Choose the fit
Start with hat size or measured circumference, then select round, standard oval, or long oval.
About Blocksmith Works
A free way to design and 3D print a hat block.
Blocksmith Works helps hat makers, milliners, and 3D-printing craftspeople turn real measurements into a made-to-measure crown block STL. Use it online or keep the offline workshop on your own computer—without an account, subscription, or paywall.
Why the workshop exists
Lower the cost of getting started. Preserve the craft.
Traditional hat blocks are valuable working tools, but acquiring every size and shape can be expensive. Blocksmith Works was created to give more people a practical starting point: enter the finished size, choose the head oval and crown profile, then generate a printable model for the blocking bench.
The project grows through measured prints, honest workshop feedback, and knowledge shared by the hat-making community. Precision belongs inside the generator; the experience at the bench should remain understandable and useful.
What it does today
Made-to-measure crown blocks without the machinery around them.
Shape the crown
Set the overall crown height and choose from four foundational profiles built for hand shaping.
Generate the STL
Export a full-size printable crown block and matching BS-1.0 stand, then confirm dimensions in the slicer.
Work your way
Use the browser-based generator or download the source-included, offline-capable workshop package.
Clear about the current scope
Crown blocks first. More tools as they earn their place.
The current generator creates crown blocks, the matching stand, and a recommended dimensional fit check. It does not yet generate independent brim blocks or flanges.
Future work includes brim-block and flange creation, additional millinery tooling, and community-guided workflows. The Community Tool Crib also preserves free tools shared by other makers while keeping creator credit visible.
Questions from the bench
3D printed hat block FAQ
What is a hat block?
A hat block is a solid form used by a hat maker or milliner to shape felt, straw, or fabric into a crown. Its size, oval, height, and profile influence the finished hat.
Can I 3D print a hat block?
Yes. Blocksmith Works creates a printable STL from the measurements and crown profile you choose. Your printer, filament, slicer settings, and finishing determine whether the physical block is suitable for its intended heat, steam, and workshop loads.
Is Blocksmith Works really free?
Yes. The Online Workshop and universal offline workshop package are free to use. There is no account, subscription, or paywall. Optional tips help with testing and material costs but never unlock features.
Does Blocksmith Works generate full-size STL files?
Yes. It generates full-size crown block STL files from the measurements selected in the workshop. Always import the STL into your slicer at 100% scale and verify its dimensions before printing.
Can I use Blocksmith Works online and offline?
Yes. The Online Workshop runs in a browser with no download, while the universal ZIP provides an offline-capable workshop for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.
Does it make brim blocks and flanges?
Not yet. The current release focuses on made-to-measure crown blocks, a matching BS-1.0 stand, and a recommended fit check. Brim blocks, flanges, and more millinery tooling are planned for future development.
What filament should I use for a working hat block?
PET-CF is Blocksmith Works’ recommended starting material for working blocks when used with compatible printer hardware and manufacturer settings. PLA is for dry, room-temperature display use only and must not be exposed to steam.