Get an overview of 3d printed models.

Before starting your 3D printing journey, we highly recommend browsing platforms with freely available 3D models! Websites like Thingiverse, Printables, and Makerworld offer thousands of designs, from practical tools to stunning art pieces. Exploring these models can be inspiring and give you a better understanding of what’s possible with 3D printing.

Learn a simple 3d modelling program and how to import models into it.

To make rapid progress, we strongly recommend learning Tinkercad first. It is a very simple but very powerful 3D modelling tool that can be used to create complex models. You should also learn how to download free models (e.g. from Thingivers, MakerWorld, Printables ...) and then import and manipulate them in Tinkercad.

Learn how to import the models into a slicer and the basic slicer settings.

Once you have become familiar with Tinkercad and can create some simple designs (coins, buttons, various ornaments, simple figures), you need to get to grips with slicing. Put simply, slicing is the process of preparing a digital object for the 3D printer. As a rule, you export your model from Tinkercad and then import it into slicer software. There you can then make a few settings (speed, density, wall thickness, etc. .... ) to determine exactly how your object should be printed.
Never spend money on slicer software! The best slicer programmes are free. It is not necessary to already own a 3D printer, it is worth playing with the slicer software beforehand.
We recommend using one of the slicers linked below. They are all very similar. If you learn how to set the basic settings in one slicer, you will only need a few minutes to become familiar with another slicer.

Below, you’ll find references to several objects uploaded to MakerWorld. Each object includes tasks in its description to help you practice slicing and explore the possibilities.

Find a friend or a makerspace with 3D printers and print something.

It’s important to get a first hands-on experience with 3D printing. Try visiting a MakerSpace or a local NGO that has 3D printers — or even better, connect with a friend or acquaintance who owns one and print a small model or a few simple pieces together. If you're in Berlin, we recommend reaching out to the InMOE association.

Buy your own 3D printer for €200 - €350.

There are now many 3D printers on the market, and just as many YouTube videos testing and reviewing them. But no matter what those videos say, keep this in mind: more expensive doesn’t always mean better, and a larger printer only makes sense if you regularly need to print big objects.
In our opinion, the best 3D printer for beginners is the Bambu Lab A1 Mini (without the AMS system). Priced at just €200 in Europe, it’s quiet, highly reliable, delivers excellent print quality, is low-maintenance, beginner-friendly, and compact.
If you're looking for a larger print volume, we recommend the Bambu Lab A1 (also without the AMS system) for €350. It offers the same great technology with a bigger build area.

Print as much as possible and play with the slicer settings.

Once you have your own 3D printer, it’s important to print as much as possible — and especially to experiment with different slicer settings. Try printing a wide variety of object types: very flat models, tall and narrow prints, complex shapes with overhangs, objects with both thin and thick walls, delicate or filigree structures, pieces with embossed text, models where the underside is the visible surface, and multi-part or even mechanical assemblies.
This hands-on experimentation will help you understand the capabilities and limitations of both your 3D printer and the slicer software. It will also sharpen your sense for modeling with 3D printing in mind.
Many graphic designers underestimate how different 3D printable models are from typical digital designs. Successful printing requires understanding specific technical constraints — something best learned through practice.
It’s also highly recommended to use at least a small air purifier to reduce airborne particles released during printing.

Learn about different types of filament, experiment with PETG and TPU.

There are many different types of filament used in 3D printing — and even within the same material category, like PLA, there are now multiple variants with different properties.For most applications in the fashion sector, you'll likely work with PLA, PETG, or TPU:● PLA is the most common filament — easy to print, biodegradable, and available in a wide range of colors and finishes.● PETG is similar to PLA but more durable. Most importantly, it resists deformation better when exposed to prolonged sunlight, making it a better choice for items that may be worn or displayed outdoors.● TPU is a flexible, rubber-like material available in various levels of hardness and elasticity. It's especially well-suited for wearable pieces, as it allows for comfort, movement, and adaptability in design.

Buy a bigger printer and learn about advanced slicer settings.

If you've been working with the Bambu Lab A1 Mini and have gained some hands-on experience, you've earned the step up to a larger printer — such as the Bambu Lab A1. A 25×25 cm print bed is considered standard, but creating larger garments will require creativity and smart design to connect multiple printed pieces seamlessly.
Several manufacturers now offer printers with larger build volumes ranging from 30×30 cm to even 42×42 cm. If you're serious about producing wearable garments with a 3D printer, it's worth taking the time to research your options. (We’ll be adding links to recommended printers here soon.)

Find different tools to speed up your modelling process and get to know an advanced modelling tool.

Start exploring various free 3D modeling tools that offer more advanced features than Tinkercad. Your main goal should be to discover new functions that expand your creative possibilities while also speeding up your design process.
Once you've reached this stage — and let’s say you’ve logged at least 200 hours of print time — you can confidently say you’ve truly arrived in the world of 3D printing.
(We’ll be adding links to recommended tools here soon.)