Sizzix Big Shot Reviews

The Sizzix Big Shot represents a die-cutting and embossing unit. It’s the perfect tool for a broad range of projects. It’s suitable for both beginners and experts.

Thanks to the 6-inch broad opening, the unit cuts forms and intricate designs in seconds. And thanks to the many patterns in the library to pick from, you can complete different projects.

The device and its accompanying folder or die are created for use with the Sizzix product library such as Bigz, Textured Impressions, Framelits, Thinlits, and Impresslits embossing folders.

It’s not compatible with the embossing folders and dies bigger than 6 inches. If you’re looking for a way to boost your creativity, look no further than this die-cutting machine.

Big Shot can die-cut and emboss different materials including vellum, cardstock, mat board, and leather among many other materials. It’s efficient and super-versatile.

Today, I will discuss the Sizzix Big Shot in detail and help you determine if it’s worth your time. Without further ado, let’s dive into my Sizzix Big Shot review.

What is a Sizzix Big Shot?

Sizzix Big Shot is produced by Ellison that’s renowned for manufacturing top-notch die-cutting machines. It’s a California-based company that makes different products.

They make unrivalled automatic and manual die-cutting machines, steel-rule die, embossing folders, etc. Many cardmakers, scrapbookers, and quilters use their products.

They’re commonly used by hobbyists as well due to smooth functioning and durability. This machine has a big surface space to lay down the dies and folders with great ease.

The durability and stable platform make it unparalleled. The producer delivers a three-year warranty for this die-cutting machine. It supports the broad and big dies.

Sizzix Big Shot Review

The Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting and embossing machine includes a 6-inch wide opening. Therefore, it’s an ideal tool for a lot of creative projects.

It’s suitable for both experts and newbies. Let’s take a close look at the main features that make this unit special. And decide if it’s worth it.

Solid Core

This cutter’s core is created of steel rollers. And steel is one of the strongest metals.

Therefore, the Big Shot is a workhorse with a solid core. It also has solid steel gears which do a great job slicing through tough and stubborn materials.

Extended Multipurpose Base

The Sizzix Big Shot has a super solid base which features hinged tabs. The base was specifically made for Sizzix machines. It’s made out of a mix of POM plastic, steel, mylar, and PP plastic.

You can use this base with wafer-thin dies and all of the pads together. It also features helpful diagrams that show users which page and type of embossing folders or dies to utilize.

A Wide Range of Colours

This user-friendly unit is available in various colours including white, grey, teal, and blue to complement people’s appliances and decor.

The ABS plastic exterior appears durable and classy. The design of this die-cutter makes it stand out as a versatile yet stylish kit that you can utilize for projects like:

• Fashion
• Altered art
• Scrapbooking
• Making home decor
• Making cards
• Quilting

Compact Design

The unit itself is quite sturdy and compact. However, its sides don’t fold up. Therefore, this makes it less appealing to users searching for a portable cutter.

However, the larger sides of the unit are advantages as they provide users with additional space to work on. This machine weighs approximately 7.5 pounds.

It’s not a heavy unit. Therefore, it’s kind of portable and allows crafters to utilize it from different places. It’s compact, super-versatile, stylish, and affordable.

Warranty and Maintenance

The unit requires basic assembly. You will need to put its handle with a hex wrench and screw (included) and voila. Also, the unit doesn’t require much maintenance.

All you need to do is keep your cutter free from dirt and debris and that’s it. As you can notice, the Sizzix Big Shot is a high-quality, low-maintenance die-cutting machine.

It’s covered by a three-year warranty. Also, the customer service is amazing. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about anything.

Pros

• Functional design
• Its base is created of steel
• Powerful die-cutting machine
• It can be utilized with a broad variety of died
• It can handle different crafting materials
• A basic assembly that takes minutes
• Multipurpose functional platform
• Available in different colours
• Great customer service
• Three-year warranty

Cons

• The sides don’t fold up, therefore, it’s less portable
• The 6-inch opening might be too small for some projects
• Weak handle screw although it performs well so far

I highly-recommend this die-cutting and embossing machine to everyone who’s involved with crafting. It performs almost everything it’s claimed to perform.

You can utilize it for slicing almost all types of fabrics in the home. It’s good for creating jewellery, paper cards, tags, gift cards, hats, and all types of accessories.

It’s not a perfect machine due to its non-folding sides. They might annoy some users because they make it less portable. Overall, it brings great value for money.

What Can the Sizzix Big Shot Cut?

What I like most about this cutting machine is that it can handle a bunch of materials. It’s one of those versatile units that will help you unlock your creative juices.

You can cut cardstock, felt, foam, fabric, magnet, leather, craft aluminium, chipboard, metallic foil, and vellum. However, you’re not limited to these materials only.

This cutter is capable of much more!

That said, I would like to state that some dies are only suitable for specific materials. For instance, the Embosslits and Sizzlits are best-suited for cutting vellum and metallic foil.

Thinlits and Framelits, on the other hand, perform best with paper and cardstock. Another great thing about this machine is that it’s not limited to the Sizzix dies.

It can work with QuiKut, Spellbinders, Cuttlebug, Acquiquilt, and Anna Griffin dies. Primarily, all folders that estimate less than 6-inch would easily perform with this unit.

Therefore, if you’re searching for a versatile manual die-cutting and embossing machine, I believe that Sizzix Big Shot would perfectly respond to your crafting needs.

What Does Sizzix Big Shot Do?

This cutting machine can cut foam, cardstock, felt, leather, vellum, fabric, craft aluminium and chipboard with great ease. It’s also suitable for cutting magnet and metallic foil.

It’s compatible with Anna Griffin, QuiKut, Spellbinders, Cuttlebug dies, etc. However, the size of these folders shouldn’t pass 6 inches for the best results and impeccable work.

Create and personalize your creations fast and easily with this unit and Sizzix dies. You can make unique invitations, gift cards, home decor items, altered art projects, fashion accessories, scrapbook pages and elements, quilts, and much more!

If you purchase this product, you will get a box with a Sizzix Big Shot cutter, an extended multipurpose platform, a pair of cutting pads, and a 3-year limited warranty.

The Sizzix Big Shot is one of the most popular cutting machines on the market. The upgraded white and grey colour scheme provides the unit with a modern and fresh appearance.

Not only that this unit is stylish but also tough thanks to the solid steel gears and solid core steel rollers. Utilize this unit with lots of thin metal dies such as Sizzix Framelit and Sizzix Thinlit.

You can also use steel rule Sizzix dies and a large variety of Sizzix embossing folders. The device cuts and embosses a lot of different materials such as fabric, paper, vellum, and chipboard.

The Sizzix Big Shot unit and add-ons will also perform with other brands’ embossing tools and dies. That said, this unit opens up a world of opportunities.

But make sure to review accessory and machine requirements to ensure compatibility. The diagrams on the multipurpose platform provide simple guidelines.

They show you how to create the ideal Sizzix sandwich. However, you can also rely on the booklet that’s also included in the package for reference.

This product comes with a pair of regular cutting pads, a multipurpose extended platform and of course, the Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting and embossing machine.

As I already mentioned, it’s covered by a three-year limited warranty. And Sizzix offers great customer support. Therefore, you can make a stress-free purchase!

How Does Sizzix Big Shot Work?

Just put the material to be sliced between the cutting plates.

Then, follow the points on the multipurpose base to get the correct thickness before sending it through the unit. Try utilizing a shim if you emboss or want a deeper cut.

If you don’t know what a shim is, it’s a super-thin sheet that’s applied to your sandwich to offer an extra thickness if required. Please, watch this video demonstration.

Turning the handle is easy as well but it may be harder to turn at times, depending on the material and die. This cutter is sturdy with rubber feet to prevent it from slipping when you’re embossing and cutting.

The cutting plates will begin to curve at some point. But don’t worry because this is a normal thing. And proves how much you love your Sizzix Big Shot. And how often you use it.

If this happens to you, just flip them over when utilizing your die-cutting machine to bring them back to their initial condition. This cutter is user-friendly so it’s great for beginners.

Why Use the Sizzix Big Shot?

Although the market is filled with different manual embossing & die-cutting units, the Sizzix Big Shot is worth your money because it stands out.

It’s special because of multiple things with the most important one being the versatility. Also, it’s super-versatile which makes it a great crafting tool.

Other reasons why the Sizzix Big Shot is worth your time is because it works with embossing folders and dies from different popular brands.

It’s hard to find this type of compatibility. It’s rare! Therefore, crafters won’t be restricted in options and opportunities. You can make unique patterns on many materials.

Also, it’s a straightforward machine. Meaning, it’s super easy to use. It’s suitable for both beginners and professionals. Using a die-cutting and embossing unit has never been easier!

This machine is packed with a hand crank that can be utilized no matter if there’s electricity or not. This doesn’t affect its ability to perform. It’s great with both thin and thick materials.

What I like about this cutter is the little less to no maintenance. It requires no maintenance. It’s unlikely that you will encounter any issues since it doesn’t require oils to work.

All you need to do is keep it free of debris and dirt. Lastly, it’s covered by a three-year limited warranty. And the customer service is excellent and has a fast response time.

How to Use Sizzix Big Shot?

Utilizing this machine is very simple. It’s a straightforward cutter that works with almost any material. It has diagrams on the multipurpose platform for easier use.

These diagrams will make sure that the right thickness of the material is selected before it’s transferred via the unit. Once it’s finished, you just turn the needle and the work starts.

The cutting and embossing process is manual. Therefore, you may have to put a bit more pressure when utilizing stubborn materials. And less pressure with lighter ones.

The Sizzix Big Shot can perform with a broad selection of materials including vellum, metallic foil, fabric, foam leather, magnet, craft aluminium, chipboard, felt, and cardstock.

What Does Sizzix Big Shot Come With?

This product includes all the things you need to get started. All you need to do is buy embossing folders and dies. You will get a pair of cutting pad and a multipurpose platform.

The platform is 14 1/8 inches long while the plates are regular size (8 3/4 inches long). If you want to use dies bigger than the regular sized plates, you will need to buy the extended plates.

You will also get a 3-year limited warranty, as I already mentioned. The customer support is also great so you don’t have to worry about anything before buying this cutting machine.

FAQ

Final Words

The Big Shot is my favourite machine because it doesn’t limit my creativity. It’s a manual die-cutting and embossing unit that allows me to effectively and easily add texture and slice forms from many materials.

It’s a combination machine. However, it’s not less effective than machines made specifically for this task. This unit is user-friendly. Therefore, it’s ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and experienced crafters. If you’re a DIYer, you should consider buying the Sizzix Big Shot.

It’s compact but because of its unfoldable sides, its portability is reduced. The Sizzix Big Shot isn’t larger than other cutting machines but it’s less portable.

If this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, give this machine a BIG SHOT today! Hopefully, my detailed Sizzix Big Shot review can help you make a wise choice.