How to Draw the Cheshire Cat: Easy 10-Step Guide

Ready to bring Wonderland to your sketchbook? This tutorial is perfect for young artists looking to practice character proportions and expressive line work. You will need a pencil, an eraser, and your favorite coloring markers to capture that iconic, mischievous grin.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Completed colorful Cheshire Cat illustration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head Base

Pencil sketch of a light circle used as a guide for the Cheshire Cat's head.

Draw a light circle to serve as the foundation for the head. Teacher's Tip: Keep this circle loose and light—it’s just a guide, and we’ll be erasing it later!

Step 2: Mapping the Iconic Smile

A curved banana-shaped outline placed below the head circle to mark the mouth area.

Draw a long, curved banana-like shape beneath the circle. This defines the width of that famous grin. Tip: Ensure the curve is symmetrical to give the cat a balanced, happy expression.

Step 3: Outlining the Body

An irregular rounded shape added below the head to represent the cat's body.

Sketch an irregular rounded shape beneath the head to form the cat's plump body. Tip: Don't worry about perfection here; the Cheshire Cat is known for his fluid, changing shape.

Step 4: Sketching the First Arm

Drawing the first arm using a large U-shaped line and smaller curves for fingers.

Use a large 'U' shape for the arm and smaller 'U' shapes for the fingers. Tip: Keep the lines soft and rounded to make the cat look cuddly and cartoonish.

Step 5: Adding the Second Arm

Adding the second arm with subtle lines to define the palm.

Outline the second arm with curved lines, adding short strokes to the palm for detail. Tip: Adding these small lines helps create the illusion of depth and texture.

Step 6: Fur and Ears

Adding jagged fur lines around the head and triangular ears.

Add jagged, short lines around the head for fur, and draw two rounded triangles on top for ears. Tip: Use quick, flicking motions with your pencil to make the fur look realistic and fluffy.

Step 7: Tail and Back Leg

Sketching a long, pointed tail and the back leg of the cat.

Draw a long, pointed tail and a back leg using 'U' shapes. Tip: Make the tail curve gracefully to give the character a sense of movement.

Step 8: Cleaning the Sketch

The drawing after erasing the initial construction lines.

Carefully erase your overlapping guide lines and the original circle. Tip: Use a kneaded eraser if you have one—it’s gentler on the paper and picks up graphite cleanly.

Step 9: Adding Facial Features and Stripes

Adding detailed facial features, teeth, and body stripes.

Draw the wide smile, teeth, nose, large eyes, and whiskers. Add stripes across the body. Tip: Take your time with the eyes—they are the window to the cat's personality!

Step 10: Bringing Him to Life with Color

The finished Cheshire Cat drawing colored with pink and purple stripes.

Fill in your drawing with vibrant pinks and purples. Tip: Use light pressure for a soft look or heavy pressure for a bold, magical appearance.