What Is the Sizzix Magnetic Platform and How Do You Use It?

Precision is everything in die cutting. When a die shifts even a fraction of an inch, the cut edge becomes ragged, the design misaligns, and expensive specialty paper can be wasted. For years, crafters relied on low-tack tapes, removable adhesives, and careful positioning to keep wafer‐thin dies from moving during the cutting pass. These methods work, but they add time and frustration to every project. The Sizzix Magnetic Platform was created to solve that exact problem, bringing a clean, reusable, and remarkably simple solution to home crafting spaces. Understanding what this tool is and how it fits into your creative workflow will help you decide whether it deserves a permanent spot beside your die cutting machine.

This guide walks through everything you need to know about the Sizzix Magnetic Platform, from its core purpose and machine compatibility to the step‐by‐step cutting process. You will also find practical project ideas, care advice, and answers to common questions that crop up when first using a magnetic die cutting setup. Whether you are new to the Sizzix ecosystem or an experienced card maker looking to upgrade your sandwich, the details that follow will help you get the cleanest cuts with far less effort.

Because the Sizzix Magnetic Platform works as part of a layered sandwich, its behavior varies slightly between machine models. We keep the explanations grounded in real‐world workshop use, avoiding guesswork about unconfirmed specifications. The goal is to give you a thorough, trustworthy resource that leaves you confident every time you roll the handle.

Quick Answer

The Sizzix Magnetic Platform is a flat, magnetic base designed to hold thin metal dies securely during cutting. It replaces adhesive tapes and reduces die shift, giving cleaner cuts with less prep work. It is compatible with most manual Sizzix machines that use standard cutting plates, such as the Big Shot.

What Is the Sizzix Magnetic Platform and Why Do Crafters Rely on It?

The Sizzix Magnetic Platform is a specialized cutting plate with a built‐in magnetic surface. Its primary job is to lock wafer‐thin metal dies in position so they cannot slide sideways as they pass through your machine’s rollers. In a traditional sandwich, you place the die against cardstock or paper, cover it with a cutting pad, and hope that friction and a little tape keep everything aligned. The magnetic platform alters that equation by turning the bottom layer into a firm, magnetic bed. Once you place a ferrous metal die on the platform, it grips securely and stays exactly where you put it.

This simple concept eliminates several common die‐cutting headaches. No more delicate dies flicking out of alignment when you lower the top plate. No more uneven pressure from tape bunching at the edges. No more sticky residue building up on your dies and plates. Because the magnetic attraction is consistent across the entire surface, even intricate dies with many separate blades remain flat and parallel to the cutting surface. The platform essentially becomes a reusable positioning jig that you set up once per project.

Crafters who produce multiple identical cuts—such as foliage sprigs, sentiments, or shaped card panels—notice the biggest improvement. With a Sizzix Magnetic Platform, you can load several small dies on the platform at once, cover them with paper, and cut them in a single pass. This batch‐cutting ability saves significant time during holiday card production, scrapbook page assembly, or small‐business order fulfillment. The consistency from cut to cut also raises the finished quality because every piece is a faithful rendition of the die design.

Important distinctions exist. The magnetic platform is designed for thin, chemically etched metal dies—often called wafer‐thin or steel‐rule‐free dies. It is not intended for thick steel‐rule dies, deeply recessed rotary dies, or embossing folders used without appropriate adaptors. Trying to force incompatible tools through the machine could damage the platform’s surface and the machine itself. Fortunately, the vast majority of contemporary die collections sold for card making and scrapbooking fall squarely into the wafer‐thin category, so the platform serves an enormous number of popular designs.

Compatibility: Which Sizzix Machines Work with the Magnetic Platform?

Sizzix manufactures several manual die cutting machines, and the magnetic platform is not a one‐size‐fits‐all accessory. Understanding which platform fits your machine avoids wasted effort and return shipments. The standard Sizzix Magnetic Platform is engineered for machines that use the original‐size cutting pads, principally the classic Sizzix Big Shot. If you own a manual Big Shot with the standard opening (roughly 6 inches wide), the regular magnetic platform slides through beautifully and becomes a permanent part of your sandwich.

For crafters who upgraded to the larger Sizzix Big Shot Plus or Big Shot Pro, Sizzix offers an Extended Magnetic Platform. This version matches the wider bed so you can take advantage of full‐width dies and longer cutting plates. Trying to use a standard magnetic platform in a Big Shot Plus will not provide full surface coverage and may lead to uneven pressure or plate warping. Conversely, the extended platform is too wide to fit the standard Big Shot opening. Always verify your machine’s bed dimensions and look for clear labeling on the platform packaging before purchasing.

Electric and Portable Sizzix Machines

The relationship between the magnetic platform and electric or portable Sizzix machines is less straightforward. Models such as the Sizzix Big Shot Express or the Vagabond operate on a motorized roller system. Some users report that the magnetic platform works safely in these machines when used exactly as the manual instructs, but the manufacturer’s updated guidance should always be your first reference. Motorized machines often require specific sandwich sequences to avoid stressing the motor, and a magnetic platform adds a small amount of resistance that could, in theory, affect performance over time. The safest approach is to check the machine’s user manual or the official Sizzix website for a compatibility chart before you insert any magnetic accessory.

Third‐Party Machines and Non‐Sizzix Dies

Many craft rooms include machines from other brands such as Spellbinders, We R Memory Keepers, or Bira. The Sizzix Magnetic Platform may physically fit some of these if the bed width and plate thickness are similar, but it is not officially certified for use outside the Sizzix ecosystem. Using it in a non‐Sizzix machine puts the responsibility for any damage on the user, and it could also void machine warranties. If you decide to try it, measure your machine’s opening and compare it with the platform dimensions, then run a few test cuts with scrap paper while listening for any straining sounds. Generally, sticking with the intended machine family delivers the most reliable and safest results.

How to Use the Sizzix Magnetic Platform for Magnetic Die Cutting

Getting perfect cuts with a Sizzix Magnetic Platform involves a slightly different sandwich order than the traditional pad‐only approach. Once you memorize the new layers, the process becomes faster and more repeatable than taping ever was. The instructions below assume you are using a manual Big Shot with standard cutting plates, but the principle adapts easily to the extended platform and larger machines.

The Basic Magnetic Cutting Sandwich

Start by placing your machine on a stable work surface and opening the platform if it comes with a flap or protective sheet. Some versions of the magnetic platform have a clear protective cover that should be removed before use. Clean the magnetic surface with a soft, dry cloth to eliminate any paper dust or metal fragments from previous cuts.

Position the magnetic platform flat on the machine’s base or on the first cutting plate, depending on your machine’s specific sandwich recipe. For the classic Big Shot, the typical sandwich from bottom to top is: one standard cutting plate, the magnetic platform with dies arranged on it, your cardstock or paper face‐up over the dies, and finally the second cutting plate on top. Lightly press the paper against the dies so the magnets attract through the material. The dies will stay firmly anchored even if you carefully reposition the top plate.

Arranging Dies and Materials Efficiently

Because the magnetic surface holds everything in place, you can cluster several dies to maximize material usage. Lay them out before adding paper, ensuring no cutting edges overlap in a way that might cause them to strike one another. Leave a small margin around each die so the cut lines remain clean. With large, solid background dies, check that the platform’s magnetic pull is sufficient to hold the entire die flat; extremely large dies may benefit from a little help, but most hobby‐sized designs adhere perfectly.

When cutting intricate designs with many fine details, such as doily patterns or filigree snowflakes, resist the urge to load the platform too close to the edges. Keep about half an inch of clear space from the platform rim so the rollers apply even pressure. If you are cutting materials thicker than standard cardstock—such as chipboard, leather, or multiple fabric layers—you may need to add a shim or adjust your machine’s pressure by adding a cardstock sheet to the sandwich. The magnetic platform does not change your material limits; it simply holds the die steadier.

Running the Sandwich Through the Machine

Once the sandwich is built, grip the handle or press the start button and move the platform gently into the rollers. If you feel unexpected resistance, stop and reverse before forcing it. Common causes include a too‐thick material stack, a die that has lifted and caught on the plate, or an incorrect plate order. Remove the sandwich, inspect everything, and try again. With a correctly built sandwich, the machine should roll smoothly with consistent pressure.

After the platform emerges from the opposite side, lift the top cutting plate and carefully peel away the excess paper. The cut shapes should remain on the magnetic platform, held lightly by static and residual magnetic pull. Use a low‐tack pick‐up tool or your fingers to lift them off without bending delicate details. Wipe the platform surface immediately to remove any clinging paper fibers that could interfere with the next cut.

Benefits That Go Beyond Simple Die Alignment

While holding dies steady is the headline feature, the Sizzix Magnetic Platform brings several subtle advantages that improve daily crafting. One of the most appreciated is the reduction of adhesive buildup. Crafters who have spent time scraping tape residue from cutting plates and dies immediately notice how much cleaner their tools stay. The platform itself needs only a quick wipe to remain pristine, and your dies’ cutting edges stay sharper without sticky gunk attracting dust and fibers.

Another benefit is extended cutting plate life. When dies are taped to a plate, the adhesive can pull at the plate surface over time, causing micro‐peeling or warping. A magnetic platform distributes pressure more evenly across the entire platform area, reducing the concentrated stress that leads to plate bowing. Many crafters report that their standard acrylic plates last noticeably longer once they adopt a magnetic cutting system.

For crafters with hand concerns, such as arthritis or limited fine‐motor control, handling tiny pieces of tape and repeatedly aligning dies becomes physically taxing. The magnetic platform transforms that fiddly step into a simple placement task. The dies stay put without constant readjustment, and you can compose an entire arrangement before committing to the cutting pass. This accessibility improvement opens creative possibilities for people who previously found die cutting too painful or frustrating.

Project Ideas to Inspire Your Magnetic Die Cutting

Once you trust the magnetic hold, you will naturally begin designing projects that lean into batch cutting and layered compositions. Below are a few project starters that highlight what the Sizzix Magnetic Platform does best.

Coordinated Card Sets

Cut an entire coordinated card front in one pass by placing multiple sentiment, border, and accent dies on the magnetic platform. Position a panel of cardstock over them and run it through the machine. You will get a fully decorated panel without any shifting, perfect for making a dozen identical wedding invitations or seasonal greetings. Combine with a coordinating embossing folder in a separate pass for raised texture that aligns perfectly with the die‐cut windows.

Scrapbook Embellishment Clusters

Load the platform with tiny stars, hearts, leaves, or flowers from a single die set. Use scrapbooking weight paper and cut a sheet of embellishments in seconds. Because the spacing remains consistent from sheet to sheet, you can cut multiple colors and mix them into shaker pockets or layered clusters without worrying about mismatched sizes. Keep a small box of pre‐cut shapes ready for spontaneous page decorating.

Custom Gift Tags and Labels

Create a series of gift tags by combining a tag‐shaped die with a coordinating reinforcement ring die and a small monogram. Arrange all three dies on the magnetic platform, lay a strip of cardstock across them, and cut. The tags emerge with perfectly centered holes and aligned details. For a professional touch, repeat the process with metallic cardstock to produce several sets of elegant holiday tags in under ten minutes.

Layered Paper Flowers

Intricate layered flower dies often have individual petals and centers that must align precisely when assembled. The magnetic platform lets you cut all layers from different colored cardstocks without the risk of even one petal misforming. After cutting, the pieces remain magnetically nested on the platform, making it easy to lift them in order for assembly. The result is a fluffy, symmetrical bloom that looks professionally crafted.

Tips for Getting the Best Results Every Time

Even a tool as straightforward as the magnetic platform rewards good habits. First, always place the platform on a clean, flat surface before arranging dies. A single grain of sand or hardened glue speck can tilt a die enough to cause a partial cut. Keep a soft brush or microfiber cloth near your machine and develop the routine of wiping the magnetic surface between projects.

Second, pair the platform with fresh cutting plates. Worn, scratched, or deeply grooved plates create uneven pressure that the magnetic hold cannot compensate for. If your plates have developed a permanent bow, replace them before blaming the platform for inconsistent cuts. Store cutting plates flat and away from direct heat to preserve their shape.

Third, treat highly detailed dies with care. Extremely slender lines on a die—like thin script sentiments—have less surface area for the magnet to grip. If a delicate die still tries to lift, place a piece of low‐tack washi tape over the non‐cutting side just for that one problematic spot. This hybrid approach uses the magnetic platform as the primary holder while adding a tiny insurance policy for the most fragile sections. The tape residue will be minimal and easily cleaned.

Finally, experiment with material placements. The magnetic pull weakens slightly through thicker materials, so if you are cutting chipboard or dense felt, press the material firmly onto the die before covering it with the top plate. Some crafters add a thin metal shim on top of the cardstock to increase magnetic attraction, though you must check whether this arrangement is safe for your machine. As a general rule, standard cardstock and multiple layers of patterned paper pose no challenge.

Care and Maintenance for Long‐Lasting Magnetic Performance

The Sizzix Magnetic Platform is durable but not indestructible. Avoid exposing it to high heat, which can weaken the magnetic properties over time. Store it flat or on its side, never leaning at an angle where it could warp. If the surface becomes sticky from accidental spray adhesive or sticker residue, use a gentle adhesive remover that is safe for plastics, then rinse with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not submerge the platform in water, as moisture can seep into the magnetic layer and cause internal rust.

Inspect the platform edges periodically for burrs or rough spots, especially if you have dropped it. A sharp edge can scratch your machine’s rollers or snag paper. Gently sand any small rough patches with very fine sandpaper, then wipe away the dust. When the magnetic surface eventually loses strength after many years of heavy use, it is time to replace the platform. A visibly weak pull that cannot hold a standard die indicates the tool has reached the end of its useful life.

Choosing the Right Platform Size for Your Workflow

If most of your projects fit within a six‐inch cutting width, the standard Sizzix Magnetic Platform covers all your needs and keeps your sandwich compact. Crafters with a Big Shot Plus or those who frequently use large background dies will appreciate the extended version’s full‐width coverage. While the extended platform costs slightly more, it eliminates the need to shift oversized dies or run them through in sections, which can be difficult to align without visual cues. Consider your future project ambitions and the dies already in your collection before deciding. A well‐matched platform will stay in regular rotation, while an ill‐fitting one will gather dust.

Whichever size you choose, pairing it with the correct set of standard cutting plates for your machine is essential. The magnetic platform is part of a system; no single component can compensate for a mismatched sandwich. With every piece in its place, you will experience the quiet satisfaction of cutting clean shapes with almost no setup time.

FAQ

Can I use the Sizzix Magnetic Platform with any die type?

The platform is designed for thin metal wafer‐thin dies. Thick steel‐rule dies, deeply embedded dies, or dies made entirely from non‐magnetic materials will not be held securely and should not be used with the magnetic platform. Always check that your dies are attracted to a magnet before loading them.

Does the magnetic platform work with the Sizzix Big Shot Plus?

Yes, but you need the Sizzix Extended Magnetic Platform specifically sized for the Big Shot Plus. The standard magnetic platform is too narrow and will not provide full surface coverage, which can cause uneven pressure and unsatisfactory cuts.

How do I clean the magnetic platform?

Wipe the surface with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth after each cutting session. For sticky residues, use a small amount of gentle adhesive remover on a cloth, never spray directly onto the platform. Dry immediately and avoid soaking the platform in water.

Can I cut multiple layers of cardstock with the magnetic platform?

Yes, you can cut through two or three layers of lightweight cardstock, provided your machine and dies are rated for that thickness. The magnetic platform helps keep the dies from shifting when cutting multiple layers, but you may need to add a thin shim if the material becomes too thick for the standard sandwich.

Do I still need cutting plates if I have the magnetic platform?

Absolutely. The magnetic platform replaces only the bottom positioning layer; you must still use the standard cutting plates above and, in some sandwiches, below it to create the complete roller‐ready stack. The magnetic platform cannot function as a standalone cutting plate.

Will the magnetic platform lose its strength over time?

Over many years of heavy use, the magnetic force may gradually weaken. Proper storage away from heat and moisture helps extend its life. If you notice that dies no longer stay firmly anchored, it is likely time to replace the platform.