What Excites You About One Line Drawing?
Create one line drawings by drawing objects without lifting your pencil, practicing observation, planning, and steady hand control while exploring creative expression.
Step-by-step guide to create one-line drawings
Step 1
Choose one simple object to draw like a mug a toy or a plant.
Step 2
Place your paper on a flat surface so it won’t move.
Step 3
Hold your pencil lightly and rest your hand on the paper for steady control.
Step 4
Look at the object for one minute and notice its big shapes and main lines.
Step 5
Use your finger to trace a continuous path around the object in the air to plan where your line will go.
Step 6
Do three quick practice continuous-line sketches on scrap paper without lifting your pencil.
Step 7
Start at a point on your paper and draw the whole object without lifting your pencil until you finish.
Step 8
Keep your eyes mostly on the object and move your pencil slowly and steadily to follow the path.
Step 9
Trace over your pencil line with a fine-tip marker or pen to make the line bold.
Step 10
Share your finished one-line drawing on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a fine-tip marker to trace the pencil line?
Use a sharpened colored pencil, a regular ballpoint pen, or a felt-tip marker to trace over your pencil line in step 11 so the one-line drawing becomes bold.
My line keeps breaking or the paper slides—what should I do?
Tape the paper to the flat surface (step 2), rest your hand on the paper for steady control (step 3), and practice three quick continuous-line sketches on scrap paper (step 6) to reduce lifting and wobble.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For preschoolers, pick very simple objects like a toy or mug and shorten the air-trace and practice sketches (steps 5 and 6), while older kids can choose more complex items and add details or shading after tracing with a fine-tip marker (step 11).
How can we make the one-line drawing more creative or challenging?
Challenge yourselves by drawing a group of objects in one continuous line, then trace with a fine-tip marker (step 11), add color or patterns, and share the finished one-line drawing on DIY.org (step 12).
Watch videos on how to create one-line drawings
ONE LINE ART TUTORIAL | Beginners guide | How to draw and paint a one line portrait | iPad procreate
4 Videos
ONE LINE ART TUTORIAL | Beginners guide | How to draw and paint a one line portrait | iPad procreate
Basic Lines & Curves for Kids || How to draw an object using Lines & Curves || Learn Lines & Curves
How to Make a Continuous Line Drawing | Tate Kids
12 One Line Drawing Ideas/Easy Single Line Drawing for Beginners/kids/One line drawing tutorial
Facts about drawing for kids
🎨 Pablo Picasso loved single-line drawings and could capture a face or animal with one continuous gesture.
✏️ Blind contour drawing asks you to look only at the subject, not your paper—it's a classic exercise for sharpening observation.
🧠 One-line drawing helps build hand-eye coordination and planning because you decide your path before you start.
⏱️ Artists often use quick continuous-line warm-ups (30–60 seconds) to loosen up and capture movement.
🖼️ A single line can suggest texture, emotion, and motion—sometimes less really is more!
How do I teach my child to create one line drawings without lifting the pencil?
What materials do I need for one line drawing activities at home?
What ages are one line drawing activities suitable for?
What are the benefits of one line drawing for kids?
Make things. Learn new skills. Share safely.
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