earn tulip loyalty rewards with every $50 purchase! - host code: BSDUTC3Z

Your MUST-HAVE Guide to the PERFECT Embossing Sandwich

 

I have gotten a number of questions from customers who have struggled with getting their embossing folder sandwich to roll through the Stampin’ Up! Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.  In most cases, the problem was resolved by understanding that there are three different embossing folder types (one retired) of different thicknesses and each has their own sandwich.  The tips below (including two printable “cheat sheets”) should help you get the results you are hoping for!

IDENTIFY YOUR EMBOSSING FOLDER TYPE! There are three types of folders that have been offered by Stampin’ Up!  Their thicknesses vary by design so it is ESSENTIAL to know what type of folder you have so you know what type of sandwich you will need. 

  • TYPE 1: Standard Embossing Folders (Current)
    Approximately 1/16″ Total Thickness

  • TYPE 2: 3D Embossing Folders (Current)
    Approximately 1/8″ Total Thickness

  • TYPE 3: Dynamic Embossing Folders (Retired, June 2019)
    Approximately 3/16″ Total Thickness 
    HOW TO IDENTIFY IT:  It will have both a SIZZIX & Stampin’ Up! Logo 

HOT TIP:  Label or mark your folders so you know which type of embossing folder you are working with! 


BUILDING THE PERFECT SANDWICH:  Each type of embossing folder requires a different sandwich when passing through a die-cutting and embossing machine, including both the NEW Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine and the RETIRED Big Shot.   

  • TYPE 1: STANDARD EMBOSSING FOLDERS
    • NEW Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine Sandwich
      • Top – 3 Cutting Plate
      • Middle – Standard Embossing Folder 1/16″ Thick
      • Middle – 3 Cutting Plate
      • Bottom – 1 Platform
    • RETIRED Big Shot Machine Sandwich
      • Top – Standard Cutting Plate
      • Middle – Standard Embossing Folder 1/16″ Thick
      • Middle – Standard Cutting Plate
      • Bottom – Standard Platform
  • TYPE 2: 3D EMBOSSING FOLDERS
    • NEW Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine Sandwich
      • Top – 4 Specialty Plate
      • Middle – 3D Embossing Folder 1/8″ Thick
      • Bottom -1 Platform
    • RETIRED Big Shot Machine Sandwich
      • Top – 3D Embossing Folder Plate (Blue) or 4 Specialty Plate* 
      • Middle – 3D Embossing Folder 1/8″ Thick
      • Bottom – Standard Platform

–OR–

      • Top – Standard Cutting Plate 
      • Middle – Shim of card stock or similar approx 1/16″ thick
      • Middle – 3D Embossing Folder 1/8″ Thick
      • Bottom – Standard Platform
  • TYPE 3: DYNAMIC (SIZZIX) EMBOSSING FOLDERS
    • NEW Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine Sandwich
      • Top – 3 Cutting Plate
      • Middle – Dynamic Embossing Folder 3/16″ Thick
      • Bottom – 1 Platform
    • RETIRED Big Shot Machine Sandwich
      • Top – Standard Cutting Plate
      • Middle – Dynamic Embossing Folder 3/16″ Thick
      • Bottom – Standard Platform


SPECIALTY PLATE 4 MAKES IT EASY!

The new Specialty Plate* (Item 154711) makes your sandwich for 3D folders a cinch!  All you need is the Base Plate and Specialty Plate to get the proper sandwich every time. 


CHECK THE LIST! Is it a 3D or Dynamic Embossing Folder?

NOTE: The embossing folders listed below were released as both a Dynamic Folder & a 3D Folder.  You can measure the thickness or check for the logos to determine which embossing folder type you have.  

3D: Stampin’ Up! Logo ONLY

DYNAMIC: BOTH  Sizzix and Stampin’ Up! Logos

Basket Weave 3D Embossing Folder – 151797
 
Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder – 151811
 
Country Floral 3D Embossing Folder – 151823
 
Lace 3D Embossing Folder – 151815
 
Layered Leaves 3D Embossing Folder – 152321

 
Pinewood Planks 3D Embossing Folder – 152320
 
Seasonal Wreath 3D Embossing Folder – 151796
 
Subtle 3D Embossing Folder – 151775 
 
Tin Tile 3D Embossing Folder – 151801
 
Tufted 3D Embossing Folder – 151785

I love hearing from you!  Please leave me your questions or comments about the project for today.

If you enjoyed this post, please be sure to . . . 




My project supply list. Click products to shop on-line!

30 thoughts on “Your MUST-HAVE Guide to the PERFECT Embossing Sandwich”

  1. Hi, thanks for useful info. However, I, like many out there, still have a Bigshot and we won’t be ditching our lovely folders or getting a new machine just yet. I have read about a blue mat, never had one, the Dynamic folders went through the BS no problem with adjustment of regular plates, but now I am having difficulties trying to work out a sandwich for the new type in the BS. Can you suggest something? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Silly me – I missed the explanation re the BS! Will pay more attention to instructions next time! Though I never needed the blue specialty plate before…..

      Reply
  2. mary – your tutorials are the BEST!!! i loved this one in particular as i spend way too much time otherwise looking up which sandwich to use w my embossing folders. these two printouts simplify the process greatly and are MUCH appreciated. what an organized mind you have !!!!

    Reply
  3. Thank you so much, Mary, for the helpful hints on the different types of embossing folders. So nice to be able to print out the sheet on the sandwich, too. As always, you are a “peach” of a demonstrator.

    Reply
  4. Mary, thank you for your wonderful tutorial on embossing! Just what I needed. I printed out your tutorial for reference.

    Reply
  5. Mary, Thank you so much for the awesome tutorial.

    This is going to help me so much. I have all my EF labeled with their names. All I will need to do is add what type of EF they are.

    I battle most every time trying to get the right fit for embossing.

    I do have a question I am still using my big shot. Will these instructions also be the same for the Big Shot?

    Reply
  6. Very, very helpful! I have all my embossing folders from the beginning and was concerned about telling the new 3-D folders from the original 3-D folders. Now I won’t be nervous about breaking my new machine.

    Reply
  7. You never disappoint! Thank you so much for collating and publishing such valuable info. A time saver for us all. You are THE BEST!

    Reply
  8. Today’s information was very helpful to me. I enjoyed your newsletter very much and look forward every morning to see what’s new!

    Reply
  9. I am a demonstrator who loves your layouts and saves many of your card design ideas because I like the simple but elegant style. I just want to say that your tutorial on embossing sandwiches is going to save me SO much frustration. Thanks for all your helpful tips – just can’t say it enough!

    Reply
  10. Thank you so much for this post! I had figured out a bit of this but not without some frustration.
    You are the best!!

    Reply
  11. Oh So HELPFUL my friend. This is one valuable tool to have on hand for my cut & embossing machine.

    Reply
  12. Thanks for this information. It’s helpful. Do you know if you can use the Gemini junior for embossing the 3 d folders and if so what the sandwich would be. I tried it but it got stuck and I’m afraid to try again. Thanks.

    Reply
  13. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I struggle with this every time I use embossing folders. I also appreciated your tutorial on the envelope liners. I have that die but have yet to do one that worked.

    Reply
  14. Finally, a guide to embossing all in one place. This is such a help with all the different folders. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for sharing this information. It is a great tutorial for “old” demos and especially for our newest purchasers of the new Cut & Emboss Machine. A great resource!

      Reply
  15. Thank you so much for taking the time to collate this valuable information. I have 2 Big shot machines and just can’t warrant purchasing another whilst these two are functioning and working well.
    With your table I should be able to continue using these for a while longer, and when they give up the ghost I can purchase a SU one without feeling guilty.
    Thanks once again
    Kind regards

    Reply
  16. This list is very helpful. A customer asked me about this recently as she was having trouble getting her sandwich just right. I’ll definitely share this with her. Enjoy your day!

    Reply
  17. Tried my new machine for the first time using dies. I found the machine was much harder to guide them through than my Big Shot machine. I hope it is just because it is new. Otherwise I like it.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Subscribe to my daily email & BE FIRST to receive my simple card ideas, FREE tutorials, sweet Stampin’ Up! deals & new product drops!  

Mary Fish Portrait Photo

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mary Fish, Stampin’ Pretty, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The content in this blog is the sole responsibility of Mary Fish as an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and the use of and content of classes, services or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin' Up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have an “affiliate link” with Stamp-n-Storage, craft storage solutions.  This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BE FIRST!

Receive a FREE Step-by-Step Card Tutorial when you subscribe to my daily blog emails and be first to receive:

✓ My simple card ideas
✓ FREE step-by-step tutorials
✓ Sweet Stampin’ Up! deals!
✓ New product drops!

No, thanks! (click to close)