlebug machine for use.

Step 2

Assemble your cutting surfaces. Stack a "B" cutting pad on top of the "A" spacer and then place the stack on your work surface. Place a thin die -- foam side facing up -- on the "B" cutting pad. Align your paper or other material on top of the cutting die foam surface. Complete the stack with the "C" thin die adaptor.

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Step 3

Push the layered materials through the Cuttlebug. Position the stack on a horizontal platform and crank the Cuttlebug handle to move the stack through the machine.

Step 4

Disassemble the layers of your stack to access your die cut material.

Tip

If you're using thin dies and the "C" thin die adaptor is too thick for use with your paper or other material, switch the adaptor with a "B" cutting pad and try again.

Warning

Never use cutting materials thicker than 1/8-inch. The Cuttlebug cannot complete cuts on thicker materials. In addition, attempts to cut materials too thick for your machine can damage it and potentially void any manufacturer warranties.

Always practice with scrap paper before using your machine and Sizzix dies to determine the cutting material alignment that best works with the die and material that you want to use.

Always cut out your materials with the die's foam side facing up as using a die foam side face down can cause the die to curl and potentially bend.

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