Want to know how to use a badge maker? Whether you're planning an event, creating personalised gifts, or just looking for a fun DIY project, learning how to use a badge maker puts you in full control of your designs. Badges - also known as buttons, pins, clips, or brooches - all serve the same purpose: to make a statement.

All you need is your printed artwork, a badge maker, and the right badge parts. It’s a quick, creative process that lets you press your design onto a plastic or metal base in just a few simple steps.

At My Accessories, we love supplying the canvas for your creativity with our bulk blank badges, ready to be customised. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make badges using a badge maker, plus share a few handy tips to get the best results every time. 

What You’ll Need

Before we get to the fun part, let’s go over what you’ll need to get started:

• Machine

• Badge components

• Your artwork

• Cutters

1. Machine

A badge maker lets you create custom badges quickly and easily by pressing your design onto metal or plastic parts. The G Series badge machines are ideal for beginners and pros alike, with options to suit different badge sizes. Choose your machine based on the badge size you want to make, popular sizes include 25mm, 38mm and 59mm. For best results, match your machine with compatible badge components from the same series.

2. Badges

Creating your own badges is easy with our high-quality badge components, designed to work perfectly with G Series badge machines. Available in a range of sizes - from 25mm up to 75mm for round badges, and a popular 79 x 54mm rectangular option - component styles include pin backs and magnets. Different styles are available like pocket mirrors in 59 and 75mm and eco-friendly in 56mm.

If you're using a G Series machine, make sure to choose matching G Series components for a smooth, professional finish. For those using American-style badge makers, we also stock T Series American button badge components, specifically designed to fit US-manufactured machines. 

3. Your Artwork

Before cutting, your badge artwork needs to be created to the correct specifications for the size you’re making. This includes setting up the design with proper bleed and print area to ensure a clean, accurate finish. While the choice of software is up to you, we also offer free design software for our round badge sizes to help you get started quickly and easily.

4. Cutters

Badge cutters make it simple to get perfectly sized designs for your badges every time. Our G Series badge cutters are built to match your badge size exactly, saving you time and avoiding wonky edges. Just align your artwork, press down, and you’re ready to go. They’re a must-have for anyone making badges regularly.

Adjustable, Desktop and Handheld Cutter Instructions

Adjustable Circle Cutter: To set the correct cutting size, insert the Allen key into the blade axis through the hole in the circular frame. Adjust the cutting wheel rod to match the badge diameter using the marked guide, then tighten the Allen key to lock it in place. Select the correct metal cutting circle for the badge size and fix it to the bottom of the circular frame - magnets will hold it securely. 

Important: Always use the right-sized metal circle, as the wrong one can damage the cutting wheel. Place your artwork onto the cutting mat, position the cutter over the artwork, and align the cutting circle with the metal template. Apply minimal pressure to the handle and rotate it 360 degrees to make a clean cut.

Desktop Cutter: Where possible, clamp the desktop cutter securely to your work surface to keep it stable. Cut your printed artwork into strips so it can easily pass through the cutter. Insert a paper strip between the metal plates, then line up the circular design with the metal cutting plate below. Once aligned, push down the handle firmly to complete the cut.

Handheld Cutter: Cut your printed paper into strips so it can pass through the cutter easily. Insert the paper strip between the foam and metal plates. Carefully line up the circular artwork with the metal cutting plate, then squeeze the handles together firmly to complete the cut.

How to Use the G Series Standard Badge Machine

Follow this detailed guide to create high-quality badges using your G Series Standard machine. If you’re in a hurry, scroll down for the quick 6-step summary.

Full Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Artwork

• Create your badge design using any design software.
  

• Make sure you use the correct template for your badge size, including bleed and print-safe zones.
  

• We offer free templates for all round badge sizes to help you get started.
  

2. Cut Your Design to Size

• Use a G Series badge cutter that matches your badge size exactly.
  

• This avoids uneven edges, ensures the correct size of artwork is loaded, and makes loading it into the machine easier.

3. Load the Front Components (Die 1)

Position Die 1 in front of you. Then load the following:

 

Ensure the artwork is centred and flat.

4. Load the Back Components (Die 2)

Rotate the lower plate 180° to bring Die 2 in front. Insert the back component according to the badge type:

5. Press the Front Section

• Pull the handle down until you feel resistance (approx. halfway).
  

• Return the handle to its upright position.

6. Press the Back Section

• Rotate the base again so Die 2 is under the upper die.
  

• Pull the handle fully down until it stops (approx. 90°).
  

• Lift the handle, rotate the base, and remove your finished badge.
  
  

Quick 6-Step Summary

Need extra help? Watch our video tutorial or visit the How to Use the G Series Badge System page for more tips and visual guides.

Badge Ideas for Business Use

Thinking of expanding your services or launching your own badge collection? Here are some creative ways businesses use badges:

• Souvenir Badges: Create personalised keepsakes with photos, artwork, or quotes for weddings, birthdays, or special events.
  

• Branded Business Badges: Add company logos or slogans to support marketing campaigns, gift packs, or team uniforms.
  

• Event and Gig Badges: Sell themed badges at concerts, festivals, and pop-ups, ideal as mementoes or merch.
  

• Awareness and Fundraising Badges: Support charities or causes with custom badge collections that help spread the word.
  

• Retail-Ready Badge Sets: Launch your own badge designs to sell online or in-store as part of a gift or stationery range.

Final Thoughts

Using a badge maker is a fun and rewarding way to bring your creative ideas to life, whether for events, gifts, or branding. With the right machine, quality components, and a bit of practice, you can produce professional-looking badges quickly and easily. Custom badges not only make great personal statements but also serve as powerful marketing tools that boost brand visibility and engagement. 

Remember to match your machine with compatible parts and use proper cutting tools for the best results. Embrace the process, experiment with designs, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting unique badges that truly stand out. At My Accessories, we’re here to support your badge-making journey every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the initial steps to prepare a badge maker for use?

To get started, read the user manual and assemble your badge maker on a stable surface, ensuring all parts are secure. Gather your badge components and have your printed designs cut to size using the template provided. 

How do you maintain and clean a badge maker after use?

After each use, wipe your badge maker with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Avoid using water, but you can occasionally use the silicone spray we provide to keep the mechanism running smoothly - we advise using it sparingly when applying. Check for any loose screws and tighten them if needed. When not in use, store the machine covered in a dry place to protect it from dust and moisture.

What are some creative ideas for items that can be made with a badge maker?

Get creative by making pin badges, magnets, keyrings, or bottle openers. Custom designs are perfect for business branding, events, gifts, or fun party favours featuring your artwork or slogans.

Could you provide troubleshooting tips for common issues with badge makers?

If a badge doesn’t seal or align properly, check paper thickness, part order, and ensure all fittings are secure.

For jams or persistent issues, carefully clear any stuck parts and contact us, our lifetime guarantee means we’re always happy to help!

What type of paper should I use with the badge maker, and can it handle laminated prints or thicker stock?

For best results, we recommend using paper between 120gsm and 200gsm. Most standard photo paper used by photographers works well. For more tips, check out our How to Use the G Series Badge System page.