We present Scute, a development environment for computational making. Computational making is the process of using arithmetic, logic, algorithms, and abstraction to fabricate physical objects. As such, designer-programmers can use Scute to generate scalable vector graphics (SVG) design files and then feed them into fabrication tools like pen plotters or laser and vinyl cutters to construct physical objects. Designs are initially programmed using a text-based domain-specific language. This language supports all shapes within the SVG standard as built-in definitions that consist of a set of attributes such as positioning, size, radius, and coloring, as well as any child segments. The textual location and operational context of each shape’s attributes are recorded at runtime and used to reconcile visual manipulations. Once rendered to the canvas, the geometric properties of the design can be directly manipulated using the mouse. Changes to the design on the canvas simultaneously update the source code in the text editor, maintaining the structural meaning of the original expression as much as possible. This process enables aesthetically driven, parametric design without sacrificing users’ understanding of the program. We believe that Scute’s simple design, tangible output, and computational focus can help bridge the gap between the computer science and making-based education communities. However, software alone cannot accomplish this goal, and our next step is to partner with educators in the making and technology communities to validate Scute’s usability, its effectiveness as a parametric design tool, and its impact on computational learning.