How to Draw Crossed Arms: Easy 9-Step Guide for Beginners

Drawing arms in a crossed position is a fantastic way to add personality and attitude to your cartoon characters. This guide is designed for artists of all ages to practice basic anatomy and layering. Grab your pencil and eraser, and let's get started!

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A completed, colorful cartoon character standing with arms crossed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the First Sleeve

Line drawing of a single sleeve opening using curved lines and an L-shape.

Start by drawing a long, curved line for the outer arm, then add a smaller 'L' shape inside to define the sleeve opening. Connect them with a soft curve. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape later.

Step 2: Adding the Second Arm

Two sleeves drawn in a crossed position with overlapping lines.

Repeat the process for the second arm, overlapping it slightly to show depth. Tip: If the lines cross over, don't worry—just use your eraser to clean up the hidden sections for a professional look.

Step 3: Defining the Torso Side

Adding a curved line to represent the side of the character's torso.

Draw a smooth, curved line extending downward from the first arm to create the side of the torso. This helps anchor the arms to the body.

Step 4: Balancing the Torso

Completing the torso outline with a matching curved line on the right side.

Mirror the curve on the opposite side to complete the torso frame. Tip: Try to keep the curves symmetrical so the character looks balanced.

Step 5: Drawing the Shirt Hem

Drawing the bottom hem of the shirt using two parallel curved lines.

Connect the two sides with a long, sweeping curve. Add a second, parallel line just above it to represent the hem of the shirt. This adds a nice touch of realism.

Step 6: Sketching the First Hand

Sketching the hand using rounded, overlapping shapes.

Use a series of overlapping, soft curves to form the hand resting on the arm. Tip: Focus on the 'mitten' shape first before adding individual finger details.

Step 7: Adding the Second Hand

Drawing the second hand tucked under the arm to create a layered effect.

Draw the second hand tucked underneath the first arm. Use two small curves to connect the sleeve to the hand, showing it is partially hidden.

Step 8: Creating the Neckline

Adding a U-shaped neckline to complete the shirt collar.

Connect the shoulders with a 'U' shaped line to form the collar of the shirt. This helps define the upper body structure.

Step 9: Final Details

Adding thickness to the collar with a parallel line.

Draw a second 'U' line inside the first to give the collar thickness. Now you have a complete torso with crossed arms! Tip: Use a fine-liner pen to trace your best lines before erasing the pencil marks.

Step 10: Bring It to Life with Color

The final colored drawing of the character with crossed arms.

Add your favorite colors to the shirt and skin. Remember, you can mix and match these arms with any of our other character tutorials to create your own unique person!