12 Best Rated Die Cutting Machines – In-Depth Reviews

D IY passionates and folks who want to express their talent by creating craft and art are familiar with die cutting machines and all the amazing things they can do with them. These machines are specialized in cutting paper, leather, fabric, and other materials into diverse shapes and designs. Crafting is a relaxing activity that gives you the opportunity to use your imagination and create a wide range of interesting projects. For this reason, you acquire a machine that complies with your expectations and with which you can make crafts to your heart’s desire.

What is great about these machines is that you do not have to be an expert to use them because they will aid you a great deal when it comes to achieving the best results. There are two types to pick from, manual and electronic, and both come with their own sets of advantages. We have compared the best models and reviewed them for you so that you can make an educated guess.

Top 12 Die Cutting Machines Compared

Photo	Product Name	Type	Maximum Cutting Width	USB Port	Accessories	Size	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Cricut Explore Air 2	Electronic	12”		Premium fine-point blade and housing; Fine point pen; Lightgrip mat; USB cable; Power adapter; 50 projects; Materials for your first project	24” x 9.5” x 9.5”	1 year	Check Price
Best for Advanced Crafters	2. Silhouette Cameo	Electronic	12”		50 exclusive designs; Power cable; USB cable; 12” cutting mat; Cutting blade; $10 gift card to the Silhouette online store	20.9” x 6.5” x 5”	1 year	Check Price
Best for Leather	3. Cricut Explore	Electronic	11.5”		Cutting blade and housing; Drawing and writing pen with adapter; 12” x 12” StandardGrip Cricut cutting mat; Storage bag; Power cord; USB cable; 100+ free images; 50+ free projects	25.4” x 9.2” x 10”	1 year	Check Price
Best for Paper	4. Brother CM350DM ScanNCut2	Electronic	12”		Standard cut blade and cut blade holder; Standard 12” x 12” mat; 1 red and 1 black color pen; Pen holder; Touch pen; Spatula; Pouch	22.8” x 10.6” x 10.1”	1 year	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	5. Gemini Crafter’s Companion	Electronic	11”		16 cutting dies; 3 embossing folders	5.6″ x 14.1″ x 7.7″	30 days	Check Price
	6. Brother ScanNCut CM100DM	Electronic	12”			10” x 22.5” x 10.5”	1 year	Check Price
	7. Cricut Maker	Electronic	12”		Rotary blade and drive housing; Fine point pen; Fine point pen; FabricGrip 12” x 12” mat; Lightgrip mat 12” x 12”; USB cable; Power adapter; 50 projects; Materials for your first project	22.6” x 7.1” x 6.2”	1 year	Check Price
Best for Beginners	8. Sizzix Sidekick	Manual	2.5”		2 cutting pads; 1 embossing pad; 6 framelits dies; 2 thinlits dies; 2 embossing folders; 7 stamps	7.75” x 4.75” x 3.5”	1 year	Check Price
	9. Sizzix 657900 Big Shot	Manual	6”			14.25” x 12.375” x 6.625”	3 years	Check Price
	10. Cricut 2003782 Cuttlebug	Manual	6”		6” x 8” A plate; Two 6” x 8” B plates; 6” x 8” rubber embossing mat; 6” x 8” rubber embossing mat; 2 metal dies	13” x 11” x 6.5”	1 year	Check Price
	11. We R Memory Keepers Evolution	Manual	13”		2 mats for cutting and embossing; A cutting and embossing platform; 10 nesting dies	17.2” x 11.5” x 9.2”	30 days	Check Price
	12. Spellbinders GC-200 Grand Calibur	Manual	8.125”		Cutting plate; Embossing plate; Embossing mat	6.2” x 16” x 7.8”	1 year	Check Price

1. Cricut Explore Air 2

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This versatile machine is suitable for beginners but also for experienced hobbyists due to its complex usability. Nevertheless, most people find it pretty difficult to use at first, so have a little patience if you do not get a hang of it all from the get-go.

You can utilize it to cut, write, and score. It works with more than 100 materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, and more, and you can select from 370 available fonts. With the Air 2, you can cut and write faster than with its predecessor. The machine includes a fast mode that permits you to finish your projects in less time.

Utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology, you can link it to your phone or laptop and create projects anywhere. There is also the option to link it to your PC or laptop via USB. The Design Space software is available for iOS, Mac, Android, and Windows. Of course, we cannot overlook the fact that the manufacturer warrants it against defects for 1 year as you are cleared of paying for repairs within this period.

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2. Silhouette Cameo

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This is a great option for all those who want a die cutter to make their DIY projects in a simple manner. The full-color touchscreen and the unique design let you operate the machine effortlessly each time you want to bring your ideas to life.

The Silhouette Studio software is a great addition, offering you the possibility to import all sorts of designs and let it cut them for you. The drag-and-drop tools permit you to re-size or change certain features of the image, or if you want, you can purchase the already existing designs from the Silhouette Online Store with the $10 gift card.

You can also utilize it without a PC due to the USB drive that permits you to import all of your favorite designs from the computer. Although the model is less powerful than others, which makes it limited when it comes to its efficiency for heavy materials, it can still be used for a variety of materials and projects.

You can even cut out designs that have been previously printed on your home printer, and you can turn any design into a sketch. Although it cannot engrave or emboss, you can utilize it to cut and draw better than you would with many other models.

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3. Cricut Explore

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All machines made by Cricut are recognized for their impressive performance and novelty, and Cricut Explore makes no exception. It is simple to utilize, offering you the opportunity to use your imagination to put together the most wonderful projects.

Design&Accessories

The manufacturer paid special attention to its functionality, as well as design. Its simplicity makes it very elegant, being a nice addition to any home – it comes in a beautiful combination between white and green. At approximately 18 pounds, it is pretty solid, but this is because it is manufactured with high-quality materials. The many included accessories let you use it right out of the package.

• Free accessories: carbide blade, metallic pen, 12” × 12” cutting mat, cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, 2 duct tape sheets.
• You also receive free access to over 100 images, 50 projects, and more than 25k Cricut images for two weeks.

Functionality

Having access to multiple images and projects inspires you to make the most out of this acquisition. The Cut Smart technology permits it to cut materials in multiple shapes and sizes with high precision. You can print colored images and then cut them with the Explore, but you can also create your picture and then cut it to use it in the projects you put together.

• Dual clamps: one clamp is intended to hold the blade, and the other to hold the pen or another accessory. As a result, it can cut and write in one step.
• Uses: it is perfect for card making, scrapbooking, and more.
• Customized cut setting: it works with materials like vinyl, paper, fabric, poster board, and more. But you can likewise utilize it to cut other materials with a custom setting.

User Convenience

To utilize it, you need a computer and an Internet connection. If you have a Cricut account, utilize it to set up the machine and connect to Cricut Design Space – if not, create a new account.

• Iillustrated user manual: setting it up may require some time, but with the help of the illustrated user manual, you won’t find any difficulties.
• Hidden storage compartments: inside it, 2 storage compartments keep your accessories within reach.

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4. Brother CM350DM ScanNCut2

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You can use it with or without an Internet connection, and you can also transfer your files to the PC. It measures almost the same as the CM100DM, but when it comes to weight, it is a little bit heavier. It features a color touchscreen display that is up to 30% larger as opposed to the older version – it measures 4.85 inches – permitting you to modify the designs with ease.

It is fitted out with a 300 DPI scanner, so you can turn any scanned image – up to 12” x 12” – into a personalized design. This model includes a 12” x 12” cutting mat, but it can also accommodate larger mats – 12” x 24”.

It doesn’t work with cartridges or dyes, but it can aid you create an assortment of projects without hassle. It integrates over 600 designs, 100 quilt patterns, and 7 lettering fonts.

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5. Gemini Crafter’s Companion

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It can cut edge-to-edge materials like plastic, rubber, magnetic sheets, fabric, vinyl, cardboard, or metal. It comes with 16 cutting dies and 3 embossing folders, but it’s also compatible with most metal dies and embossing folders available.

It uses high pressure to perfectly cut complicated designs without missing an edge. The large 9” x 12.5” permits you to cut multiple dies at a time, and you can pause, resume, or reverse the operation mid-cutting procedure. It is hands down, one of the most versatile and well-designed embossing and die-cutting tools you can count on.

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6. Brother ScanNCut CM100DM

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The ScanNCut CM100DM is a versatile electronic machine that will do all the work for you whenever you want to create all sorts of do-it-yourself projects and not only. Due to the built-in 300 DPI scanner, it will permit you to scan, print, and cut a variety of wonderful designs.

It is operated through the LCD that lets you play with the many features and options. Moreover, you can work on numerous sorts of materials, thus creating many crafts and projects with the help of ScanNCut Canvas software.

It cannot be linked to a computer, so all you need is the machine and your imagination to create interesting projects with ease. However, you can save the used patterns to the internal memory and then save them to an external USB drive to transfer them into your computer.

It can be used as a home scanner. Among the important features is that it preserves material by organizing your design, or draw a certain picture or image, or even weld shapes, fonts, or drawings into a single project.

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7. Cricut Maker

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Since it can cut through a wide assortment of materials, this model will cover all your needs in terms of creativity. In comparison to the other Cricut models, it is the most advanced.

What’s new is the rotary blade that does not need any backing material to cut fabrics. This is possible due to the new mat that is specially intended for fabrics. Additionally, it permits you to perfectly cut patterns and finishes your projects much faster.

There is even a sewing kit available, but you have to purchase it independently. So, if you like to sew but you need some help, this kit may be what you need.

Another great addition is the knife blade that can handle materials up to 2.44” thick. However, it is not included with the acquisition, so the final cost increases if you want to acquire it.

Other great features are the wireless Bluetooth technology, the built-in phone or tablet container, and the USB port that permits you to charge your devices. It also features a large storage space for your tools. This model is accompanied by a 1-year guarantee.

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8. Sizzix Sidekick

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Flaunting a compact design, it is perfect for small dies. It measures 7.75” by 4.75” by 3.5”, so it occupies little space on the working table. It is also portable, weighing only 2 pounds.

For added stability, the machine integrates a suction cup base, so it doesn’t move while you utilize it. The attached handle has an ergonomic design, so you will find it very easy to turn.

It works with dies and embossing folders with a peak width of 2.5 inches. Its aptitude to cut thin materials makes it work with materials like cardstock, paper, or vellum. You can utilize it for projects like scrapbooking, event planning, or card making.

The kit comprises 2 cutting pads, 1 embossing pad, 6 framelits dies, 2 thinlits dies, 2 embossing folders, and 7 stamps. It is covered by a 1-year guarantee, but you can extend this period by 2 extra years if you register it online.

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9. Sizzix 657900 Big Shot

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The Sizzix Big Shot offers both versatility and great performance when it comes to cutting and embossing. The classic combination of powder blue and teal gives the unit an attractive look.

The steel rollers and steel gears make it very strong, while the comfortable handle permits you to effortlessly transport it. With this machine, transforming your ideas into reality is quite easy, and the greatest thing is that the Big Shot is compatible with all the Sizzix products, as well as other dies and embossing tools.

It can smoothly handle different types of materials, creating a multitude of crafts and projects. What is even more remarkable is that it can cut multiple layers of thin material at once. Just place them between the cutting pads that come along with the package.

The included Extended Multipurpose Platform is large enough to offer you a generous working area, while the comprised diagrams guide you to achieve the best outcomes. Therefore, if you want a durable and versatile machine that will help you create lovely projects the old-fashioned way, the Sizzix Big Shot is one of the best choices to opt for.

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10. Cricut 2003782 Cuttlebug

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It lets you cut and emboss many materials, including paper, cardstock, thin metal, and so on. This is the only model from Circuit that can emboss. You can utilize it in conjunction with a Circuit electronic cutting machine to maximize results. With a beautiful design and a simple operation, this unit will most certainly take your projects to the next level.

It features a convenient carry handle to transport it with ease. Once you simultaneously open the 2 working platforms, the suction system will activate and the tool will be stable enough to finish your projects without any hassle.

It comes with a 6” × 8” A plate, two 6” × 8” B plates, and a 5” x 7” embossing folder. You will also receive a 6” x 8” rubber embossing mat and 2 metal dies. Moreover, there plenty of embossing folders and dies available for it, and all of them come in standard sizes.

It is compatible with both Cricut embossing folders and cutting dies, as well as other popular folders and dies. This model is warranted for 1 year on parts and labor.

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11. We R Memory Keepers Evolution

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This manual machine measures 17.2” by 11.5” by 9.2” and weighs 7.5 pounds, so is compact and lightweight. You can utilize it for die-cutting, embossing, and letter pressing. It can cut materials like paper, vinyl, felt, vellum, foam, and many others. It comes with 2 mats for cutting and embossing, a cutting and embossing platform, and 10 nesting dies.

The sides can be effortlessly folded for compact storage. For increased stability, once you fold down the sides, the feet on the bottom stick to the table. The side trays offer plenty of storage for your tools and materials. A great addition is the dial adjustment as it helps you pick the right mat combination.

The dial features markings for die-cutting, letter pressing, and embossing. With this model, you can utilize the motor attachment that is sold separately so that you won’t have to rotate the handle manually.

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12. Spellbinders GC-200 Grand Calibur

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The Spellbinders GC-200 Grand Calibur is another great option for all those who like owning a simple, yet great manual crafting machine. This model is meant to easily cut, emboss, and stencil all your projects, without using other complicated tools.

It comes with a stenciling feature that is perfect for arts and crafts lovers. Moreover, it can cut full-size pieces of cardstock without trimming them.

It features a suction base that keeps it on the table while using it, so you won’t have to concern over instability. Furthermore, it is compatible with all the Spellbinders dies templates, as well as with numerous other dies and folders from different brands.

With its assistance, all your ideas will become reality without spending much money. All you need is your imagination, and the unit will do the job for you.

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Buying Guide

Different models integrate diverse features and particularities, and to know which one suits your needs best, you must first understand what elements matter most so that you only look into products that are worth spending your cash on. Here, we will provide you with some useful tips to help you acquire a reliable unit for your arts and crafts projects.

• Choose between manual or electronic: before you think about any other aspect, you must decide what type you want to go for. Manual models cost less, can emboss, and are simpler to use. On the other hand, electronic machines are more complex and offer a wide array of interesting designs, but these products cost more upfront.
• Consider the type of materials you want to use: most models can cut common materials like paper, leather, fabric, and so on. However, if you plan to use the unit to cut different types of materials that are thicker or more solid, you must look into options that suit your specific needs.
• Decide what you need the machine for: this will help you decide what model to go for much easier. If you plan on using the product for simple cuts or easy projects like card making, a basic model like the Sizzix Big Shot is a viable selection. However, if you plan on making professional crafts, then a more complex electronic machine like the Cricut Explore will do the trick.
• Check its compatibility: the accessories it works with, as well as the functions and operations it can perform, are important to check on as these show how limited or versatile the product is. Generally, electronic units are more complex and come with more features.

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Helpful Tips for Beginners

Using a die-cutting machine seems rather difficult for many people but it’s not that complicated. While the machine is indeed complex, once you master the fundamentals, you are guaranteed to follow through with your projects with success. Let’s go over some advice that you can utilize to make your work getting familiar with the machine simpler so that you can make successful DIY projects in no time.

• Read the manufacturer’s specifications: no matter if you opt for a manual or electric model, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding use. In the user guidebook, there are generally detailed explanations for using these machines, starting with how they function and ending with compatible materials.
• Watch online tutorials: they are quite explanatory, so give them a try. Moreover, the internet is quite an abundant source of inspiration when it comes to DIY arts and crafts projects too, so you can go online for help even after you get a hang of using the machine.
• Go for a manual model: if you are a rookie and you want to take it step-by-step, try a manual machine. As time passes and you start to feel more confident in your skillset, you can opt for an electronic model.

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Simple Project Ideas You Can Do

Here, we will present you with a few of the projects that you can take up with this unit. We picked easy and fun projects that even beginners can successfully follow through with to help you get a hang of the machine.

• Card making: this is a fun activity for adults and children alike. You can make cards for various occasions, like holidays, parties, birthdays, and other special events. A crafting machine aids you create fun and festive cards very quickly, permitting you to use your imagination to surprise your friends and family.
• Scrapbooking: the machine provides you with a much quicker manner to make your scrapbooks, mostly doing the job for you. Just let your creativity flow, decide the theme, photos, and fonts to use for the scrapbook, and make your idea come to life in no time.
• Home decorations: another great idea is to utilize the unit for making works of art to embellish your home. You can use it to make beautiful wall hangings, arrange different photos in a frame, or make fabric flowers and place them in a beautiful vase.

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6 Advantages of Using These Machines

You might be an efficient DIYer who is good at arts and crafts, but you won’t ever be as precise and fast as this machine. If you have any doubt regarding the usefulness of this acquisition, discover the benefits that it provides in the following, and you are guaranteed to appreciate it to the fullest.

• 1. Reliable cutting results: this is one of the main reasons for the machine’s popularity seeing how it offers precision with minimum effort, which is a huge step-up from the botchy job that results from cutting materials with scissors.
• 2. Speed: they can make all sorts of shapes in no time. No matter if you opt for a manual or an electronic unit, you will finish your projects much faster than by using other traditional cutting tools. Simply choose the pattern, insert the material, and press the lever or push the button for the unit to provide the expected outcome almost immediately.
• 3. Less material waste: both manual and electronic models help you better organize the shapes and designs you want to utilize for your projects, thus avoiding material waste. This also means that you will save money because you won’t need to buy different materials every time you start a new project.
• 4. Versatility: as opposed to other cutting methods that require the use of various tools, cutting machines let you make complex projects by using a single machine. Consequently, you can make the shapes you need for home decorations, handmade cards, or other crafts with a single tool.
• 5. Smart investment: if you do crafts daily, this is a smart acquisition. These machines are a real help for jewelry makers, school teachers, or people who are simply passionate about DIY projects.
• 6. Affordability: there are more than enough options available, so there is a machine for each budget possibility. Even some electronic models come at rather cheap prices, so you do not necessarily have to opt for a manual machine if you are on a tight budget.

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Our Rating Criteria

To better understand how we rated and ranked our picks, we will enumerate and explain some of the pivotal aspects that we took into consideration when classifying the products. Read here more about our rating process and learn even more interesting things in the process.

• Type: we are not saying that a certain type is more advanced than another because you canot compare the manual and the electronic models. Manual units utilize separate dies to cut different shapes, and as opposed to most electronic ones, they can also emboss. They are usually less expensive, and since they are hand-operated units, so they don’t necessitate a PC or software to work. On the other hand, the electronic model can offer you more versatility to make complex projects, but the asking price is generally higher too.
• Style: you must know what the machine can do and how you can use it to finish your projects. Electronic models permit you to design your projects with the assistance of an included software or on the computer, scan a certain image and then cut it, or they can even let you draw your favorite designs. Manual machines are simpler to utilize and they are great for cutting, as well as embossing your crafts.
• Material types: all our products can work with a variety of materials, but there are small differences between them. The most commonly used materials are paper, cardstock, fabric, and vinyl, but some models can cut materials like leather, rubber, heat transfer material, wood, and so on.
• Crafts & projects: another important aspect we have considered is their usefulness in putting together a wide range of crafts and projects. Most models we picked can help you create home decorations, scrapbooking, fabric, clothing, cards, and more, while others can be used for sketch designs, etched glass, and so on.
• Features: they represent distinctive characteristics that permit you to do unique designs with ease. Out top picks come with quite an extensive range for this specific reason, offering you precision in your DIY project and ensuring you are not limited in any manner by the tool you utilize.
• Accessories: they play an important role as they can enhance the unit’s versatility in use. Generally, these products include cutting blades, cutting mats, free images, and other handy tools that help you turn all of your ideas into reality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Regardless of the choice you make, whether you opt for one of the manual or electric models that we provided in this article, you won’t be disappointed by your selection as we made sure to select only the best quality die cutting machines available. Before we end, let’s revise some of the standout options from our top once more to give you a better sense of what suits your expectations.

Best Overall: Cricut Explore Air 2

High-end and with a sleek design, it can help you craft wonderful projects, as it can cut through over 100 distinct materials, including cardstock, faux leather, vinyl, specialty papers, and many others. Furthermore, it permits you to design and upload your projects from your laptop, tablet, or phone through a free app that offers you a broad library, containing up to 100,000 fonts, images, and “Make it Now” projects.

It is not only versatile but efficient, and you will be finishing your projects twice faster with this model, therefore it is an excellent choice if you are looking to start a small business in the greeting cards industry.

Editor’s Choice: Gemini Crafter’s Companion

With a peak cutting width of 11”, it comes in handy for any arts and crafts application you have in mind. You can even cut multiple dies simultaneously to save time, which is good news if you earn a living from making decorations, cards, or other similar projects. Aside from cutting, it even embosses, which is not commonly found in all electronic models. This is one of the main reasons why the machine caught our eye, and we are certain that it will serve your needs faultlessly.

Best Die Cutting Machine for Beginners: Sizzix Sidekick

A manual machine like Sizzix Sidekick will offer beginners the perfect features and tools for a progressive learning process, encouraging them to experiment without getting lost in advanced details. It can work with paper and cardstock, so it is ideal for creating greeting cards. Plus, it comes with a vacuum seal that holds it in place, making your work easier.

Best Die Cutting Machine for Leather: Cricut Explore

Leather is a rather special material, and there are not many machines that can handle it. Nevertheless, Cricut Explore is not one of them. With a sturdy design and high-quality accessories, it can effortlessly cut thick materials like leather, poster boards, felt, and canvas. Plus, it is a Cricut model, so it comes with access to the image and project base as well.

Best Die Cutting Machine for Paper: Brother CM350DM ScanNCut2

Paper is a versatile material and can be utilized to craft a multitude of projects but if you wish to take everything to the next level, you will need a high-end machine that incorporates other functions as well, like a scanner and built-in designs. Brother ScanNCut2 CM350DM cuts large areas that can measure up to 12” in width and 24” in length. It provides precise cuts, and the built-in wireless network permits you to easily transfer your design files.

Best for Advanced Crafters: Silhouette Cameo

If you want to open a small business using your skills, then it’s time for Silhouette Cameo. It is sleek and compact, but ready to make the most unimaginable projects your mind can dream about. It is compatible with materials that are up to 12″ wide and 12″ long and can cut through paper, vinyl, fabric, cardstock, and many others. You will also have access to the Silhouette Online Store, which offers to download over 50,000 images, and you can design your projects utilizing the advanced designing tools this model incorporates.