An optimum blank design technology is required for near-net of net-shape cold forming using sheets. Originally, the backward tracing scheme has been developed for preform design in bulk forming, and applied to several forming processes successfully. Its key concept is to trace backward from the final desirable configuration to an intermediate preform of initial blocker. A program for initial blank design in sheet forming which contains the capabilities of forward loading simulation by the finite element method and backward tracing simulation, has been developed and proved the effectiveness by applying to a square cup stamping process. In the blank design of square cup stamping, the backward tracing program can produce an optimum blank configuration which forms a sound net-shape cup product without machining after forming. Another general application appears in the blank design of a cup stamping with protruding flanges, one of typical automobile components. The blank configurations derived by backward tracing simulation have been confirmed by a series of loading simulations. The approach or decision of an initial blank configuration presented in this study will be a milestone in fields of sheet forming process design.