Yes, you can use cookie cutters with polymer clay. They’re an easy way to create neat and repeatable shapes for ornaments, jewellery, gift tags and other flat clay projects.
Both metal and firm plastic cutters can work. Smooth cutters with a reasonably sharp edge usually create cleaner shapes than thick or blunt cutters. For a first project, choose a simple shape without narrow points or intricate details.
What Kind of Cookie Cutters Work Best?
Metal cookie cutters are often a practical choice because they’re firm and usually have a relatively thin cutting edge. Firm plastic cutters can also work well, especially for larger and simpler shapes.
Look for a cutter that’s:
- Clean and smooth
- Firm enough not to bend
- Sharp enough to cut without crushing the clay
- Easy to lift away from the finished shape
Simple cutter designs like circles, stars and hearts are generally easier to use cutters with narrow corners or delicate projections.
Detailed shapes can still work as well, but they may be harder to release from the clay as cleanly. Thin sections can be vulnerable to breaking after the clay has baked.
How Do You Cut Polymer Clay Cleanly?
The condition and thickness of the clay can affect how clearly the cutter works.
Condition the Clay
Work the polymer clay until it feels smooth, flexible and easy to shape.
Clay that’s stiff or crumbly may crack around the edges when it’s cut. Clay that has become very warm and soft may stretch or stick to the cutter.
Roll the Clay Evenly
Place the conditioned clay on a clean, smooth work surface and roll it to an even thickness.
An uneven sheet can produce a distorted shape or create weak areas in the finished piece. Thickness guides can help, but two objects of equal depth placed on either side of the clay can also make rolling more consistent.
Press the Cutter Down Evenly
Position the cutter on the clay and press it down firmly and evenly.
Try to keep the cutter level. Excessive twisting or sideways movement may distort very soft clay, particularly around detailed edges.
Lift the Cutter Carefully
Lift the cutter upwards rather than dragging it across the surface.
Remove the surrounding excess clay before moving the cut shape. This can make it easier to preserve the outline without stretching it.
Small imperfections can usually be smoothed gently before you bake your clay.
How Do You Stop Polymer Clay Sticking to Cookie Cutters?
Polymer clay may stick to the cutter if it’s very soft, warm or pressed into an intricate shape.
Several methods may help.
Clean the Cutter
Old clay residue can make sticking worse and may leave marks on the next piece.
Clean the cutter before use and make sure the edge is free from dried clay or other debris.
Cool Very Soft Clay Briefly
If the clay has become warm and difficult to handle, place it somewhere cool for a few minutes before cutting it.
The aim is to make it slightly firmer, not hard or brittle.
Use Plastic Film
Place a piece of thin plastic film over the clay before pressing down your cutter.
This can make the clay easier to release and creates a softer, slightly rounded edge rather than a very sharp cut.
Try a Light Release Material
A very light dusting of cornflour or a small amount of water can help to prevent sticking.
Use as little as possible and test the method on spare clay first. Too much release material may affect the surface of the clay or make it more difficult to add details.
Should You Use Separate Cutters for Polymer Clay?
It’s sensible to keep cookie cutters used with polymer clay separate from ones you use for food prep!
Once a cutter becomes a part of your craft kit, store it with your clay tools rather than just putting it back in the kitchen.
You don’t need to buy an expensive specialist set. An inexpensive group of metal or firm plastic cutters can be enough for many beginner polymer clay projects.
Can You Use Cookie Cutters for Polymer Clay Ornaments?
Cookie cutters work particularly well for flat polymer clay ornaments.
After cutting the shape, you can add:
- A name or date
- Stamped lettering
- Pressed textures
- Carved patterns
- Small clay decorations
- A hole for ribbon or cord
Make the hanging hole before baking. Position it far enough from the edge that a very thin strip of clay is not left above it.
Simple shapes are usually the easiest choice for a first ornament because they’re less likely to stretch during cutting or break around narrow details.
Can You Use Cookie Cutters for Polymer Clay Jewellery?
Small cutters can also be used to create items like earrings, pendants and other jewellery components.
Roll the clay evenly so that matching pieces have a similar thickness. Make any required holes before baking unless you intend to drill the finished clay afterwards.
Very large or thick pieces may get heavy, while shapes with thin projections can be too fragile. Simple, compact designs are often the easiest starting point.
Should You Leave the Cutter on While Baking?
The cutter should normally be removed after the shape has been cut.
Transfer the clay carefully to a suitable baking surface and cure it according to the instructions provided with the polymer clay.
Baking temperatures and times can vary between products, so follow the packaging for the specific clay you are using rather than relying on one universal setting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a Thick or Blunt Cutter
A blunt edge may squash down the clay rather than producing a clean outline.
Working With Clay That Is Too Soft
Very warm clay can stretch, stick to the cutter and lose its shape.
Twisting the Cutter Excessively
Twisting may distort the edges, particularly with soft clay or detailed shapes.
Moving the Shape Too Soon
Remove the excess clay first and move the cut shape carefully to avoid stretching it.
Choosing an Overly Detailed First Design
Intricate shapes can be difficult to release and may contain fragile points or narrow sections.
Using the Cutter Again For Food Preparation
Keep cutters used for polymer clay as dedicated, separate craft tools to avoid contamination with food.
Final Thoughts
Cookie cutters are a simple and inexpensive way to create consistent polymer clay shapes. Both metal and firm plastic cutters can work, although smooth cutters with a relatively sharp edge usually give you the cleanest result.
For a first project, condition the clay properly, roll it evenly and choose a straightforward shape. Press the cutter down carefully, lift it without dragging and keep your clay cutters separate from your baking tools!