All articles

Product FAQs

Can I buy a discontinued die set?

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to close our custom die programme, meaning we will no longer be able to accept requests for this service. We have a vast range of dies available via our website which we’re sure you’ll love....

Can I use crease rule dies, such as ScoreBoards and Bigz Dies with my Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Die Cutting Machine?

Sizzix are launching a Premium Crease Pad specifically designed to work with this machine! This Premium Crease Pad is designed to replace one cutting pad when die cutting Sizzix Steel Rule Dies that contain crease rule (including Sizzix Bigz L...

Can I use my Sizzix dies in a non-Sizzix machine, or vice versa?

We would always recommend getting in contact with the manufacturer of the machine or the dies you are using, if they are not Sizzix, to clarify whether they can be used alongside our machines and dies.

How do I access inspiration for the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Machine?

Your Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Machine comes with an instruction booklet, however by scanning the QR code on your platform you can access even more how to videos, instant instructions and information. We hope you enjoy using your new machine!

How do the Sizzix bundles work?

Simply choose the bundle you love at click 'add to cart'. Then when you view your basket you will see the products have been discounted to the bundle price ready for you to purchase. Please note: The discount is applied to the whole bundle, if you...

How should I store the Effectz range?

Some of the Sizzix range at needs to be sorted between 41 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (5 and 25 degrees Celsius) in a cool and dry place. This includes the 3-D Adhesive, Gesso Primer and Express Glue. The Luster Wax's in the range must not be stored...

How should the Sizzix Effectz products be stored?

Some of the Sizzix range at needs to be sorted between 41 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (5 and 25 degrees Celsius) in a cool and dry place. This includes the 3-D Adhesive, Gesso Primer and Express Glue. The Luster Wax's in the range must not be stored...

Is my Big Shot Switch Plus Die Cutting Machine covered by any warranty?

Yes, the Big Shot Switch Plus Electric Die Cutting Machine comes with two year’s warranty. Should you need to make a claim please contact our Customer Service Team via our contact form with a copy of your proof of purchase.

My machine has stopped working but is covered under warranty what do I do?

Please contact our Customer Service team via our contact form. Please share details of the problems your are experiencing, including videos or images along with a copy of your proof of purchase.

What are the different Sizzix Surfacez?

Sizzix Surfacez are our range of base layers, so that’s your cardstocks, felt, foam, texture roll, all the materials which you ink, cut, distress, sculpt and embellish. Available if a range of colors and textures theres something for all makers....

What Cutting Pads are compatible with the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus?

As well as the Standard Cutting Pads that come as part of this machine’s standard kit, the Sizzix Big Shot Plus Cutting Pads are also compatible with this machine. These are available through the Sizzix Website and our retailers.

What does the Sizzix Big Shot machine do?

The Big Shot Machine works with the dies. When rolling the dies through the it would apply pressure to the die which would in turn cut a shape out of your chosen material. A die-cutting machine will allow you to cut out the shape you want multiple...

What is a Sizzix cutting machine?

The Sizzix Cutting Machine applies pressure to the die which cuts a shape in your chosen material. Think of it this way: if you are making biscuits and you want them to be heart shaped. Instead of shaping them by hand, you would buy a heart shaped...

What is the difference between Cricut and Sizzix?

Sizzix and Cricut are two different manufacturers of cutting machines. The majority of Sizzix machines are manually operated by turning a crank handle, using dies, without needing electricity. The Cricut machines are electrically powered and use...

What materials can I use with my Sizzix dies?

We have a easy to use material compatibility table.Find the material compatibility table here.

What technology is compatible with my machine?

We have an easy to use table of our technology compatibility.Find the material compatibility table here.

Which machine will cut which materials?

Please click to view our machine compatibility table and our material compatibility table below to find out which product work well together.Find the material compatibility table here.

Are any products made with common allergens like latex?

No, none of our products are made with these materials.

Are any Sizzix products recyclable?

Here at Sizzix we are working hard to ensure our products and packaging are more eco-friendly, recyclable, and sustainable in the future.

Can I use my machine to decorate food? I have been told you can cut very thin icing with Bigz dies.

Sizzix products are not designed for use with food of any kind.

How do I know what size a die-cut shape will be?

The dimensions for die-cut shapes are listed on the product packaging and on the website product listing under 'Design Dimensions.'

I use all my Big Shot Machine accessories in my Big Shot Plus Machine. Will this affect the rollers/pressure of the machine?

With the exception of the Precision Base Plate, all the accessories for the Big Shot Machine work in the Big Shot Plus Machine.

Is a cracking sound normal when I die-cut?

If you are new to die-cutting and are worried you may have broken your machine because it is making cracking noises, this is completely normal so don't worry. It is just the sound of your machine applying pressure to the Cutting Pads and die to...

Is there a maximum paper weight (GSM) for cutting with wafer-thin Thinlits or Framelits dies?

Approximately 66lb cardstock (300GSM) is the maximum recommended paper weight for wafer-thin dies depending on design and intricacy of the die. Thicker cardstock could result in damage to the die or the machine due to pressure.

My card/paper sticks in the die. What should I do?

Make sure to periodically clean Bigz or Originals dies with the Die Pick. Thinlits and Framelits can be cleaned with the Die Brush. You can also use our Release Sheets to get an even and more effective when it comes to removing die-cutting shapes.

My Cutting Pads are marked and are now marking my design. What can I do?

Extensive wear and tear can render Cutting Pads unusable. You can purchase replacement Cutting Pads from the Sizzix website.

My Cutting Pads keep bending. Is there a way to flatten my Cutting Pads if they warp?

To extend the life of your Cutting Pads, make sure you flip the pads with each use to ensure even wear and tear. Also, be sure to use the entire surface of the pad instead of placing your dies in the same spot with each use.

My cutting plates are marking and bending when I use them, is this normal?

Cutting plates are consumable items which means eventually they will need replacing. It’s completely normal for your cutting pads to become marked. Check out these videos to help you care for your cutting plates and expand their lifespan! 3 Tips...

My die is cutting where it should be folding/creasing. What can I do?

When using dies with a crease rule, replace one of the Cutting Pads with a Premium Crease Pad. Crease Pads are compatible with Bigz, Movers & Shapers, Originals and ScoreBoards dies.

My Thinlits/Framelits/chemically etched die is curved and is not cutting properly. What can I do?

This may be the result of an overused die/general wear and tear or using an incorrect sandwich option applying too much pressure causing the warping. We recommend watching our how to use die videos for complete guide on how to use our dies.

What are the differences between die-cutting machines?

To learn more about Sizzix die cutting machines and how to use them visit our machine pages. Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Sizzix Big Shot Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway Find more information on our product compatibility page...

What is a die-cutting sandwich?

In terms of die-cutting, a sandwich is a combination of platforms that are assembled to enable the die to cut through the material. The sandwich type used is dependent on the type of die being used and the material.

What is a shim?

A shim is another term for what is usually an additional sheet of cardstock. With varying die complexities shims can add extra pressure or act as a wedge to enable a cleaner die-cut through your materials.

What is the difference between cutting pads and plates?

Simple, there is no difference! Cutting pads and cutting plates are the same product.

What is the thickest material you can cut with Bigz and Originals dies?

As a rule, anything that can be cut with a pair of scissors can be cut by Sizzix Bigz and Originals dies. You can find the exact materials using our product compatibility tables.

What is the thickest metal that can be embossed?

The following gauges work best with our DecoEmboss dies: Copper and brass: 28G Alkemè and aluminum: 25G Nickel: 30G Alloy: It depends on what it is in the alloy. For example, if the alloy has a high percentage of nickel, then approximately 30G...

What materials can I cut with my die?

This all depends on the type of die you are using. Sizzix Thinlits and Sizzix Bigz metal craft dies can cut different materials. To see which dies you can cut with each material visit the product compatibility page.

Why can't the Precision Base Plate be used with the Big Shot Foldaway or Sizzix Plus Machine?

As we develop new machines we look to enhance the pressure to accommodate the performance required for more intricate designs. As a result, the Big Shot Foldaway has adequate pressure without the need for the Precision Base Plate, so we don't...

Will other brand products work in the Big Shot?

Sizzix can't advise on competitor products, instead please contact the manufacturer of the product (die/ accessory, etc) for further feedback.

Which platforms / cutting pads are compatible with my machine?

Our machines are designed to be compatible with a range of different platforms and cutting pads. If you would like some more information about which accessories are compatible with your machine, please follow this link : Machine Accessory Compatabili

Can you create custom dies / embossing folders?

Unfortunately we do not produce custom accessories at this time.

I have misplaced my machine's manual. Where can I find it?

For all of our current machine models, you will be able to find the manual and warranty information Here. If you require a manual for an older machine, please get in touch with Customer Support and we will be happy to help.