The Craft of Die Cutting
Cutting print into shape
Not everything in print needs to be square or rectangular. That’s where die cutting comes in. It’s the process of cutting paper into custom shapes using a steel die and a traditional press. At its heart, it’s a mix of engineering and artistry. Taking a flat sheet and turning it into something unique, cut cleanly and precisely with pressure and craft.
What die cutting can do
Die cutting opens the door to creative possibilities:Rounded corners on a luxury business card.Shaped wedding invitations that feel different before they’re even read.Window cut-outs in packaging that tease what’s inside.Bespoke presentation folders with pockets and flaps.Clothing swing tags with clean, punched holes and custom shapes that add as much to the brand experience as the garment itself.Each one is produced with consistency, sheet after sheet, using time-honoured techniques on presses that have been running for decades.
Tradition meets creativity
In our Glasgow workshop, die cutting is as much about creativity as it is about practicality. The steel dies are carefully made to the shape you want. Whether that’s as subtle as a curve or as bold as a completely bespoke silhouette. The press then applies even pressure to cut clean through the sheet, leaving crisp, exact edges every time.
There’s something magical about it: a plain sheet of card goes in, and a perfectly formed piece of print comes out. No jagged edges. No shortcuts. Just clean, professional finishing.
Why it matters
Die cutting isn’t just decoration, it’s design. The shape of a piece influences how people interact with it. A circular business card is harder to ignore. A custom-cut invitation feels too good to throw away. Even a simple rounded corner can soften the feel and make a card more inviting.
It’s these details that stick in people’s minds and make your print project stand out.
Bring your ideas to life
Got an idea that needs a custom edge? A bold cut-out? A shape that makes people look twice? That’s where we come in. With traditional presses, decades of experience, and a workshop full of tried-and-tested tools, we’ll help you shape your print into something truly bespoke.
Your idea, our press. Let’s cut it into shape. Get in touch for a chat.
