A new blank design method is introduced to predict the blank shape and the strain distribution in the sheet metal forming process. This method deals with only one step from the final shape to the initial blank using the ideal forming theory. Based on this theory, a three-dimensional membrane finite element code has been developed to design an initial blank in the sheet metal forming process. In this paper, the designs of initial blanks for forming a cylindrical cup, a rectangular cup, and a front fender are presented as examples. Also, it compares the two shapes, the target shape with the shape which is deformed from the initial blank using the FEM analysis code. The results illustrate the information that this direct design code is useful in the preliminary design state.