How to Draw a Mummy
Draw a classic mummy using simple shapes, layered bandages, and facial details. Practice line control and shading to add depth.
About this tutorial
Draw a classic mummy using simple shapes, layered bandages, and facial details. Practice line control and shading to add depth.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Lightly draw a medium-sized vertical oval near the top of the paper for the mummy's head.
- 2
Step 2
Draw a larger rounded rectangle or egg shape beneath the head for the mummy's body.
- 3
Step 3
Sketch two small rounded ovals at the bottom for the mummy's feet or stubs.
- 4
Step 4
Draw slightly wavy horizontal bandage lines across the head and body to create wrapped layers.
- 5
Step 5
Add a few loose bandage strips and frayed ends by sketching short zigzags and flap shapes sticking out.
- 6
Step 6
Draw two big round eyes peeking through the bandages and add smaller circles inside for pupils.
- 7
Step 7
Draw a small crooked mouth or a short stitched line under the eyes using short dashed strokes.
- 8
Step 8
Use your pencil to add light shading under the overlapping bandage edges to show depth.
- 9
Step 9
Shade one side of the mummy slightly darker to create a light source and add dimension.
- 10
Step 10
Gently smudge the shaded areas with a tissue or soft cloth to blend the shadows.
- 11
Step 11
Trace the main outer lines and important bandage edges with the black marker to make them pop.
- 12
Step 12
Erase any extra pencil construction marks and then add colour or texture between some bandage layers if you like.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished mummy on DIY.org.
Get inspired
Fun facts
How do I draw a classic mummy step-by-step?
To draw a classic mummy, start by sketching a simple oval head and a rounded rectangle for the body. Lightly draw basic limbs with simple lines. Add layered bandage lines that overlap and curve around the form—keep them uneven for a worn look. Draw two small eye shapes peeking through and a mouth or stitches. Use darker lines to outline, then add shading under layers and along edges for depth. Erase guidelines and add torn bandage edges.
What materials do I need to draw a mummy?
You'll need plain drawing paper, sharpened pencils (HB for sketching, a softer 2B for darker lines), a good eraser, and a fine-tip black pen or marker for final outlines. Colored pencils, crayons, or watercolors are optional for color. A blending stump or a tissue helps smooth pencil shading. For younger children, thicker crayons or washable markers work better. Keep a scrap sheet for practice before starting the final drawing.
What ages is drawing a mummy suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through tweens with adjustments. Ages 4–6 enjoy drawing simple shapes and bold, wide bandages with crayons and adult help for cutting details. Ages 7–9 can practice cleaner lines, overlapping bandages, and basic shading. Ages 10+ can refine proportions, use varied pencils for shading, and add texture or expression. Supervise small children with scissors and offer tracing templates if they need confidence.
What are the benefits of drawing a mummy for kids?
Drawing a mummy builds fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and line control as children practice layering and shading. It encourages creativity and storytelling—kids can design torn or friendly mummies—while teaching basic anatomy and spatial relationships. Shading exercises introduce light and shadow concepts, improving observational skills. The step-by-step process also helps focus, patience, and following instructions, boosting confidence when they finish a detailed drawing.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
Can we substitute any materials if we don't have a black marker or a tissue?
If you don't have a black marker, use a dark colored pencil or fine-tip pen to trace the main outer lines and bandage edges, and if you don't have a tissue to smudge shading gently blend the pencil shadows with your fingertip or a cotton ball.
My bandage lines look too stiff or my marker smeared—what should I do?
Keep the head, body, and foot shapes lightly drawn in pencil, practice slightly wavy horizontal bandage lines on scrap paper, wait for the traced black marker to dry before erasing construction marks, and smudge shaded areas gently as the instructions say.
How can I adapt the drawing steps for different ages?
For preschoolers, simplify by drawing only the oval head, a rounded body and two big round eyes for them to color between bandage layers, while older kids can add frayed strips, light shading on one side for a light source, and trace details with a black marker.
What are simple ways to enhance or personalize the mummy after finishing the basic drawing?
Glue on fabric scraps or crepe paper for real bandages, add googly eyes before tracing, use colored pencils or watercolor between some bandage layers for texture, or photograph and share your finished mummy on DIY.org.