Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for making patterning tools from one or more discrete elements. Such tools can have one or more “seams” or joints where the individual elements abut which can limit the tools' performance and utility in roll-to-roll manufacturing. Methods are described herein for producing “near-seamless” tools, that is, tools having seams that exhibit minimum disruption of the tool pattern and thus improved material produced by such tools. The patterning tools can be cylindrical and/or closed in shape.