Identifying a type of die

[Granny Penny]

1697

This seems to be the best type of dye for cutting material but I am having difficulty identifying it. I thought it was a Sizzix Original but they are not as deep. Can anyone help - it is definitely a Sizzix by the way but I would be interested in other makes that are deep and recessed in the same way.

[kitten_with_claws]

From what I've read, it seems the red ones are Sizzix Originals (large die) & the black ones are Sizzix Bigz, if that helps GP......?

[Granny Penny]

Thanks Kitten - I'm on the case.

[angela]

I have a couple of the bigz and yes they are black, hth

[sam]

Looks like a Bigz to me.

[Granny Penny]

Thank you Angela. I have had a look and they do the lovely large alphabet letters. When I look at the prices though I am back to whether I go down this route or look at a Cricut or similar. I have asked paperclinic if they could show how you would use material in their die cutting machines so I am hoping to see what quality they produce.

[angela]

as far as I know you can cut material in the cricut but I haven't tried it, lady Katkin might be able to advise you, the bigz dies that I have are a christmas stocking, a bauble and summat else, if you want any cutting in calico or felt I can do them for you, I think the best time to buy these is when siizzix have their mega sales that's when I got mine and they were well cheap

[Dips]

Penny, the generic type of die you are looking for is what is called a steel rule die, as opposed to the wafer-thin type of dies such as quickutz, sizzlit, nesties etc.

The link below is interesting as it proposes spraying-on strach/stiffener as opposed to using a fusible backing. In theory, this should allow thin materials to remain thin enough to be cut by wafer-thin dies.

HTH

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6975006_die-cut-fabric.html

[Granny Penny]

Thank you for your kind offer Angela. I know you are supposed to be able to cut material in the Cricut if you stabalise it and I have found it cuts better with the Bigz die if the material is stabalised too. The one I have is the flower one I used for a felt cushion but the flower was felt as well. I have also used a thinner heart shaped die to do a cushion with different coloured hearts on it but it didn't cut as cleanly. More research - but it's an excellent displacement activity!