Hello friends! I’ve got the ultimate big shot sandwich guide for embossing folders to share with you. I’m asked all the time what embossing plates to use with which type of folder so let’s clear up all the confusion!
I have a lot to share with you today so make sure you watch the entire video. The card is a great way to use up all those scraps of card stock you have sitting around. And I will be sharing all the tips you need for using the Big Shot and the different types of embossing folders.

There are 3 main types of Embossing Folders that Stampin’ Up! now carries, or used to carry. And each requires a different “sandwich” when using the Big Shot machine. I am often asked about this, so I thought I would bring all the information into a video for you.
But it would be boring to just talk about the Big Shot, so I have a fun card to also make that uses up scraps of card stock!
Let’s begin with the video, then make sure you come back here for the card recipe as well as the information for the different types of Embossing Folders.
Big Shot Sandwich Guide & Tips For Using Embossing Folders
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Was this big shot sandwich guide helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
First, The Card Recipe

I know you all love when I give you all the cutting dimensions, so, here you go….
- Whisper White: 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
- Whisper White: (2) pieces 5 1/4″ x 4″. (one was used to adhere the green strips)
- Strips of different “greens”: 1/2″ wide
Now Let’s Talk Big Shot Sandwich Guide & Differences in Folders
I know many of you have the Big Shot, so I thought I would take today to really go through all the different types of Embossing Folders and how to make your “sandwich” in the Big Shot machine. There are 3 different types of Embossing Folders that you may have.
3D Embossing Folders
The majority of the folders that Stampin’ Up! now sells are the 3D ones. These replaced the Dynamic Embossing Folders from a couple of years ago, so you may have both types.

When using the 3D folders in your Big Shot, your sandwich should be:
- Big Shot Platform
- 3D Embossing Folder with Card Stock inside
- 3D Embossing Folder Plate (blue plate)
The blue 3D Embossing Folder Plate is just a little bit thicker than the clear plates and is needed to get enough thickness. If you don’t have it, you will need to use several extra sheets or cardstock or something else as a “shim” to get the thickness.
SPECIAL NOTE: Since writing this blog post, the 3D Embossing Folder (blue plate) as been sold out. Stampin’ Up! now carries the SPECIALTY PLATE that is for the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine but will also work in the Big Shot with the 3D Embossing Folders. You can view it HERE.
Other options, if you don’t have the blue plate or the specialty plate, are making a shim to build up some thickness:
- Several sheets of scrap cardstock–just cut to the size of the plate and layer on top of the car plate. You will have to play around as to how many sheets you need
- The backing paper in your DSP packages works great–again, play around to get the correct thickness
- The Silicone Craft Mat works great
Basically, you just need to get a little more thickness in order to get a good impression.
Dynamic Embossing Folders
Stampin’ Up! no longer sells these, but I am sure many of you have them. These were the first “thicker” ones that Stampin’ Up! started to carry.

When using the Dynamic folders in your Big Shot, your sandwich should be:
- Big Shot Platform
- Dynamic Embossing Folder with Card Stock inside
- Clear Cutting Plate (just 1)
Standard Embossing Folders
These are the thinnest of all embossing folders. These have been around for a long time and for many years, these were the only type.

When using the standard folders in your Big Shot, your sandwich should be:
- Big Shot Platform
- Clear Cutting Plate
- Embossing Folder with Card Stock inside
- Clear Cutting Plate
I hope you found this information helpful. I use a lot of embossing folders, I love how they add texture so easily to your cards!
I’d Love to Hear From You
Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed the information about embossing folders. As always, if you have questions or if I can help you with anything, just leave me a comment. Or, if you just want to let me know what you think of the projects today I love to hear from my readers!
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thanks for the info, I need to mark my folders from now on.
It really is a big help!
thank you for this info!
You’re welcome!
You know, there is always something to learn…I don’t have the Big Shot, and was going to skip this video, but I learned a lot about using scraps and the cute daisy punch to make a cute card! Thanks!
I’m glad this was helpful to you Susan!
Yes, I would enjoy the new Stampin Up catalog! Thank you.
To get your catalog click here
Have you considered giving your scraps to the local school art department or a day care center? My school loves getting them. A children’s department at a local church is another option thanks for your videos .
Thanks Judy!
Love the tutorials! Thank you!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the embossing folder sandwich information!!! Extremely helpful!!! I’m saving it on my Pinterest craft board. ?
I’m so glad that was helpful Nancy!
Just wanted to say a big Thank You for your tutorials, I am new to card making and my demonstrator is a friend who doesn’t do videos.
She does a monthly class at her house but with the pandemic that was out so I went to you tube for inspirations and knowledge.
Your videos are so easy to follow and I have learned so much. Thank you again.
Is it OK to split orders between you and her, I would like to support you both as best as I can.
Blessings,
Sally
I’m glad you are here watching and learning. Yes, you can split orders.
Love the card & information.
Thanks!
Have a stamp happy day!
I love this card and I recently received the set of punches and stamps so I can make this! Thank you for the information!
Enjoy your time crafting!
Thank you Jackie, This information is very helpful.
I greatly enjoyed the online stamping retreat and am
eagerly looking forward to the one in July.
I can’t wait until July! It’s gonna be so fun!!
Great explanation! Sure would love to have this in a pdf format that I could keep close to my Big Shot!
I’m glad that this was helpful to you Barbara!
Awesome yes I’m someone that really need this information.
Thank you and thank you for all the information you provide for us
You’re welcome! Have a lovely weekend!
Thank you Jackie,
I never remember which plates to use. You have made it easy. I am coping your directions and keeping them handy. Your card Idea is a great way to use up my scraps also.
I’m so glad that this is helpful to you Pat! Thanks for watching!!
Thanks so very much for sharing this awesome video and information with us! I am always trying to find the right recipe for each different embossing folders! You rocked this one!
This tutorial should help you a lot Cherie! Have a stamp happy day!
Thanks for the great tips for embossing folders.. loved the daisy card you made use offcuts for part of the background.. sure looked nice when it was finished…
Thanks! I’m glad that you liked that!
Love the card you created today! Thanks for sharing & for the embossing folder tips. I feel like I’m finally understanding. ?
Oh, I’m soooo glad this post was helpful to you! Have a stamp happy day!
Thank you for your enlightening information about embossing sandwiches. I have copied & printed this and is placed with my Big Shot! Thank you also for your great videos.
Great idea to copy and paste this where you can see it often. Thanks for watching!
Thank you-your video with tips to use the Dynamic EF was very helpful-clear and easy instructions.
I’m glad that tip was helpful for you Vicki. Thanks for watching!
Hi, Can I use Creative Expressions 3D embossing folders with my Stizzix Big Shot Plus and what would my sandwich be? Thanks
You should be able to use that folder but I don’t have that machine so I am unable to tell you the exact sandwich. You’ll have to experiment with the folders and plates for your machine to figure out what works for your machine.
Thank you so much for this. I’m behind the times so this was super helpful x
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for the information. I struggled. But now feel confident. You gave great directions. I really appreciate it
I’m so glad this is helpful to you. You can do it!!!
I’m new to embossing, I got a Big Shot Plus for Christmas….I bought several small embossing folders to play around with, so I have been making sandwiches and putting them through the Big Shot….I do have a question, does it matter which way to feed the sandwich through the Big Shot? Sometimes the sandwich is so hard to get started and I’m afraid I’ll break something !
It’s best to put the folded edge through first, and to also make sure you have what SU! says is the ‘correct’ sandwich. I hope this helps! The machine is very tough, and sometimes hard to break in, you’re not going to break it!
It’s nice to have someone explain how to use the tools .. my demonstrator never did..
When she held card classes.. she was too busy talking and not helping the new people.. People started relying on me to help them. I quit.
I’m so glad you find it helpful!