Tips for Organising and Storing Your Die Collection

Ideas on how to store your Dies

If you're a seasoned craft enthusiast, you've likely acquired quite a collection of cutting dies over time. These dies are essential tools for crafters who love to create intricate shapes, designs, and patterns. However, the challenge often lies in how to store these dies effectively and efficiently, especially when space is limited or organisation becomes a concern.

In this blog post, we'll explore various options for storing your cutting dies and share some helpful tips to keep your collection neat, accessible, and easy to manage.

Storing Cutting Dies: The Basics

Before diving into storage solutions, it's important to understand the types of cutting dies commonly used in crafting:

Steel Rule Dies: Made of steel and are used in manual die-cutting machines. They have sharp edges and can cut through various materials like paper, cardstock, fabric, and more.
Thin Metal Dies: Thinner and are typically used with electronic die-cutting machines like the Cricut or Silhouette. They're often made of thin metal sheets.
Etched Dies: These dies are created through a chemical process and are typically used for embossing or creating intricate designs. They're made from various materials like brass or aluminum.

Storage Options for Cutting Dies

Once you understand the types of dies you have, you can choose a storage solution that best suits your needs:

Magnetic Sheets and Binders: Magnetic sheets are a popular choice for storing thin metal dies. The dies stick to the sheet and can be easily removed when needed. You can store these sheets in a binder or a dedicated storage box. This method is especially useful for small or intricate dies. Tip No. #1
A valuable tip is to avoid overfilling these storage folders. Overloading them could lead to potential damage, such as tears in the handles or detachment of the binder rings. This could compromise the organisation of your dies and create a hassle in the future. Instead, consider getting additional folders or binders to accommodate your growing collection.

Die Storage Boxes: These boxes are designed specifically for storing cutting dies. They often come with magnetic sheets or foam inserts to hold the dies securely. Some boxes also have dividers to organize different shapes and sizes of dies. Usually made of translucent plastic and two sliding latches keep the lid securely shut. The case also easily fits into totes and rolling carts.
Storage Folders:

Plastic storage pockets are perfect for storing dies. Choose from Uniquely Creative, Sizzix or Avery Elle to name a few. All come in various sizes and include a flap that tucks in to keep your stamps and dies secure in the pocket. Some folders come with built-in magnetic sheets and some come without. They are easy to store in containers or in boxes.

Drawer Organisers: If you have a large collection of dies, consider using drawer organizers with dividers. This allows you to keep all your dies in one place while also keeping them organized and easy to find.
Hanging Organizers: For those with limited space, hanging organizers can be a great option. You can hang them on the back of a door or on a wall and store your dies in clear pockets for easy visibility.

Tip No. #2

Designate a dedicated area or box for loose-cutting dies that haven't been put away into their correct folders. This way, you'll prevent them from getting misplaced and ensure that you can sort them into their appropriate folders later on when you have the time.