Everything you need to know about Sizzix die cutting machines - from the classic Big Shot to the electric Switch Plus. Which one fits your craft style?
By Steph Osborn·Updated March 19, 2026
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Sizzix is a very popular brand in the craft world. While Cricut and Silhouette dominate the electronic cutter conversation, Sizzix has been making manual die cutters since 2001… and they've built a devoted following among card makers, scrapbookers, quilters, and mixed-media artists, and basically anybody who wants perfectly precise cuts without touching a computer.
If you've never used a die cutter, the concept is beautifully simple…
You buy a steel-rule die in the shape you want, sandwich it with your material between cutting pads, and crank it through the machine. Out comes a perfectly cut shape, every single time, with zero setup and zero software. It's super addictive - five of the most satisfying seconds in crafting!
Top Pick
#1 — Top Pick
Sizzix Big Shot
The Big Shot is the best-selling manual die cutter in crafting history, and for good reason. It's simple, reliable, and works with the widest range of Sizzix dies including Thinlits, Framelits, Bigz, and all standard embossing folders. No software, no electricity, no learning curve — just a hand crank and perfectly clean cuts every time. If you're getting into die cutting for the first time, this is where most crafters start.
✓Works with the full range of Sizzix dies and embossing folders
✓6-inch opening handles most standard craft sizes
✓No electricity, software, or computer required
✓Built like a tank — these machines last for years
Watch Out For
✗Manual cranking can tire your hand during long sessions
✗6-inch opening limits you to smaller materials (no letter-size sheets)
What Is a Die Cutter (And Why Would You Want One)?
A die cutter is completely different from an electronic cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette, as well as most of the machines we feature here on VCM.
Electronic cutters use a blade controlled by software to cut any custom design you create or upload. Die cutters use pre-made steel-rule dies - rigid metal shapes - pressed through material with physical pressure.
Obviously, this means you're limited to the shapes you own dies for, but the trade-off is wonderful simplicity: no software, no design files, no Bluetooth pairing, no firmware updates, no subscriptions.
You just buy a die, crank the handle like your life depends on it… and that’s job done.
Die cutters are really good at jobs requiring repetitive precision.
If you make greeting cards and you need 200 identical scalloped circles, a die cutter produces them faster and more consistently than any electronic machine.
If you're a quilter cutting the same hexagon from 15 different fabrics, a die cutter does it in seconds per piece. The shapes are always identical because the die itself is the template.
The limitation is that you can only cut shapes you own dies for. So you can’t really use the machine for custom designs, there’s no uploaded SVGs, and definitely no intricate one-off artwork. That's what electronic cutters are for.
Many crafters own both - a Cricut or Silhouette for custom work, and a Sizzix for the repetitive shapes they use constantly.
The Full Sizzix Machine Lineup
Sizzix makes six machines across three categories: manual, electric, and “compact”.
Here's how they stack up and who each one is for.
Sizzix Big Shot (Manual, 6-inch opening)
The Big Shot is the most famous of the bunch, and one of the most iconic craft tools in the world!
It's been the best-selling manual die cutter for over a decade, and it hasn't changed much at all. Why? because it doesn't need to. The 6-inch opening handles all standard Sizzix dies - Thinlits, Framelits, Bigz, and embossing folders. It cuts paper, cardstock, fabric, felt, leather, cork, foam, and more depending on the die.
The hand crank is smooth and satisfying, and the machine itself is built to last.
Best for: Card makers, scrapbookers, and general crafters who want a reliable, affordable die cutter for everyday use. And kids!
Sizzix Big Shot Plus (Manual, 9-inch opening)
The Big Shot Plus is the Big Shot's bigger sibling, for slightly bigger crafts.
The 9-inch opening accepts 8.5 x 11 inch materials (so letter-size paper and cardstock), which opens up larger projects that the standard Big Shot can't quite handle.
It's compatible with the full Sizzix die range except Bigz Pro dies, and we find that it's particularly good with the larger Bigz die collection.
Best for: Crafters who regularly work with letter-size materials, want larger die-cut shapes, or find the Big Shot's 6-inch limit too restrictive. Also popular with quilters cutting larger fabric pieces.
Sizzix Big Shot Express (Electric, 6-inch opening)
Sick of doing all the work with your hands?
The Express is the motorised version of the Big Shot.
It has the same 6-inch opening, and the same die compatibility too, but with an electric motor that does the cranking for you. You feed the die sandwich in, press the button, and the machine pulls it through automatically. It's what we might call a “comfort upgrade” for crafters who use their die cutter heavily - especially those with arthritis, repetitive strain issues, or anyone who simply finds cranking tiring during long sessions.
Best for: High-volume die cutters, crafters with hand or wrist fatigue, and anyone who wants the Big Shot experience without the manual effort.
Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus (Electric, 9-inch opening)
The Switch Plus combines the Big Shot Plus's 9-inch opening with electric operation. It's Sizzix's most capable machine for basic crafting: letter-size materials, automatic feeding via a full-width sensor, integrated handles for portability, and a hidden tool compartment.
It works with Thinlits, Bigz dies, and embossing folders.
If you want the biggest, most automated Sizzix experience, this is it.
Best for: Serious crafters and small businesses who want electric convenience with the larger 9-inch format. The premium option in the Sizzix lineup.
Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway (Manual, 6-inch opening)
As if it wasn’t small enough!
The Foldaway is a Big Shot that collapses for storage. Designed in collaboration with Tim Holtz, it has fold-up sides with built-in storage compartments for dies, tools, and accessories.
When you're done crafting, it folds flat and tucks away neatly. Same die compatibility as the standard Big Shot, same 6-inch opening, just in an even more storage-friendly package.
Best for: Crafters with super limited workspace
Sizzix Sidekick (Manual, 2.5-inch opening)
Now we’re entering fairyland…
The Sidekick is Sizzix's ultra-compact option, and we do mean compact! It’s small enough to fit in a tote bag with space to spare.
The 2.5-inch opening limits you to only the smallest dies, but for sentiment stamps, small embellishments, tags, and mini shapes… it's perfect. Another Tim Holtz collaboration, it's designed for crafters who want die cutting on the go: retreats, classes, crop nights, or simply working at the kitchen table without dragging out a full-size machine.
Best for: Portable crafting, small embellishment work, and crafters who want a travel-friendly die cutter.
Which Size?
If you're unsure which size to start with, the standard Big Shot covers about 90% of what most card makers and scrapbookers need. The 6-inch opening handles all the popular die sizes. Only step up to the Plus/Switch Plus if you know you'll regularly use letter-size materials.
Understanding Sizzix Dies
Sizzix makes several die families, so you should probably get familiar with these before you invest in one of their machines.
What are the different types?
Thinlits Dies
Thin, detailed, wafer-style dies for intricate designs - flowers, borders, sentiments, detailed shapes. These are probably still the most popular dies for card making. They cut paper and thin cardstock cleanly but aren't designed for thick materials.
Most card makers build their collection primarily around Thinlits.
Framelits Dies
Similar to Thinlits but designed to work with clear stamps - they cut shapes that perfectly frame a stamped image. Basically essential for stamp-and-die combos. If you use clear stamps… Framelits are your best friend.
Bigz Dies
Thicker, sturdier dies for cutting heavier materials: fabric, felt, chipboard, leather, craft foam. The shapes are much simpler (less intricate than Thinlits) but the cutting power is greater.
We know that quilters and fabric crafters rely heavily on Bigz dies for cutting precise fabric shapes.
Embossing Folders
Not dies at all - these create raised texture patterns on paper and cardstock by pressing material between textured plates.
Woodgrain, polka dots, florals, geometric patterns, brick walls… the folder presses the texture into your cardstock, adding a 3D effect to cards, scrapbook pages, and various paper crafts.
Keep in mind, Sizzix dies aren't interchangeable with Cricut or Silhouette blades. They're a completely different system: physical steel-rule dies that press through material mechanically, not digital designs cut by a software-controlled blade. If you already own a Cricut or Silhouette, a Sizzix die cutter is a complement to your setup - not a replacement!
Sizzix vs Cricut vs Silhouette: Where Die Cutting Fits
This is the question we hear most: "Do I need a Sizzix if I already have a Cricut?"
It depends on how you craft… but most of the time, you’ll know when you need the added versatility of an electronic cutter.
For a start, your sore hands will tell you!
Choose Sizzix If...
You make LOTs of cards, scrapbook pages, or paper crafts using the same shapes repeatedly
You want zero technology - just a hands-on crafting process
You love embossing and want textured effects on your cards and paper
You're a quilter who needs to cut identical fabric shapes quickly and precisely
You value tactile simplicity… the satisfying crank-and-cut, the sweet satisfaction of doing it all yourself.
Choose an Electronic Cutter (Cricut/Silhouette) If...
You want to cut custom designs - your own SVGs, text, and original artwork
You need Print Then Cut for full-colour stickers and labels
You work with vinyl, HTV, and iron-on materials
You want access to thousands of designs through software libraries
You need one-off designs rather than repeatable shapes
Why Choose? Many Crafters Own Both
Here's a scenario that plays out in thousands of craft rooms: a Cricut Explore for custom vinyl decals, personalised T-shirts, and one-off sticker designs… and a Sizzix Big Shot for card-making embossing, quick scalloped circles, and batch-cutting quilt squares.
The two machines complement each other perfectly because they do fundamentally different things.
If you can budget for both, that’s the perfect setup.
Tips for Getting Started with Sizzix
Start with a starter kit rather than the machine alone - kits include a selection of dies, embossing folders, and cutting pads so you can make projects immediately
Buy dies based on what you actually make - it's oh so tempting to collect every beautiful die you see, but unused dies just take up drawer space. Start with 5-6 dies for projects you'll genuinely use
Replace your cutting pads regularly - inevitably, they wear out and develop grooves over time, which affects cut quality. When cuts start looking inconsistent, new pads are usually the answer
Use the right pad sandwich — Sizzix provides instructions for the correct layering order (platform, cutting pad, die, material, cutting pad). Getting the sandwich wrong is the #1 cause of poor cut (trust us, we know!)
Try the wax paper trick - run a sheet of wax paper through your machine occasionally to clean the cutting pads. It keeps them performing well
Store dies flat in magnetic sheets - this keeps them organised, visible, and prevents the delicate cutting edges from getting damaged or worn
Manual vs Electric
If you're torn between the Big Shot and the Big Shot Express, ask yourself how often you'll use it. Once or twice a week? The manual Big Shot is perfectly fine - most crafters enjoy the hand crank. Daily or in longer sessions? The Express earns its premium quickly by saving your hands!
Frequently Asked Questions
Not really — they do different things. Sizzix cuts pre-made shapes using physical dies. Cricut and Silhouette cut custom digital designs using software-controlled blades. Sizzix can't cut custom shapes, vinyl, or HTV. Electronic cutters can't emboss or use steel-rule dies. Many crafters own both because they complement each other perfectly.
The standard Big Shot is the best starting point for most crafters. It's the most affordable full-size option, works with the widest range of dies, and the manual operation means there's genuinely nothing to set up or configure. Grab a starter kit that includes a few dies and an embossing folder and you'll be making projects within minutes of opening the box.
Sizzix Thinlits and Framelits dies work in most wafer-thin compatible die cutters, including some other brands. Bigz dies are Sizzix-specific due to their thickness and design. The safest approach is to use Sizzix dies with Sizzix machines — that's what they're designed and tested for.
Yes — with the right dies. Bigz dies are specifically designed to cut thicker materials including fabric, felt, and leather. Thinlits and Framelits are too thin for most fabric. For quilting and fabric crafts, look for dies in the Bigz family. The Big Shot handles multiple layers of cotton fabric in a single pass, which makes batch cutting for quilts incredibly fast.
A well-maintained Sizzix die lasts for thousands of cuts — often the lifetime of your crafting hobby. Steel-rule dies don't dull the way blades do. The cutting pads wear out long before the dies do. Keep your dies clean, store them flat, and replace your cutting pads when they develop grooves, and your dies will outlast the machine itself.
The cutting platform is identical — same 6-inch opening, same die compatibility, same cut quality. The only difference is that the Express has an electric motor instead of a hand crank. You feed the die sandwich in, press the button, and the machine does the work automatically. It's a comfort and convenience upgrade, not a capability upgrade.
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