Craft Buddy Die Cutting Machine Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Updated November 2026

Learning craft buddy die cutting machine instructions takes less time than most beginners expect. In this guide you will set up the machine, choose the right pressure for your material, make a test cut and clear jams safely. Once you finish, you should be able to produce clean, repeatable die cuts for cards, tags and paper projects.

Set Up Your Workspace and Machine

Place the machine on a flat, stable table with at least a foot of clear space around the feed side so paper can slide through without catching. Keep scissors, a scraper and a soft brush within reach. Plug the machine in only after you have checked that the platform and cutting plates are clean and free of loose scraps.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Craft Buddy Die Cutting Machines for Beginners (2026).

Load the Cutting Die and Material

Follow these steps to prepare each cut:

1. Lay the cutting plate flat on the platform and place the die face up on top of it, aligning the blades with the top of the plate.
2. Place your paper or cardstock on the die, making sure it covers the design completely and sits square to the edges.
3. Add the clear cutting mat or pad on top to protect the blades and hold the layers in place.
4. Slide the stack into the machine with the cutting plate leading, then turn the handle or press the button to feed it through.
5. Carefully lift the cutting mat and peel back the top layer to reveal your shapes.

Adjust Pressure and Make a Test Cut

Pressure is the setting beginners most often get wrong. Manufacturers generally recommend starting with a medium setting for standard cardstock, then adjusting in small increments. Always run a small test cut on a scrap piece before committing to your main project. A related read: 7 Best Jan MC6650 Memory Craft Computerized Quilting and Sewing Machine Picks.

Material	Starting Setting	Adjustment if Needed
Copy paper	Low to medium	Increase if edges look fuzzy
Cardstock (65 lb)	Medium	Increase if shapes are incomplete
Heavy cardstock	Medium to high	Add a second pass only if necessary

If the cut is incomplete, raise the pressure one notch. If the paper tears or the blades dig into the mat, lower it. Owners often report that a single well-chosen setting covers most of their paper projects.

Clean Up and Store Your Dies

After each session, brush away paper scraps from the blades and platform. Store dies flat or in a labeled folder so the blades do not bend. Replace the cutting mat when it no longer grips paper well, since a worn mat leads to shifting and uneven cuts. For more background on choosing materials and tools, see Craft Cutting Machine Comparison: 6 Factors That Matter for Beginners (2026).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the test cut, which often wastes good paper.
• Loading paper crooked, so parts of the design fall outside the cut area.
• Using too much pressure on thin paper, which causes tears.
• Forcing a jammed stack through instead of releasing it and checking the feed path.
• Leaving paper scraps in the blades, which dulls them faster.

Recommended Gear

A replacement cutting mat helps keep cuts clean as the original wears, and a stiff bone folder is useful for scoring before you fold a die-cut card. A fine-tipped scraper also makes it easier to lift small pieces without tearing them. View on Amazon View on Amazon

FAQ

Why are my die cuts incomplete?

Incomplete cuts usually mean the pressure is too low for the material. Raise the setting one step and run another test on scrap paper.

How often should I replace the cutting mat?

Replace it when it stops holding paper flat or leaves sticky residue on your cuts. Heavy use will shorten its life considerably.

Can I cut materials thicker than cardstock?

Check the manufacturer’s guidance for your model before cutting thick materials. Pushing beyond the rated thickness can damage the blades and the machine.

Conclusion

With the right setup, a careful test cut and the correct pressure, your die cuts will come out clean and consistent. Keep your mat clean, store your dies flat and adjust one variable at a time when something goes wrong. Practice with simple shapes first, then move to more detailed designs as your confidence grows.

Related reading

• 6 Best Die Cutting Machines for Craft Picks for Beginners (2026)
• 6 Best Bira Craft Die Cutting Machine Picks for Crafters (2026)
• 6 Best Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Options for Crafters (2026)
• 5 Best Provo Craft Sizzix Die-Cutting Machine Picks for Crafters (2026)
• 5 Best Paper Craft Die Cutting Machines for Beginners (2026)

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