Sizzix Big Shot Machine Starter Kit
The Sizzix is a cutting and embossing machine described as “The Ultimate Crafters tool!” It cuts paper and fabrics into predefined shapes and also creates embossing effects. It can be used for home decor, scrap-booking, quilting and card making but my main interest is in the fabric cutting capabilities.
Why would you need one?
If you’re anything like me you collect a lot of fabric from
various sources and of various types; like curtains, ties, jumpers, dresses etc. I already have good dressmaking scissors and a rotary cutter but the accuracy I was looking for just wasn’t there when I made this quilt. With a Sizzix Big Shot Starter KitI would have had perfectly sized squares and in a fraction of the time. Sizzix have just announced the debut of an a book specifically for upcycling, great news, more ideas for projects!
As always, before making a purchase, I like to do my research and this is what I found out about the Sizzix and where to buy for the best price.
Features
- Cut fabric shapes accurately – my main reason for wanting one.
- Depending on the thickness, shape and fabric type you can cut several layers at once, this will save lots of time!
- Steel precision dies for years of use and no sharpening needed.
- Maximise fabric by aligning to the blades edge.
- Wide range of different shaped dies available.
- It’s portable so you can take it along to friends or groups.
- This special offer from Amazon
- die-cutting starter kit.
- includes 4 different die types
- 6 x 6 Craft Aslyum paper included
- pair of Standard Cutting Pads and an Extended Multipurpose Platform included
- Cuts designs up to 15.2cm wide and 33cm long.
How does it work?
The Sizzixis a hand operated roller machine which takes your fabric/paper/card through the machine cutting whatever shape you’ve chosen.
This is an excellent video from Amanda Evans, from opening the box to cutting shapes with paper and felt she takes you through all the steps. The second video is taken from the Sizzix official website and shows what the Sizzix can do.
The only negative comment I found was this one and I had to really search hard to find it!
“The dies come fixed to the packaging with sticky tape which, unfortunately, does not peel off cleanly. So all the dies that came with this pack (and others I have bought separately) have a sticky residue which is very difficult to clean off, especially if the dies are detailed.”
Other Information
Will I buy it?
In a word, yes! With the solid construction and the versatility, this machine will be perfect for getting accurately cut fabric pieces. I can see all kinds of ways I can use it from a small piece of applique on a bib to a complex quilt block.
Buy the Sizzix Big Shot Machine Starter Kit here
Share your Sizzix stories with me in the comment box below, I’d love to hear them!
This is very interesting product. Should have one at home, thanks for sharing.
The Sizzix is great for all sorts of things. If you have young children you can cut shapes, a bit of glue and they can make their own pictures. 🙂
Kathy,
That’s one great product! You just gave me an idea for a gift!
Thank you
Marko
Thanks Marko, the Sizzix will make a great gift I just wish someone would buy it for me, I’m having to buy my own!
Hey great review , this is something my wife would love. You mentioned the sticky residue on the cutters, does that come off with something like rubbing alcohol or would the alcohol damage the cutter?
Thanks for the positive comment Dan. My Sizzix hasn’t arrived yet, that comment was from an Amazon review. I’d be inclined to use alcohol but will check instructions first. 🙂
I have been thinking about quilting for a long time but have never done it. I have a sewing machine picked out that I want but didn’t know you could get a tool like that! This would make my entrance into quilting a lot easier and more fun 🙂
Thanks for the comment Nichole. 🙂 Lots of quilters use the Sizzix and it def makes the job easier. I have another website with info and reviews just for quilters if you want to take a look. http://toolsforquilting.com