Recently I was asked what is the difference between framelits and thinlits?  To be honest that never crossed my mind as I just used it interchangeably in my projects.  For me as long as it did it’s job that is to cut my design I didn’t care if I was using one or the other.  It wasn’t until someone asked me on Facebook-Framelit or Thinlit? What is the difference? Did it get me thinking.  So What is the Difference?

Framelits has an open center so you can place them anyplace you want on a stamped image.  You can use two of the same shape in different sizes to make a frame.  The magnetic plate is wonderful when working with these since it will hold the Framelit in one place.  These are very useful and come in a wide variety of shapes.  They are grouped so each is either smaller or larger then the one next to it.

Thinlits are detailed dies.  These have very detailed patterns and usually need to be run through the Big Shot several times.  Often, they are word dies where the letters connect with each other.  It is best to use the Precision Plate with this type of die.  This gives a more precise cut.  The very detailed dies can often be hard to remove the intricate small pieces.  The Precision Plate gives a sharper cut and helps avoid picking out those unwanted little pieces.

Some thinlits such as those for boxes and other 3-D shapes do not need the Precision Plate.  This type of thinlit or framelits may warp if used with the Precision Plate because they are made of a much thinner metal.  Use the Precision Plate only with the heavier, detailed dies.

In some of our Stampin’Up dies, there may be both Thinlits and Framelits in the package so it is important that you know the difference.  You can usually tell by the thickness of the metal.

Both are wonderful and have many uses.  A Big Shot and these dies can take your creativity a step higher.