For a complete starter set with a trusted brand, the Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit bundles 73 Thinlits dies, an embossing folder, and cardstock. If you want a wider 9 inch opening for larger projects, the CraftGenes 9 Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine and Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine fit A4 paper and bigger dies. The main tradeoff is opening width versus included accessories and price.
Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit
Best for: Crafters who want a complete die and embossing starter set from a trusted brand.
- Includes 73 Thinlits dies, a 3D embossing folder, and textured cardstock in assorted colors.
- Clip on handle stores underneath the machine to save space when not in use.
- 6 inch opening handles cardmaking, scrapbooking, larger papercraft, and home décor projects.
Keep in mind: Opening is 6 inches, so it may not fit larger A4 dies or folders.
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CraftGenes 9 Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
Best for: Crafters who need a 9 inch opening for A4 paper and larger dies.
- 9 inch opening accepts A4 paper and larger projects like cards, journals, and seasonal crafts.
- Foldable side panels reduce space usage and make the machine compact for small workspaces.
- Hand crank requires no electricity and provides consistent pressure for clean cuts and embossing.
Keep in mind: Listing does not state included dies or folders, so check what comes in the box.
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Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine
Best for: Beginners who want a 9 inch machine with a full starter set of dies and folders.
- 9 inch opening fits most embossing folders and die cuts on the market.
- Includes 20+ steel dies, embossing folders, and cutting pads for immediate crafting.
- Foldable, portable design with manual hand crank needs no batteries or electricity.
Keep in mind: Listing does not state specific materials or dimensions beyond the 9 inch opening.
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Genron Craft Manual Die Cutting Machine
Best for: Card makers who want built in storage and a basic starter kit in one machine.
- Includes an embossing folder, cutting dies set, cardstock, and clear stamps for first projects.
- Foldable handle and built in storage compartment keep small accessories organized.
- 6 inch opening suits standard cardmaking and scrapbooking sizes.
Keep in mind: Opening is 6 inches, so larger A4 dies may not fit.
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Find Scrapblooms 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit
Best for: Budget conscious beginners who want a portable, no electricity machine for A5 paper.
- 6 inch opening accommodates A5 sized paper and most standard dies and embossing folders.
- Carbon steel inner construction offers longer life than many other machines.
- Includes plates for embossing and die cutting with a simple stacking method.
Keep in mind: Listing does not state included dies or folders, so verify what comes with the kit.
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BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
Best for: Crafters who need an ultraportable machine for small cuts and embossing on the go.
- Compact size at 160 x 95 x 75 mm with plastic plates 158 x 76 mm.
- Cuts and embosses tissue paper, foils, acetate ribbon, thin leather, and more.
- Built in suction system keeps the machine sturdy and durable during use.
Keep in mind: Very small plate size limits projects to small dies and narrow materials.
Check price on Amazon ↗Product names and images come from the Amazon listings and are rechecked against them (last checked Nov 8, 2026). The highlights restate each listing's own bullet points as published on Nov 8, 2026. Prices change often, so we do not show them. These are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Opening Width Decides Your Project Size
The first number to check on any die cutting machine listing is the opening width. It sets the maximum width of paper, dies, and embossing folders you can feed through. The six picks here split into two groups: 6 inch and 9 inch openings.
A 6 inch opening works for standard cardmaking and scrapbooking sizes. The Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit, Find Scrapblooms 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit, and Genron Craft Manual Die Cutting Machine all have a 6 inch opening. The Find Scrapblooms model specifically states it accommodates A5 sized paper, which is roughly 5.8 x 8.3 inches, so it fits smaller projects comfortably.
A 9 inch opening gives you room for A4 paper, which is 8.3 x 11.7 inches, and larger dies. The CraftGenes 9 Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine and Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine both list a 9 inch opening. The CraftGenes model explicitly says it is designed for A4 paper and larger, while the Joelver Maker says its 9 inch slot fits most embossing folders and die cuts on the market.
The BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing Machine is an outlier. Its plate size is only 158 x 76 mm, about 6.2 x 3 inches, which is much narrower than the others. That makes it useful for small die cuts, tags, or embellishments but not for full card fronts or scrapbook pages.
- 6 inch opening: Sizzix Big Shot, Find Scrapblooms, Genron Craft
- 9 inch opening: CraftGenes, Joelver Maker
- Small plate 158 x 76 mm: BAOFALI Mini
What Comes in the Box Changes Your First Project
Some of these machines are sold as starter kits with dies, embossing folders, and paper included. That can save you money and time if you are new to die cutting. The Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit is the most generous here. Its listing states it includes 73 Thinlits dies, one 3D embossing folder, and one pack of textured and opulent cardstock in assorted colors.
The Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine also comes with a full scrapbooking set: 20+ professional quality steel dies, embossing folders, and cutting pads. The Genron Craft Manual Die Cutting Machine includes a standard embossing folder, cutting dies set, one pack of cardstock, and one set of clear stamps. These three are ready to use out of the box for basic card and scrapbook projects.
The CraftGenes 9 Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine and Find Scrapblooms 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit do not clearly state included dies or folders in their listings. The CraftGenes listing mentions A4 plates, dies, and folders in the title, but the feature list only describes plates and operation steps. The Find Scrapblooms listing describes the plate stacking method but does not list specific dies or folders. If you choose one of these, confirm what is in the box before buying.
The BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing Machine lists no included dies or folders. Its listing focuses on the machine and plastic plates. You would need to buy dies and embossing folders separately, and they must fit the small plate size.
- Starter kits with dies and folders: Sizzix Big Shot, Joelver Maker, Genron Craft
- May not include dies or folders: CraftGenes, Find Scrapblooms
- No dies or folders listed: BAOFALI Mini
Storage and Portability for Small Craft Spaces
Manual die cutting machines are often used in shared rooms, craft corners, or taken to crops and classes. Several of these picks address that with foldable or removable parts. The Sizzix Big Shot has a clip on handle that stores underneath the machine when not in use. That keeps the footprint smaller on a shelf or desk.
The CraftGenes machine has foldable side panels that reduce space usage when not in use. The Genron Craft machine also has a foldable handle and adds a built in storage compartment under the platform cover. That compartment can hold frequently used dies, mini embossing folders, tweezers, and paper scraps.
The Find Scrapblooms machine is described as portable and usable outside with no electricity. Its handle design and 12.2 x 12.2 x 6.7 inch size make it easy to move. The Joelver Maker has a foldable and portable design with a manual hand crank, so it needs no batteries or electricity.
The BAOFALI Mini is the most portable by size. At 160 x 95 x 75 mm, it is small enough to fit in a tote bag. Its listing says it is easy to carry and does not take up space, designed for manual use.
- Clip on handle stored underneath: Sizzix Big Shot
- Foldable side panels: CraftGenes
- Foldable handle and built in storage: Genron Craft
- Portable and no electricity: Find Scrapblooms, Joelver Maker
- Ultracompact: BAOFALI Mini
Comparing the Six Listings on Stated Features
The table below puts the key stated features side by side. Opening width, included accessories, storage or portability features, and construction material are taken directly from each listing. Where a listing does not state a feature, it is marked as Not listed.
This makes it easier to see which machine matches your project size and whether you need to buy extra dies or folders. Note that plate thickness and specific materials vary, so read the operation steps in each listing before your first cut.
| Machine | Opening Width | Included Dies and Folders | Storage or Portability | Construction Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit | 6 inches | 73 Thinlits dies, 1 3D embossing folder, cardstock | Clip on handle stored underneath | Not listed |
| CraftGenes 9 Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine | 9 inches | Not listed | Foldable side panels | ABS material |
| Joelver Maker Manual Die Cutting Machine | 9 inches | 20+ steel dies, embossing folders, cutting pads | Foldable and portable | Steel construction |
| Genron Craft Manual Die Cutting Machine | 6 inches | Embossing folder, cutting dies set, cardstock, clear stamps | Foldable handle, built in storage compartment | Not listed |
| Find Scrapblooms 6 Inch Manual Die Cutting Machine Kit | 6 inches | Not listed | Portable, handle design | Carbon steel inner construction |
| BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting and Embossing Machine | Plate 158 x 76 mm | Not listed | Easy to carry, compact | High quality materials, sturdy |
What to Confirm on a Listing Before You Buy
Beyond the opening width, check the exact plate stack for embossing and die cutting. Each machine uses a slightly different combination of plates. The Find Scrapblooms listing gives a specific stack: for embossing, one 13mm plate plus two 3mm PC plates and an embossing folder; for die cutting, one 13mm plate, one 5mm PC plate, paper, die, and one 3mm PC plate. The CraftGenes listing has a similar but different stack, including a note to put the embossing folder back 1 cm.
If you already own dies or embossing folders, confirm compatibility. Most 6 inch machines work with standard thin dies and embossing folders, but the BAOFALI Mini has a much smaller plate. Its listing says it works with any dies, embossing folders, texture plates, and contour steel rule dies, but the physical size limits what fits.
Also check the included accessories list carefully. Some listings mention dies and folders in the title but not in the feature list, as with the CraftGenes machine. If the listing does not clearly state included items, ask the seller or choose a kit like the Sizzix Big Shot that spells out exactly what is in the box.
Finally, look at the handle and storage design if you have limited space. Foldable handles, clip on handles, and built in compartments can make a big difference in a small craft area. The Genron Craft machine is the only one here with a built in storage compartment, which may appeal if you want to keep accessories with the machine.
Who Should Skip These Picks
All six machines are manual die cutters. If you have limited hand strength or plan to cut many pieces in one sitting, a manual crank may become tiring. An electric die cutting machine would be a better fit, though it costs more and takes up more space. The selection guide linked below explains when a card focused cutter is not enough for a home business.
If you primarily cut fabric, felt, or thick materials like chipboard, check the maximum material thickness for each machine. The listings here mostly mention paper, cardstock, thin leather, and similar materials. The BAOFALI listing says it cuts tissue paper, foils, acetate ribbon, and thin leather, but none of these machines are described as heavy duty fabric cutters.
Crafters who need to cut very large formats, such as 12 x 12 inch scrapbook pages in one pass, should look for a machine with a wider opening than 9 inches. The 9 inch machines here can handle A4 but not 12 inch paper without rotating or trimming.
If you want a machine that also scores, draws, or cuts without a physical die, these manual machines are not for you. They require separate dies or embossing folders for every shape. A digital cutting machine with software would be a different category entirely. For help choosing between a card die cutter and a home business machine, see A Die Cutter for Cards Is Not the One for a Home Business.
Questions to Ask Before You Pick a Machine
What is the difference between a 6 inch and 9 inch die cutting machine?
The opening width determines the maximum width of paper or dies you can use. A 6 inch machine fits A5 paper and most standard card sizes, while a 9 inch machine fits A4 paper and larger dies. Choose based on the largest project you plan to make.
Do I need to buy separate dies and embossing folders?
Some machines come as starter kits with dies and folders included, like the Sizzix Big Shot and Joelver Maker. Others may only include the machine and plates. Check the listing's included items to see if you need to buy accessories separately.
Are manual die cutting machines hard to use?
Manual machines use a hand crank and a stack of plates to press dies or embossing folders into paper. Each listing gives a specific plate order, and once you learn it, the process is repeatable. They require some hand strength but no electricity.
Which Machine Fits Your Project and Space
A card maker building a first supply of dies and folders should get the Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit. The 73 Thinlits dies and embossing folder cover many card designs, and the clip on handle keeps a craft desk tidy. A scrapbooker who wants to cut A4 backgrounds without trimming should choose the CraftGenes 9 Inch Die Cutting and Embossing Machine for its wider opening and foldable side panels. Both are manual, so expect to turn a crank for every cut.
About this guide. These picks were chosen by comparing the listing details for opening width, included accessories, storage features, and construction materials across six different manual die cutting machines. The shortlist includes a range of sizes from a mini plate model to 9 inch machines, but no units were handled or used by us. The comparison is based only on the text provided in each listing, not on in person experience.