Cutting Fabric with the Big Kick by Sizzix

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Reported by Donna Lannerd

Okay, I finally broke down and purchased a die-cut gadget. I swore this would never happen (but I swore that about paper-crafting as well). I mean it would just give me more excuses to buy more paper. Then I read on the Ellison company's website that their die-cutters including Sizzix cut fabric. "Wow", I thought. I could really use one that does that, really, I could. So for several months I sat on this idea and contemplated whether or not to purchase one and then I got one of those retailer's 50% off coupons, so I finally took the plunge.

What I found is that it does work for fabric for the regular Sizzix dies but not the thinner dies such as the Sizzlets. For me I found that felt cuts really well. I actually was able to cut 2 layers of acrylic felt although when the felt was a little thicker it was more comfortable to cut just one layer. I was just a little scared as the tension became harder rolling the die through the machine with the 2 layers of thicker felt.

I also tried cutting cotton fabric applied to paper-backed fusible web, fleece and denim which are shown in the photo below. These all cut just fine. I was a little concerned with the fusible web but the Heat and Bond Lite cut just fine and didn't seem to leave any residue on the die which was my biggest fear. Some fusible webs may leave a residue but if you completely cool it this should reduce the risk. I've never had it stick to scissors unless the web was still warm. Fleece cut more smoothly than the felt did. Denim also easily cut very smoothly. If you have a thin fabric you can iron on freezer paper to one side of the fabric to make it more stable. Freezer paper simply peels off when you are ready to use your shape.


Overall, I was very satisfied with the results. I am disappointed that I couldn't use the thinner dies even for the thinnest cotton. As you can see below I was able to complete a small penny rug using my circle die. It was great to have all the same size circles that I didn't have to cut out each one by hand and hope they were all the same. It was definitely speedier and now I have an excuse to not only have fabric embellishments quicker but I can buy more of that paper!