How to make a vase or planter
- Choose what to make: a vase for spiral vase mode, or a hollow planter with a drainage hole.
- Start from a preset – twisted hexagon, fluted, wave, star bloom and more – or pick a cross-section and a profile.
- Set the size, twist and ribs. The preview updates as you drag; the stats show the size, weight and (for planters) how much soil it holds.
- Download the STL (or the pot + saucer ZIP) and slice it. For a vase, turn on Spiral vase / Spiralize outer contour.
Recommended print settings
| Setting | Vase (vase mode) | Planter / pot |
|---|---|---|
| Slicer mode | Spiral vase / Spiralize outer contour | Normal |
| Layer height | 0.2–0.28 mm | 0.2 mm |
| Line width | 0.6–0.8 mm (0.4 mm nozzle) for a stronger wall | 0.45 mm |
| Walls | 1 (set by vase mode) | Enough to fill the wall: 2.4 mm ≈ 5 lines |
| Bottom | 3–5 solid layers | Built into the model (floor thickness) |
| Infill | – | 15% (floor and rim only) |
| Supports | None | None |
| Material | Silk PLA, PLA, PETG | PLA indoors; PETG or ASA outdoors |
Tips for great results
- Keep overhangs moderate. Strong twist on a short, wide vase – or a bulb that closes in sharply – makes the wall lean. The stats warn you when any part leans more than 50°; reduce the twist or the shape strength.
- Use a wider line in vase mode. A 0.6–0.8 mm line width with a 0.4 mm nozzle makes a single-wall vase much stiffer and more likely to be watertight.
- Silk filament loves facets. Twisted polygons and ribbed shapes catch the light on every face; dual-colour silk changes colour as you walk around it.
- Sizing a pot for a plant: choose a diameter 10–20 mm larger than the nursery pot, so the plant can drop straight in. The capacity stat tells you how much soil the planter holds.
- Planter outdoors? Use PETG or ASA and keep the drainage hole – standing water is what kills most potted plants.
Want a plant label to go with it? Make one with the Name Keychain Generator (choose “No ring” for a plain tag).
Frequently asked questions
What is vase mode and how do I turn it on?
Vase mode (spiral vase) prints only the outer skin of a model as one continuous spiral, with a solid base and an open top. It is fast, uses little filament and leaves no seam. In Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer and PrusaSlicer tick "Spiral vase"; in Cura tick "Spiralize outer contour" (under Special modes). Then slice the STL from this page as it is.
Why is the vase STL solid instead of hollow?
Vase mode needs a closed solid: the slicer traces its outer surface and hollows it out for you. A pre-hollowed model would be printed as two walls. If you want a real hollow model that prints with normal settings, switch to Planter / pot, which has a proper wall and floor thickness.
Will a vase-mode vase hold water?
Often, but not always – a single wall can seep through tiny gaps. For fresh flowers, print in PETG, use a wider line width (0.6–0.8 mm with a 0.4 mm nozzle) and 5–10 °C more nozzle heat, or stand a glass or jar inside. Dried flowers and pampas grass need no water at all.
How thick are the planter walls?
At least the thickness you set, everywhere – measured square to the surface, so twisted, ribbed and star-shaped walls are never thinner than the slider says. Ribs and sharp outer corners come out a little thicker, as the inside surface stays smooth.
How do I print the saucer?
Tick "Matching saucer" and use the ZIP button: it contains the pot and the saucer as two STL files. Print the saucer on its own, upright, with 3 walls and 15–20% infill. It follows the pot’s outline with a 3 mm gap, so the pot drops in without touching the rim.
Which filament looks best?
Silk PLA shows off twists and ribs best because the sheen changes with every facet; dual- and tri-colour silk filaments give the colour-shift look you see on social media. Matte PLA suits faceted and minimal shapes. For outdoor planters use PETG or ASA, which cope with sun and water better than PLA.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Make and download as many vases and planters as you like, with no account. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.