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

Bring a touch of history to your sketchbook with this fun, beginner-friendly scroll tutorial. Designed for ages 5 and up, this activity requires only a pencil, paper, and an eraser. Follow along to master the art of drawing rolled parchment and elegant ribbons.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A completed, beautifully colored illustration of an ancient scroll.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Base Curves

Two light, parallel curved lines forming the base of a paper scroll.

Draw two gentle, parallel curved lines. Keep them closer together in the center and wider at the ends. Teacher's Tip: Think of these as the 'spine' of your scroll; keep your pencil pressure light!

Step 2: Closing the Ends

Adding an oval shape to the end of the scroll to show depth.

Use a small oval to connect the ends of your curved lines. This creates the illusion of the paper rolling inward. Tip: Imagine you are drawing the side view of a soda can.

Step 3: Defining the Roll

Drawing a curved rectangle to define the rolled edge of the parchment.

Draw a small curved rectangle inside the scroll body to represent the paper edge. Close the shape with a short, curved line. Tip: Keep this line crisp to make the paper look thick.

Step 4: Sketching the Bow Knot

Adding the central knot and first loop of a bow on top of the scroll.

Draw an irregular, rounded shape on top of the scroll for the bow's knot. Add a rounded triangle extending from it. Tip: Don't worry about perfection; ribbons are naturally flowy and organic.

Step 5: Cleaning Up

Erasing unnecessary pencil lines from the bow area for a clean look.

Gently erase any overlapping guide lines inside the bow area. Tip: Use a soft eraser to avoid smudging your paper.

Step 6: Adding the Ribbon Loop

Drawing the second loop of the bow using teardrop shapes.

On the other side of the knot, draw a teardrop shape for the second bow loop. Enclose it with a flowing ribbon shape. Tip: Make this loop slightly different from the first to give it a natural look.

Step 7: Drawing the Ribbon Tails

Adding two ribbon tails hanging from the bow with V-shaped ends.

Extend two pairs of curved lines from the knot, letting them widen as they go down. Connect the ends with a 'V' shape. Tip: These tails should look like they are hanging loosely.

Step 8: Final Cleanup

Finalizing the ribbon outline by erasing internal guide lines.

Erase any remaining guide lines from the ribbons to make them pop. Tip: Check your work against the reference image to ensure all lines are connected.

Step 9: Adding Texture and Detail

Adding final details like paper roll depth and ribbon texture.

Add a small curved triangle inside the scroll end to show the paper roll. Add tiny lines near the knot for texture. Tip: These small details add a professional touch to your drawing.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

A fully colored and shaded drawing of a scroll with a ribbon.

Color your scroll! Use warm yellows or tans for the parchment and a bold color for the ribbon. Tip: Use light shading on the edges of the scroll to make it look 3D.