How to Draw a Numbat: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Ready to draw a unique Australian marsupial? This tutorial is perfect for ages 5 and up, requiring only a pencil, paper, and an eraser. Follow these steps to build your numbat from simple shapes into a detailed, furry friend.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Snout and Eye

Close-up sketch of a numbat's nose, snout, and eye with light pencil guidelines.

Start by drawing an irregular round shape for the nose, then extend curved lines to form the snout. Add a small, incomplete circle for the eye with a dark pupil. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil lines light so you can easily adjust the shape of the snout if needed.

Step 2: Adding Ears and Brow

Drawing the numbat's rounded ears and adding nostril details to the snout.

Draw two curved ears extending from the top of the head. Add two small circles inside the nose for nostrils and a jagged brow line above the eye. Teacher's Tip: Numbat ears are quite rounded; try to make them look like soft, curved petals.

Step 3: Defining the Cheeks and Neck

Adding fur texture to the numbat's cheeks and outlining the neck area.

Use short, quick strokes to create a furry texture on the cheeks. Connect these to the neck and chest using jagged lines. Teacher's Tip: Use a 'zigzag' motion with your pencil to mimic the look of soft fur.

Step 4: Drawing the Front Paws

Sketching the numbat's front legs with detailed teardrop-shaped claws.

Draw the front legs and paws, finishing each toe with a small teardrop-shaped claw. Teacher's Tip: Numbats have strong claws for digging; make sure the teardrop shapes look sharp and distinct.

Step 5: Shaping the Back and Belly

Outlining the numbat's back and belly using a mix of smooth and jagged lines.

Extend a long, smooth curve from the neck to create the back. Use jagged lines to suggest the belly and the start of the rear leg. Teacher's Tip: Keep the back line fluid to show the numbat's natural posture.

Step 6: Adding the Rear Legs

Drawing the numbat's rear legs with consistent fur texture.

Draw the rear legs using the same furry, jagged line technique. Ensure the legs look sturdy. Teacher's Tip: Focus on the connection point where the leg meets the body to keep the drawing balanced.

Step 7: Drawing the Bushy Tail

Adding the large, bushy tail to the numbat drawing.

Complete the rear paws with claws, then draw the large, bushy tail. Use long, sweeping curved lines that meet at jagged points. Teacher's Tip: The tail is a signature feature of the numbat—make it nice and big!

Step 8: Adding Back Stripes

Adding the distinctive stripes to the numbat's back.

Refine the tail with more jagged lines and add the numbat's iconic stripes across its back. Teacher's Tip: Space the stripes out evenly to give the numbat its characteristic look.

Step 9: Final Fur Details

Adding final fur texture details to the completed numbat outline.

Go over your drawing and add short, light curved lines throughout the body to enhance the fur texture. Teacher's Tip: Less is more! A few well-placed lines look better than too many messy ones.

Step 10: Bring Your Numbat to Life with Color

A fully colored, cartoon-style numbat drawing.

Your outline is complete! Use shades of reddish-brown, gray, and white to color your numbat. Teacher's Tip: Use light brown for the main body and white for the stripes to make them pop!