sizzix die cutter problem

[mimififi]

Hi there,

I recently posted a question about my newly acquired die cutter, but I accidentally posted it in the wrong section and thus "there are no answers at present." I posted a while ago too enquiring as to which cutter to purchase and a very kind lady (jules) answered my post most knowledgebly and I thought you might be able to help me againl

The problem, I have since bought a sizzix machine, converter kit and a selection of sizzlets. I wanted to cut some fabrics out using the thing and so firstly ironed the very flimsy fabrics onto some very lightweight interfacing to stabilise it and also to prevent it fraying when cut. I wanted to use the shapes as embellishments and appliques.

However, I just can't get the thing to cut it. It leaves an impression, but just doesn't go through it at all. Im really upset as sizzix advertises it as being able to cut all sorts of mediums inc fabric, but I just can't get it to work. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong? I've used it successfully with paper, and have even tried adding a shim.

help needed as im feeling incompetent, dejected and also broke.

love mimififi

[Jules001]

I'm off to get my sizzix out and find some material and have a play, I have never tried cutting out material on it before so will let you know, watch this space.......

[Jules001]

Hi there, I'm sorry not to have better news to tell you, but I tried cutting some thin cotton material with the sizzlits and like you found, it left an impression but didn't cut through. I tried sandwiching the material between some paper to see if that helped, but again it didn't cut. I then tried the same material with an original die (green one) and it cut through the material with no problems. So I think the sizzlits are not designed to cut through material and if you look at the Sizzix website http://www.sizzix.com it doesn't actually mention fabric use with the sizzlits whereas it does with the original dies. I did however successfully cut some funky foam with the sizzlits which I didn't know was possible so I have learnt something new today :) sorry I know that doesn't help you.

[jas1002]

the sizzlits are only for cutting thin card. You need the green red and yellow steel rule dies and the you need paper between the cutting board and material. I've done this lots of time and never had a problem. My daughter has a fab P.E. bag with a lady, cat, frog and flowers also her name all cut in felt.

[mimififi]

Ahhhh, now that explains lots. I have only just started my collection and so only have a few sizzlets (fruit smoothie alphabet, window and frame set and the love set #2) so I won't freak out just yet. I didn't realise there was so much cutting difference between the two cutters. I too have cut funky foam, and so was surprised that it didn't cut fabric. However, I was also noticing that with my sizzlits they were a bit hit and miss with some of the letters, more intricate ones, so maybe I'm using too thick a card too. I shall look on ebay and get some of the original dies and try that.

Thank's ever so much for getting back to me. I adore my sizzix and have a huge list of projects to do with it so I can't wait. I just need more dies.....hehehehehe

that does make perfect sense.

[Jules001]

you're welcome, now you've found how addictive it is, you will soon be wanting loads more craft stuff, Mr Jules can testify to that! you're very lucky to have that many sizzlits, I've only got the tag and the button sets, but I do have quite a few of the original dies but always on the lookout for more so might end up bidding against you on ebay