Scout Approved: Getting Started with Your Spellbinders Scout Machine

What Is Die Cutting — And How to Get Started for Under $100?

If you’ve ever picked up a die and stared at it wondering, “Now what do I do with this?” — you are not alone. Dies are one of the most popular tools in the card making world, and for good reason. Once you understand how they work, they open up a whole new level and world of creativity. The shapes, the details, the satisfying pop of a perfectly cut piece — it’s genuinely addictive.

In this post, we’re breaking it all down: what dies are, how to use them, what supplies you need, and tips to get the best results every time. We’ll also use Spellbinders as our go-to example throughout, since their dies are among the most beginner-friendly and widely used in the card making community — and we’ll introduce you to the most affordable way to get started with die cutting today.

What Is a Die, exactly?

A die is a thin, metal cutting template — usually made of steel — that is pressed through paper or cardstock using a die cutting machine. The result is a perfectly shaped cutout that you can use as a card element, sentiment frame, layered design, or decorative accent.

Dies come in all shapes and sizes: florals, geometric frames, sentiments, borders, butterflies, leaves, holiday motifs — the list is endless. Some dies are sold individually; others come in coordinated sets that work together to create a layered and detailed, finished look.

What Do You Need to Use Dies?

Before you start cutting, make sure you have these essentials:

1. A Die Cutting Machine

Dies require a die cutting machine to work. If you’re just starting out, the Spellbinders Scout Die Cutting Machine is the perfect entry point. At under $80, the Scout significantly lowers the barrier to getting started with die cutting — you don’t have to invest in a larger machine to begin creating beautiful, professional-looking cards. It’s compact, easy to use, lightweight, and a wonderful first machine.

For those ready to expand their crafting, the Spellbinders 6” die cutting machine offers additional versatility for larger dies and projects. We’ll be sharing a quick how-to video for both machines so you can see exactly how each one operates!

2. Scout Approved Dies — Our New Card Kit!

We’re so excited to introduce our brand new Scout Approved Card Kit — a curated card kit where every single die included is compatible with the Spellbinders Scout machine. This means you can purchase the kit and the Scout together and be ready to create right away, with no guesswork about compatibility. It’s the ideal starter bundle for anyone new to die cutting or looking for a confidence-boosting first kit.

Scout Approved = Stress Free Crafting

Our goal with Scout Approved is simple:
Help you start die cutting without confusion, wasted money, or tools that don’t work together.

3. Your Dies

Start with a simple shape — a basic rectangle, circle, or floral frame is a great place to begin. Spellbinders offers a huge range of dies at every price point, and many of their die sets are designed to nest or layer beautifully together.  Each machine also includes an exclusive die set and an embossing folder.

4. Cardstock or Paper

Standard cardstock (80–110 lb) works perfectly for most dies. You can also cut vellum, foam sheets, felt, and even thin metal sheets depending on your machine and die.

5. The Cutting Plates (Sandwich)

This is the part that trips up most beginners! A “sandwich” refers to the layered stack of cutting plates, your die, and your paper that goes through the machine together. Most machines come with the plates you need, but always double-check your machine’s recommended sandwich order — it varies by brand and model.  Download the Scout Plate Cutting Guide here.

How to Use Dies Step by Step

Here’s how to go from die to finished cutout:

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Lay out your die cutting machine, cutting plates, die, and cardstock.

Step 2: Build your sandwich

Layer your cutting plates and paper in the correct order for your machine. A common sandwich looks like this (bottom to top): cutting plate → cardstock → die (cutting side down) → cutting plate. Check your specific machine’s instructions — this is the most common beginner mistake! Download Scout Cutting Plate Sandwich Guide here.

Step 3: Send it through

Run your sandwich through the machine using the handle or crank. Apply even, steady pressure.  Be mindful of fingers and hands.

Step 4: Pop out your shape

Open up your sandwich and gently press the cut piece out of the die. A craft pick can help release stubborn pieces cleanly.

Step 5: Use it on your card!

Now the fun part — layer it, stamp it, ink the edges, add glitter, or use it as a window on your card front. The creative possibilities are wide open.

Visit Spellbinders Compatibility link here.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Use the right cardstock weight. Too thin and your cut may tear; too thick and the die might not cut all the way through. 80–100 lb cardstock is a great sweet spot for most dies.

Check your sandwich. If your die isn’t cutting cleanly, the first thing to try is adjusting your sandwich — add or remove a shim (a thin piece of cardstock/paper shim) to increase the pressure slightly.

Using wax paper. Occasionally people will place a layer of wax paper on top of the paper, and then place the cutting side down on the wax paper.  This can help keep delicate and intricate cuts of paper from sticking inside the die when it is compressed as the sandwich goes through the machine.

Keep your dies clean. Tiny paper scraps can get stuck in the die’s details. A small brush or adhesive lint roller works great for cleanup after each use.

Store dies carefully. Dies can be stored in magnetic sheets, on magnetic boards, or in labeled envelopes. Keeping them organized makes it much easier to find exactly what you need when inspiration strikes!

Why Spellbinders Dies Are a Great Starting Point

If you’re just getting started with die cutting, Spellbinders is one of the most recommended brands for good reason. Their dies are precise, durable, and come in an enormous variety of styles — from classic shapes to intricately detailed floral collections.

What makes them especially beginner-friendly is their nesting die sets — graduated sizes of the same shape that stack and layer together effortlessly. You can create dimensional, professional-looking cards with just one set and a few sheets of cardstock.

Spellbinders dies are also compatible with most major die cutting machines — and every die in our Scout Approved Card Kit is guaranteed to work with the Spellbinders Scout, so you can start creating with total confidence. We carry a curated selection of Spellbinders dies at Crafts on the Move — perfect for putting those new skills to work right away.

Ready to Start Die Cutting?

Now that you know the basics, the best thing you can do is just dive in. And with the Spellbinders Scout machine below $80 and our new Scout Approved Card Kit, there has never been a more accessible — or more fun — time to get started. Pick one simple die, grab some cardstock, and run it through your machine. It might take a try or two to nail your sandwich, but once it clicks, you’ll wonder how you ever made cards without them.

Browse our Scout Approved Card Kit and die cutting supplies to find everything you need to start your first project — all in one place.

If it says Scout Approved, you can confidently use it with your machine.

Have a question about dies or a technique you’d love us to cover? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear from you!

Happy crafting!

Andrea