Why Most Makers Get Stuck Before They Even Start
You’ve got a design in your head. A perfect little leaf shape, a geometric drop, a flower with just the right petal curve. But turning that idea into a clay cutter? Most tutorials send you to Fusion 360, TinkerCAD, or some other software that takes weeks to learn before you make a single useful shape.
There’s a better way. This guide shows you how to design and export a custom clay cutter — start to finish — in under five minutes, no CAD skills required.
What You’ll Need
- A browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari — anything works)
- A 3D printer, or access to a local print service like Treatstock or a local makerspace
- Your choice of filament — more on that below
No software to install, no account required to start designing.
Step 1: Open CutClay Studio
Head to cutclay.com/studio and the generator loads directly in your browser. You’ll see a 3D preview panel on the right and a shape browser on the left.
Works offline too. Once CutClay Studio has loaded once, it works without internet — great for designing at markets or on your phone without Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Pick Your Base Shape
Browse the shape library and click any shape to load it into the 3D preview. There are a growing library of shapes organized by category: botanicals, geometrics, celestials, animals, food, letters, and more.
For earring makers, the most popular starting points are organic teardrops and leaf shapes, simple geometric drops, and florals. For cookie cutters, seasonal shapes and letter sets are consistently the top sellers.
Step 3: Customize the Parameters
Every shape has adjustable parameters:
- Size — set exact dimensions in millimeters. Earring cutters typically 30–50mm, cookie cutters 60–100mm.
- Wall thickness — thicker walls (2–2.5mm) are more durable. Thinner (1.5mm) gives sharper cuts but can be fragile.
- Cutter height — 14mm is the standard for most clay work. Go taller for cookie dough.
- Post hole (earring mode) — adds a small hole at the top for your jump ring.
Pro tip: wall thickness. When in doubt, go 2mm. It’s the sweet spot between sharp cuts and durability. You can always reprint thinner once you know the design works.
Step 4: Check the Preview
Rotate the 3D model by clicking and dragging. Check proportions, post hole position, and wall consistency. If anything looks off, adjust the sliders and preview again in seconds.
Step 5: Export Your STL File
Click Export STL. Sign in with Google or Apple — free, one click. Your STL file downloads instantly and opens directly in PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, or Cura.
Step 6: Print It
- Orientation: cutting edge up, flat base on the build plate
- Layer height: 0.15–0.2mm
- Infill: 20–30%
- Supports: not needed for standard shapes
Best filament for clay cutters: PETG. Food-safe, heat-resistant, durable. PLA is fine for test prints. Avoid ABS.
Step 7: Test Your Cutter on Clay
Let the print cool fully. Condition your clay, roll it to 2–3mm, press the cutter straight down with even pressure, lift cleanly.
First print not perfect? Adjust wall thickness up by 0.2–0.3mm if flimsy, or increase cutter height if it doesn’t cut all the way through.
From Design to Clay in Under an Hour
Design in your browser, print on your machine, cut your clay. No CAD course, no expensive subscription, no waiting on Etsy. The first time takes a bit longer to get familiar. By the third cutter, you’re moving from idea to STL in under two minutes.
Ready to make your first cutter?
A growing shape library. Free STL export. No CAD required.
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