The Ultimate Guide to Using Bigz XL Dies for Card Making and Scrapbooking
If you love creating show-stopping paper crafts, you know that size can make all the difference. Standard dies work beautifully for toppers, sentiments, and decorative layers, but sometimes you need a design that stretches across an entire scrapbook layout or frames a handmade card with one sweeping border. That is exactly where Bigz XL dies enter the picture. These oversized steel-rule dies by Sizzix have become a go-to tool for crafters who want to cut larger motifs without piecing together multiple smaller shapes. Whether you are preparing album covers, panoramic scene builders, or substantial 3D projects, understanding how to choose, use, and care for these generous dies can open up fresh creative possibilities.
Because Bigz XL dies are physically larger than most craft dies on the market, they come with their own set of considerations around machine compatibility, sandwich construction, and material selection. Getting a clean, crisp cut every time requires a little know-how, but once you master the basics, you will wonder how you ever crafted without them. In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to make the most of Bigz XL dies for card making and scrapbooking, from the exact dimensions to project ideas that take full advantage of that extra length.
By the end of the article, you will have a clear picture of which machines accept Bigz XL dies, how to layer your cutting sandwiches safely, which materials you can experiment with, and how to keep your dies in prime condition for years of inspired making.
Quick Answer
Bigz XL dies are oversized steel-rule dies by Sizzix that cut shapes up to approximately 6 x 13.75 inches. They work with the Big Shot machine using an extended platform and can cut through thick materials like chipboard, leather, and multiple layers of fabric. These long-format dies are ideal for full-length borders, large scrapbooking accents, and oversized card bases.
What Are Bigz XL Dies?
Bigz XL dies belong to the Sizzix family of steel-rule dies, which are known for their depth, durability, and ability to cut through a far broader range of materials than thin metal wafer-thin dies. Steel-rule dies consist of a sharp steel blade embedded in a sturdy wooden or composite base and covered with a protective foam layer that helps release the material after cutting. The “Bigz” designation indicates that these dies are deep-etch and can handle thick, fibrous, or dimensional materials, while the “XL” extension signals the extra-long format.
In practical terms, a Bigz XL die can cut a single continuous shape that is significantly longer than the shapes produced by standard Bigz dies. That size difference makes them especially valuable for card makers who design tall slimline cards or wide A7 formats, and for scrapbookers who want to frame an entire 12 x 12-inch page with one decorative edge. Instead of lining up multiple smaller dies to create a chain of elements, you get one seamless piece that looks professionally finished.
Common categories of Bigz XL dies include alphabet sets, ornate border strips, large floral stems, gatefold card constructions, and quilt-like geometric panels. Because the blade is deep-set, you can cut not just cardstock but also felt, craft foam, thin cork, burlap, chipboard, and even soft metals like aluminum tooling foil. The die itself is thick and heavy, which is the trade-off for its cutting power and the large surface area it covers.
Size and Compatibility of Bigz XL Dies
Understanding the exact dimensions and machine requirements of Bigz XL dies is crucial before you invest in your first one, because not every die-cutting machine can physically accommodate them. The cutting area of a Bigz XL die is approximately 6 inches wide by 13.75 inches long. That length exceeds the standard opening of a Sizzix Big Shot machine when used with the regular multipurpose platform.
Machines That Work with Bigz XL Dies
The most common machine paired with Bigz XL dies is the Sizzix Big Shot. To use an XL die in this machine, you need the Extended Multipurpose Platform. This platform is essentially a longer version of the standard platform, providing a level base that supports the entire length of the die as it passes through the rollers. Without this extended base, part of the die would overhang and tip, leading to uneven pressure and incomplete cuts. The Extended Multipurpose Platform is often sold separately, so it is important to confirm that you have the correct equipment before you begin.
Other Sizzix machines handle Bigz XL dies more straightforwardly. The Big Shot Plus has a wider and longer feeding area that can accept XL dies without a special extended base, though you still need to arrange your cutting pads appropriately. The Big Shot Pro is a still larger machine designed for full-size scrapbook pages and naturally accommodates the length of Bigz XL dies. Select older or third-party manual machines that can accept 6-inch-wide dies and provide sufficient platform length may also work, provided the roller clearance and pressure are adequate. Electric machines like the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus can run Bigz XL dies but may require careful positioning and the correct plate configuration; always check the manufacturer’s guidance for your specific model.
Why Proper Platform Support Matters
Because Bigz XL dies are rigid and heavy, they need firm, flat support across their entire length during the cutting stroke. If any portion of the die hangs unsupported over the edge of the platform, the pressure distribution becomes uneven. This can lead to parts of the design cutting while other areas barely score the material. Worse, the die itself can bend or warp slightly over time if repeatedly stressed, reducing its useful life. Always ensure that your platform is at least as long as your die and that the cutting sandwich is slid straight into the machine without skewing.
Materials You Can Cut with Bigz XL Dies
One of the biggest advantages of Bigz XL dies is their ability to cut materials that would jam, tear, or simply not work with thinner wafer dies. Because the steel-rule blade stands tall above the base, it can bite deeply into thick, dense, or layered substrates. This versatility is a boon for both card makers and scrapbookers who want to incorporate mixed media textures.
Most crafters start with cardstock, and Bigz XL dies handle cardstock from lightweight text weight all the way up to heavy 110 lb cover stock with ease. You can even cut multiple sheets of cardstock at once, which is a time-saver when you need several identical layers for a dimensional project. Chipboard is another popular choice; lightweight chipboard or cereal-box-thick board cuts readily, giving you sturdy album covers, shadowbox frames, or durable templates. Non-fraying fabrics such as cotton, felt, denim, and flannel cut cleanly without gumming up the blade, making Bigz XL dies ideal for fabric appliqué shapes for scrapbook covers or mixed-media cards.
Leather and faux leather, provided they are thin enough to pass through the roller system, can be cut to create elegant tags and embellishments. Thin cork sheets, craft foam, and fun foam yield soft, puffy shapes that add dimension to layouts. Some crafters successfully cut thin magnet sheets, adhesive-backed felt, and even thin sheets of balsa wood. Whenever you cut a material other than paper, it is wise to test a small corner in an inconspicuous section of the die first, because overly dense or abrasive materials can dull the blade prematurely.
Materials to avoid or approach with extreme caution include thick rigid plastics, hard metals, and anything thicker than the sandwich opening of your machine. Forcing an abrasive material can damage both the die and the rollers. When in doubt, the Sizzix material compatibility chart for Bigz dies provides a reliable reference, and you can usually assume that whatever flies for a standard Bigz die will also fly for the XL version, as long as the size constraints are respected.
How to Use Bigz XL Dies: The Complete Sandwich Guide
Once you have the right die and the right machine, the next step is mastering the cutting sandwich. The term “sandwich” refers to the stack of platform, die, material, and cutting pads you layer together before feeding them through the machine. Because Bigz XL dies are both longer and thicker than most craft dies, the sandwich order requires careful attention.
Standard Sandwich for a Sizzix Big Shot with Extended Multipurpose Platform
The classic sandwich from bottom to top is as follows:
- Place the Extended Multipurpose Platform on your work surface. The platform tabs can face either left or right, depending on your machine model, but consistency is key.
- Lay one Standard Cutting Pad directly on top of the platform.
- Position the Bigz XL die with the blade side facing up. The foam side should be down against the cutting pad.
- Place your chosen material on top of the die, aligning it so that the entire shape is covered.
- Top off the sandwich with the second Standard Cutting Pad.
Holding the stack level, feed it straight into the machine, turning the handle smoothly and without stopping midway if possible. A continuous, even roll produces the cleanest cut. Once the sandwich emerges on the other side, gently peel away the top cutting pad and lift the material. The shape should release easily thanks to the foam layer.
Adjusting for Thicker Materials
When you are cutting thicker stock like chipboard or multiple layers of fabric, you may need to modify the sandwich slightly. Too much thickness can make the crank difficult to turn and may strain your machine. If the standard sandwich feels overly tight, one common trick is to replace one Standard Cutting Pad with a thinner shim or a Sizzix Crease Pad, or to use only one Standard Cutting Pad and place a sheet of cardstock as a shim beneath the platform. Because every machine’s roller age and build differ slightly, a little trial and error helps you find the configuration that cuts through your material fully without forcing the mechanism. Mark your preferred shim arrangement once you find it, so you can replicate it later without guessing.
If the cut is incomplete in certain areas, especially near the edges of a lengthy design, you may be dealing with uneven pressure. Adding a narrow strip of cardstock as a shim over the area that is not cutting can help focus more pressure there. Re-rolling the sandwich in the opposite direction can also sometimes finish a partial cut.
Tips for Intricate and Multi-Shape Dies
Many Bigz XL dies feature multiple shapes on one base, like a whole alphabet set or a border composed of several delicate elements. To avoid shifting when you place the material on the blade side, some crafters use a tiny piece of removable tape to hold the material in place at the corners, well away from the cutting lines. This prevents the cardstock from sliding as you assemble the top cutting pad. Additionally, if the die includes tiny cutouts that tend to stick in the blade, you can use a pokey tool or an old toothbrush to gently tease them out after cutting, rather than tugging them with your fingers, which can distort the metal.
Creative Project Ideas for Card Making and Scrapbooking
The generous length of Bigz XL dies makes them the star of design scenarios that would otherwise require joining several smaller components. Here are some ways to let those big shapes shine in your paper crafting.
Panoramic Borders and Edges
An XL border die can run the entire length of a 12 x 12-inch scrapbook page, creating a unified decorative edge that ties the layout together. On a slimline card measuring 8.5 x 3.5 inches, a single XL border cut from glitter cardstock and mounted along the bottom forms an instant focal point. You can also layer two complementary border shapes, such as a scalloped trim over a punched lace strip, for a richly detailed frame.
Oversized Card Bases and Folded Styles
Bigz XL dies designed for cards often include score lines, so you can cut and crease a complete card base in one pass. An XL Gatefold card die will cut the curved or angled front panels and simultaneously create the fold lines, ensuring perfectly symmetrical results every time. You can then embellish the panels with stamped images, smaller die-cuts, or heat embossing. For an elegant wedding invitation, a tall XL card base covered in linen-textured cardstock and finished with a vellum overlay feels luxurious and cohesive.
Large Floral and Botanical Arrangements
Floral stems, leafy branches, or entire bouquet dies in the XL format allow you to create a single sweeping botanical that can arc across a scrapbook page or cascade down the front of a card. Cut from watercolor paper and painted with light washes, these pieces add an artistic touch. You can also cut the same stem from patterned paper, leaving the petals intact while fussy-cutting a few accent leaves from vellum for added depth.
Quilt Patterns and Geometric Backgrounds
Some Bigz XL dies feature repeating geometric shapes, such as diamonds, hexagons, or chevron arrays, that cover a broad area. Cutting one of these from a contrasting color and mounting it over a subtly patterned background paper yields a trendy quatrefoil or lattice effect with minimal effort. Scrapbookers can use these large patterned panels to build a striking background mat for a photo cluster.
Alphabet and Phrase Dies for Titles
XL alphabet dies let you cut tall letters 6 inches or more in height for scrapbook page titles or large banner sentiments. Because the letters are proportioned to stand out on a 12 x 12 layout, you can cut them from chipboard for a lightweight but dimensional title that you paint or ink. Mixing lettering styles across a page title adds a playful, custom look.
Tips for Long-Lasting Bigz XL Dies
Bigz XL dies represent an investment, so caring for them properly pays off. After each use, remove any paper fibers or debris lodged in the blade channels with a lint-free cloth or a soft-bristle brush. Avoid using sharp metal tools that could nick the cutting edge. If you cut materials like fabric or leather, you may occasionally see a light buildup of adhesive residue on the blade; a gentle wipe with a cloth barely dampened with rubbing alcohol can remove it without harming the die.
Store Bigz XL dies flat in a location where they will not be bent or have heavy objects stacked on top of them. Excessive heat can warp the wooden base, so keeping them out of direct sunlight and away from radiators is wise. A dedicated flat-file drawer, an under-bed storage box, or a vertical magazine file with sturdy dividers works well. When stacking multiple dies, always place a piece of cardstock or felt between them to prevent blades from rubbing against each other and dulling.
If a die begins to cut less cleanly over time despite proper care, a common troubleshooting step is to run it through the machine with a sheet of aluminum foil or waxed paper to lightly lubricate and refresh the cutting edge. This is not a permanent fix for a truly dull blade, but it can restore enough performance for a few more projects. Rotating the die so that you use the full length evenly rather than always concentrating wear in the centre also helps prolong sharpness.
Conclusion
Bigz XL dies carve out a unique niche in the world of home die cutting. Their extra-long format unlocks layouts and cards that feel expansive, refined, and complete in a single pass. Once you match them to a compatible machine, organize the proper sandwich, and experiment with the rich mix of materials they can eat through, you will find that these dies become workhorses for borders, backgrounds, titles, and structural card forms. Whether you are layering a sweeping floral spray across a wedding scrapbook page or churning out geometrically embossed card blanks by the dozen, Bigz XL dies reward the small effort of learning their quirks with output that would be difficult to achieve any other way. With proper storage and occasional maintenance, they will remain a productive part of your craft arsenal for years, helping you push beyond the boundaries of smaller dies and design on a grander scale.
FAQ
What is the difference between Bigz and Bigz XL dies?
Bigz dies are steel-rule dies that typically measure around 5.5 x 6 inches, while Bigz XL dies are longer, approximately 6 x 13.75 inches. The XL format allows you to cut a continuous shape up to a full 12-inch page width, which standard Bigz dies cannot do in one piece. Both types can cut thick and multiple layers, but XL dies require a longer platform.
Can I use Bigz XL dies in a standard Big Shot without extra accessories?
No. The standard Big Shot machine comes with a multipurpose platform that is too short to fully support a Bigz XL die. You must purchase the Sizzix Extended Multipurpose Platform separately, or use a Big Shot Plus or Big Shot Pro machine that already has the necessary length and width available within its feeding area.
What materials can I cut with Bigz XL dies?
You can cut a wide variety of materials including cardstock, chipboard, fabric, felt, leather, craft foam, thin cork, burlap, and multiple layers of paper. As a rule, if a material is flexible enough to pass through the roller system and not so hard that it damages the blade, it is a good candidate. Always test a small sample first when trying a new material.
How do I clean my Bigz XL dies?
After use, gently brush out paper fibers from the blade channels with a soft brush or lint-free cloth. If sticky residue remains, wipe the blade edge carefully with a cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol, then dry immediately. Avoid submerging the die in water, as the wooden base can warp, and never use abrasive scrubbers on the metal blades.
Can I use Bigz XL dies with other brands of die-cutting machines?
Some manual die-cutting machines from other brands can accommodate Bigz XL dies if they accept 6-inch-wide dies and provide a sufficiently long platform. Check that the machine opening height and roller pressure are compatible with the thickness of the die and your cutting sandwich. Machines designed exclusively for thin wafer dies may not work, and always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific machine model.
How can I extend the life of my Bigz XL dies?
Store them flat in a dry, cool place away from direct heat, and separate stacked dies with cardstock to protect the blades. Rotate the placement of your material across the die to prevent uneven wear, and run a sheet of waxed paper or aluminum foil through the sandwich occasionally to lubricate and refresh the cutting edge. If a die becomes significantly dull, professional sharpening or replacement may be required.