Sizzix Machines Big Shot Starter Kit

Sizzix Machines Big Shot Starter Kit

Described as “The Ultimate Crafters tool” Sizzix Big Shot Machine Starter Kit White & Grey is a cutting and embossing machine. You can use it for cutting your quilt pieces and there are a range of die shapes to choose from as optional extras. It also cuts paper and creates embossing effects. it works with most of the Sizzix products with the exception of Bigz Plus and Bigz Pro dies. My primary interest is in the fabric cutting capabilities of the Sizzix but it can also be used for home decor, scrap-booking,  and card making .

What’s in The Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit?

• One Big Shot machine in powder blue and teal measuring 14 1/4″ x 12 3/8″ x 6 5/8″ inches.
• One pair of Standard Cutting Pads used to make the “sandwich” for the cutting process.
• Onee xtended Multipurpose Platform allowing for larger pieces to be cut.
• One Instruction Booklet.
• One Bigz Die, basic shapes, one of the many Bigz dies available.
• Two medium Sizzlits Dies, butterfly and flowers.
• One Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, dotted lattice.
• One Framelits Seven Die Set, basic shapes.
• Ten Cardstock Samples from Core’dinations.

Do you need The Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit?

If you’re a crafter then I’ve no doubt you save and collect various types of fabric from many places. Curtains, ties, sweaters, dresses etc. all find their way into my fabric stash. I have a rotary cutter and dressmaking scissors but like the idea of the accuracy promised by the Sizzix Big Shot Machine Starter Kit White & Grey

• Cut fabric shapes accurately – my main reason for wanting one.
• Depending on the thickness, shape and fabric type you can cut several layers at once, this will save lots of time!
• Steel precision dies for years of use and no sharpening needed.
• Maximize fabric by aligning to the blades edge.
• Wide range of different shaped dies available.
• It’s portable so you can take it along to friends or groups.
• Cuts designs up to approx 6″ wide and 13″ long.

With a Sizzix Big Shot Big Shot Machine you can have accurately cut squares and in a fraction of the time. There’s a massive range of die shapes to choose from

 

 

How does the Sizzix  work?

 

The Sizzix is a hand operated roller machine which takes your fabric/paper/card through the machine cutting whatever shape you’ve chosen.

 

The video below from Amanda Evans shows her opening the box and takes you step by step as she uses the machine for the first time.

 

This video is taken from the Sizzix official website and shows what the Sizzix can do.

 

 

Other Information

Warranty – 3 year warranty (limited)

Machine Size – 14 1/4″ x 12 3/8″ x 6 5/8″

Construction – Solid core steel rollers, solid steel gears, unibody cast roller housing, plastic ABS exterior

Weight – 7.5 lbs

Cons

I had to search hard to find any negative comments; it gets 4.9 from Amazon reviews. The instructions are poor, people commented that they had to find videos to help them to understand how to set the Sizzix up. Another negative was the residue left from the sticky tape packaging:

“The dies come fixed to the packaging with sticky tape which, unfortunately, does not peel off cleanly. So all the dies that came with this pack (and others I have bought separately) have a sticky residue which is very difficult to clean off, especially if the dies are detailed.”

Building up a collection of Sizzix dies can get expensive with prices ranging from $12 to $60.

Pros

Sizzix Machines Big Shot Starter Kit does what it says, accurately cuts fabric and papers with predefined shapes as well as emboss. Customers have been delighted with their purchase and have used it for both paper and fabric:

“Oh, what joy! My Big Shot was bought for Christmas for me by by my Hubby. I cannot say how thrilled and impressed I am with this simple, but very efficient cutting machine. As I love card making and especially sewing, the machine cuts many materials from fabrics, card, paper and balsa wood, to name a few. I am so impressed with it, I bought one for my Sister as a special treat. If you like card making, or patchwork sewing, this product is a must. There are just so many die and embossing folders to choose from, I can’t wait for pay day to come around after the Christmas spending. I know where a chunk of my wages will be spent this month. Anyone out there that loves their crafting; treat yourself; your worth it, and the Sissex Big Shot is worth every penny. I was lucky as I had the starter kit bought for me, so as soon as I opened the box, I had everything I needed to get going. I have cut out material shapes for a sewing project already on the go and will be using my Big Shot for many more projects in this New Year of crafting fun.”

It comes with everything you need to get started.

Conclusion

The solid construction and the versatility of the Sizzix machine will be perfect for getting accurately cut fabric pieces. It could be used for many things from a small piece of applique to a complex quilt block. If you’re looking for a fabric cutter exclusively for fabric then you might want to look at the Accuquilt Go.

Share your Sizzix stories with me in the comment box below, I’d love to hear them!