Quick Clips
Use a simple 2D sketch to 3D model workflow to design and print useful clip accessories — cable tidies, bag holders, filament clips, and beyond.
In this project, you'll use a simple 2D sketch to 3D model workflow to create a range of useful clip accessories. You'll begin by following instructions and tutorials to design either a cable tidy, a bag holder, or a filament clip before making your own unique clip accessory.
The 2D to 3D workflow is a great way to introduce complete beginners to 3D printing, but it is also a very useful technique for any designer wishing to quickly turn their ideas into physical objects.
Did you know that you can turn 2D sketches into 3D models within a matter of minutes? Whether it's for making quick prototypes or functional parts, this efficient workflow can be a great addition to your creative arsenal. In this resource, you will learn how to make a range of clip accessories, including a cable tidy, a bag holder, and a filament clip.
Before you begin, let's take a look at the workflow. The process begins by measuring the thickness of the object that your clip will attach to — this might be a table, a phone, a piece of clothing, amongst many other objects. You can then faintly draw a reference image of the object to its real-life dimensions. Using a black pen, an outline of your clip can then be drawn around the reference image. To finish the sketch, it is colored in and the reference image is erased.
The sketch is scanned and imported into Inkscape software, where it is turned into a scalable vector graphic — a type of file that can be extruded into a 3D model. The scalable vector graphic is then imported into a 3D software such as Tinkercad or Fusion 360 and extruded to a depth of your choice. Finally, the STL is exported for 3D printing. Once 3D printed, you can analyze your model in terms of its aesthetics and functionality before making improvements or developing new unique products.
Software Needed
Inkscape (free) + either Tinkercad (recommended for beginners / under 13) or Fusion 360 (over 13). All are free for education and hobbyists.
Supplies
White paper, ruler or measuring calipers, pencils and black felt pens, 2D paper scanner or phone camera, 3D printer and filament.
Duration
Approximately 2 hours, excluding 3D printing time.
Skill Level
Suitable for complete beginners and experienced designers alike. No prior 3D printing knowledge required.
💡 Tip: We recommend Tinkercad for beginners and those under 13, and Fusion 360 for those over 13 who want more advanced tools.
Follow the below steps to draw out an example clip accessory. The drawing you create will act as the base of your design and in the next sections you'll be turning it into a 3D model!
Decide on whether you want to make a cable tidy, a bag holder, or a filament clip. Use the images here to help you decide.
If you opted for the cable tidy or bag holder, accurately measure the thickness of the table where your clip will slot on to. If you opted for the filament clip, measure the thickness of the filament reel where the clip will attach.
On a blank sheet of paper, use a pencil to faintly draw the edge of the object where your clip will attach — the edge of a table for a cable tidy or bag holder, the edge of a filament reel for a filament clip. Create the drawing at real-life dimensions (scale 1:1) so you get a good perspective on the size of your clip accessory.
Using a black pen, draw an outline of your clip accessory around the reference sketch. Try to create as smooth an outline as possible. If required, draw the outline in pencil first and trace over it in pen.
Once you are happy with your outline, colour it in using a black marker or pen. The coloured-in area will be extruded to create a 3D model, so ensure it is thoroughly filled in.
Use an eraser to get rid of the pencil reference image, leaving only your clip accessory drawing. Scan the drawing, or take a top-down photo of it, and save it as a JPG file.
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