Master Drawing Straight Lines with this Easy Trick!
Why Drawing Straight Lines Is Important
⦁ Straight lines build the foundation for most basic shapes. Once you can draw a straight line, you can easily create squares, triangles, cubes, and more.
⦁ Drawing without a ruler is convenient and speeds up your process. The more control you have over your lines, the faster and more confidently you can draw.
⦁ This technique improves your overall line quality by helping you place marks exactly where you want them—and nowhere else.
⦁ It also sets the stage for more complex skills, like drawing circles, cartoons, and decorative lines.
Caption: Drawing straight lines is an important first step for lots of other drawing skills!
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step-by-Step Guide
Materials
Before we start, grab:
⦁ A piece of paper
⦁ Any drawing supply (marker, crayon, or colored pencil)
⦁ A color that’s easy to see—avoid light colors like yellow
⦁ No erasers! This exercise is all about training, not perfection.
I’ll be using my favorite broad-tip Crayola marker in Blue Lagoon!
Caption: I like to practice drawing straight lines with my favorite Crayola broad tip markers.
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step 1: Draw Your Dots
Find the middle of your paper and start slightly off to the side. We’ll be making lots of lines, so save space!
⦁ First, draw two small dots, about three inches apart.
⦁ Tip: Longer lines are harder, so start with shorter ones.
Caption: Draw two clear dots about 3 inches apart.
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step 2: Connect the Dots
⦁ Place your marker on the first dot.
⦁ Stare at the second dot—not your hand!
⦁ Draw a line, keeping your focus on the target dot.
Voilà! If your line wobbled, don’t stress! The key is to keep going, not fix mistakes.
Caption: Connect the dots. As you do this, stare at the other dot, NOT your drawing hand.
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step 3: Repeat to Get Better
Practice over and over. The more you repeat, the steadier your lines will get.
⦁ Don’t try to “fix” old lines—just keep making new ones!
⦁ If your first few lines are wobbly, that’s totally normal. Each attempt makes you better.
Caption: Practice makes progress when we are drawing straight lines
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step 4: Challenge Yourself
Once you’re comfortable, push your skills further!
⦁ Make your lines thicker or thinner.
⦁ Use different colors.
⦁ Increase the distance between your dots.
⦁ Try overlapping lines.
The longer the line, the harder it is—so challenge yourself!
Caption: Challenge yourself to draw LONGER lines, thicker lines, and thinner lines.
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step 5: The Invisible Dot Trick
Time for the final test: drawing straight lines without any dots!
⦁ Instead of drawing real dots, imagine them.
⦁ Look at where your line should begin and end.
⦁ Keep your focus on the “end dot” and connect them just like before.
You did it! 🎉
Caption: Time to draw straight lines again, but this time without drawing any dots first!
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step 5: The Invisible Dot Trick
Time for the final test: drawing straight lines without any dots!
⦁ Instead of drawing real dots, imagine them.
⦁ Look at where your line should begin and end.
⦁ Keep your focus on the “end dot” and connect them just like before.
You did it! 🎉
Caption: Time to draw straight lines again, but this time without drawing any dots first!
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Step 6: More Challenges
Now that you can draw straight lines freehand, try these fun exercises:
⦁ Draw straight lines in a row, evenly spaced apart.
⦁ Use straight lines to create simple shapes like squares and triangles.
⦁ Try drawing squiggly lines that still end exactly where you want.
Caption: Now that you’ve gotten better at drawing straight lines, challenge yourself to draw basic shapes, wiggly lines, and more!
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
Hooray for Learning How to Draw a Straight Line!
Great job! With this powerful but simple trick, you’ve trained yourself to draw straight lines. This skill will help you draw basic shapes, cartoons, and improve your overall confidence as an artist.
Caption: Great job drawing straight lines!
Alt Text: Drawing straight lines is an important skill! Learn how with Emma Tipping.
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FAQ for Drawing Straight Lines
How can I get better at drawing straight lines?
The best way to improve is by practicing connecting dots without looking at your hand. Start small and increase the distance over time.
Why do my lines look shaky?
Try relaxing your grip and moving from your shoulder instead of your wrist. This gives you smoother, more controlled lines.
Can this trick help with other drawing skills?
Yes! Mastering straight lines will make drawing shapes, cartoons, and even letters much easier.
