Sizzix

Sizzix Big Shot Machine Starter Kit

 

The Sizzix is a cutting and embossing machine described as “The Ultimate Crafters tool!” It cuts paper and fabrics into predefined shapes and also creates embossing effects. It can be used for home decor, scrap-booking, quilting and card making but my main interest is in the fabric cutting capabilities.

Why would you need one? 

 

If you’re anything like me you collect a lot of fabric from
various sources and of various types; like curtains, ties, jumpers, dresses etc. I already have good dressmaking scissors and a rotary cutter but the accuracy I was looking for just wasn’t there when I made this quilt. With a Sizzix Big Shot Starter KitI would have had perfectly sized squares and in a fraction of the time. Sizzix have just announced the debut of an a book specifically for upcycling, great news, more ideas for projects! 

Upcycle with Sizzix: Techniques and Ideas for using Sizzix Die-Cutting and Embossing Machines – Creative Ways to Repurpose and Reuse Just about Anything (Cut It Up)

 

As always, before making a purchase, I like to do my research and this is what I found out about the Sizzix and where to buy for the best price.

Features

 

• Cut fabric shapes accurately – my main reason for wanting one.
• Depending on the thickness, shape and fabric type you can cut several layers at once, this will save lots of time!
• Steel precision dies for years of use and no sharpening needed.
• Maximise fabric by aligning to the blades edge.
• Wide range of different shaped dies available.
• It’s portable so you can take it along to friends or groups.
• This special offer from Amazon
  • die-cutting starter kit.
  • includes 4 different die types
  •  6 x 6 Craft Aslyum paper included
  • pair of Standard Cutting Pads and an Extended Multipurpose Platform included
  • Cuts designs up to 15.2cm wide and 33cm long.

 

How does it work?

The Sizzixis a hand operated roller machine which takes your fabric/paper/card through the machine cutting whatever shape you’ve chosen.

This is an excellent video from Amanda Evans, from opening the box to cutting shapes with paper and felt she takes you through all the steps. The second video is taken from the Sizzix official website and shows what the Sizzix can do.

 

The only negative comment I found was this one and I had to really search hard to find it!

“The dies come fixed to the packaging with sticky tape which, unfortunately, does not peel off cleanly. So all the dies that came with this pack (and others I have bought separately) have a sticky residue which is very difficult to clean off, especially if the dies are detailed.”

Other Information

 

 

Will I buy it?

In a word, yes!  With the solid construction and the versatility, this machine will be perfect for getting accurately cut fabric pieces. I can see all kinds of ways I can use it from a small piece of applique on a bib to a complex quilt block. 

Buy the  Sizzix Big Shot Machine Starter Kit  here

Share your Sizzix stories with me in the comment box below, I’d love to hear them!