Create a 3D Flower Clay Cutter in Shapr3D – Full Tutorial + FREE STL

Want to design your own 3D flower clay cutter for polymer clay and print it on your 3D printer? In this tutorial, I show you how to use Shapr3D to create a modern flower-shaped cutter step by step – from the first sketch all the way to a ready-to-print STL file that you can download for free.

This design is perfect as a clay cutter for earrings, pendants, and jewelry sets, and also as a base for your own variations on floral shapes. If you’re just starting with designing tools for polymer clay, this project is a great place to begin.

Watch the tutorial – Create a 3D Flower Clay Cutter in Shapr3D (Full Tutorial + FREE STL)

In this video, you’ll see the entire process of designing a flower cutter in Shapr3D – from the first sketch, through building the 3D model, to exporting the STL file. You’ll also find a link to the FREE STL file under the video:

Why Shapr3D is perfect for designing flower cutters

• iPad + stylus workflow – sketch like on paper, but directly in 3D.
• Precise CAD engine – full control over dimensions: diameter, wall thickness, and cutter height.
• Intuitive sketch tools – easy drawing of petals, rounded shapes, and symmetry-based designs.
• Simple STL export – one tap and your model is ready for Cura, Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, etc.

Shapr3D combines the best of both worlds: natural, freehand sketching and the precision of a true CAD application.

Step-by-step: from flower sketch to finished clay cutter

1. Setting up your document and dimensions

First, we switch units to millimeters and plan the final size of the cutter. For polymer clay jewelry, flower cutters most often have:

• around 15–20 mm in diameter for small elements (studs, accents),
• around 20–30 mm in diameter for classic dangle earrings.

2. Sketching the flower shape

The next step is sketching the petals and the overall flower outline. In the tutorial, I show you how to:

• use Shapr3D’s sketch tools to draw petals,
• leverage symmetry to keep the shape balanced and visually pleasing,
• create a slightly three-dimensional, soft form that looks beautiful in clay.

3. Turning the sketch into a 3D body

Based on the sketch, we create a 3D body – this will become the “frame” of our cutter. Here we define:

• the total height of the cutter (e.g. 10–15 mm),
• wall thickness for strength and durability,
• the proportions between petals and the center of the flower.

4. Designing the cutting edge

The most important element is the sharp but stable cutting edge that will slice through the clay. In Shapr3D we design:

• a lower wall thickness around 0.4–0.6 mm,
• enough cutting height so it slices cleanly through clay (usually 1–2 mm above the surface),
• a smooth transition from the cutting edge to the rest of the body for comfortable use.

5. Adding a handle / top section of the cutter

To make the cutter comfortable to hold and press, the tutorial shows how to:

• add a top ring or frame,
• keep the design light but structurally strong,
• maintain a clean and aesthetic look – it’s a tool, but it will also appear in your product photos.

6. Exporting the model as STL

Finally, the model is exported as an STL file. In short:

• we double-check dimensions,
• export the 3D body,
• prepare it for 3D printing in your slicer of choice.

In the YouTube description you’ll also find a link to the exact same flower cutter STL file, so you can download it and print it right away – even if you’re not fully comfortable with Shapr3D yet.

Free STL file – how you can use it

Under the video, there is a link to the FREE STL. You can:

• download the file and use it in your own studio,
• print the cutter for your clay jewelry projects or to sell finished pieces,
• use the model as a learning base and later create your own flower variations.

Please remember that the STL file is for your own creative use – you can print and use the cutter, but you shouldn’t resell or redistribute the digital file itself.

3D printing tips for the flower clay cutter

• Filament: PLA or PLA+ works great for clay cutters.
• Layer height: 0.16–0.2 mm is a good balance between speed and edge quality.
• Walls/perimeters: at least 2–3 for a strong, durable frame.
• Brim: recommended for small or narrow shapes to prevent warping or detaching.
• Scaling: feel free to scale the model up or down in your slicer depending on your design.

Summary – flower clay cutter in Shapr3D with a free STL

This project brings together everything polymer clay creators love: an elegant flower shape, a comfortable 3D cutter, and a free STL file you can download and print even if you’re just getting started with 3D design.

Watch the tutorial, grab the free model, and print your first flower cutter – then challenge yourself to design your own versions by changing the number of petals, proportions, or overall size. Shapr3D gives you a lot of freedom, and each new project will feel easier than the previous one.