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

Ready to add some winter flair to your character drawings? This step-by-step guide is perfect for artists ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and your favorite markers to bring this cozy accessory to life.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished drawing of a cozy winter scarf with stripes and fringe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Inner Fold

Pencil sketch showing the initial curved lines forming the center fold of a scarf.

Start by drawing a soft, curved line. Then, add two overlapping curved lines to create the outer edge of the scarf. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil grip loose to make these curves look natural and flowy.

Step 2: Building the Volume

Drawing showing additional curved lines added to create the thickness of the scarf fabric.

Draw another curved line that follows the first, but leave a small gap. Add a second outer line that overlaps the first. Tip: Don't worry about perfect symmetry; scarves are fabric and naturally bunch up!

Step 3: Connecting the Coils

Drawing showing the scarf outline connected to form a continuous loop.

Use a long, sweeping curved line to connect the top outer edges. Connect the inner lines near the middle. You now have the main body of your coiled scarf. Tip: Imagine the scarf wrapping around a neck to help visualize the curves.

Step 4: Drawing the First End

Drawing showing the first long end of the scarf hanging down.

Draw a long, flowing line descending from the inner fold. Curve it back up to create the hanging end of the scarf. Tip: Use short, light strokes to connect the end to the main body so it looks like it's tucked in.

Step 5: Adding the Second End

Drawing showing both ends of the scarf hanging down.

Extend a second curved line from behind the scarf to form the opposite end. Connect it to the first end to complete the shape. Tip: Make sure this line looks like it's coming from 'behind' the knot.

Step 6: Cleaning Up

Drawing showing the clean outline of the scarf after erasing unnecessary guide lines.

Carefully erase any overlapping guide lines inside the scarf. Tip: Use a kneaded eraser if you have one—it's great for picking up graphite without smudging your paper.

Step 7: Adding Stripe Details

Drawing showing the addition of stripes to the ends of the scarf.

Draw pairs of narrow, parallel curved lines across the ends of the scarf to create stripes. Tip: Keep the lines parallel to the curve of the scarf so they look like they are wrapping around the fabric.

Step 8: Completing the Pattern

Drawing showing the completed stripe pattern and small crease lines.

Continue the stripe pattern up the rest of the scarf. Add small lines near the knot to show where the fabric is creased. Tip: Crease lines should be very short and thin to look realistic.

Step 9: Adding Fringe

Drawing showing the addition of fringe strands to the bottom of the scarf.

Draw small, sharp, curved lines at the ends of the scarf to create fringe. Tip: Make them different lengths and slightly messy to make the scarf look soft and cozy.

Step 10: Adding Color

A finished, colorful drawing of a striped scarf with fringe.

Bring your scarf to life with color! Use your favorite shades to match an outfit or create a bold pattern. Tip: Use a darker shade of your color to add a little shadow under the folds for a 3D effect.