How to Draw a Butterfly: Simple 9-Step Outline Guide

This butterfly drawing guide is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started. Follow these steps to build a symmetrical, graceful butterfly outline that is ready for your favorite colors.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished butterfly drawing displayed as a featured art project.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Body

Pencil sketch of a butterfly head and elongated body segments on a white background.

Start by drawing a small 'C' shape for the head. From there, extend a long, curved line and loop it back to create the thorax and abdomen. Teacher's Tip: Keep the body slim so your butterfly has plenty of room for those large, beautiful wings!

Step 2: Drawing the Upper Wings

Drawing the large upper wings of a butterfly extending from the central body.

Extend a long, graceful curved line from the thorax and loop it back to meet the lower body. Repeat this on the other side. Teacher's Tip: Try to make both sides match as closely as possible for a balanced look.

Step 3: Adding the Lower Wings

Adding the smaller lower wings and starting the internal wing pattern lines.

Draw smaller curved lines from the bottom of the upper wings, connecting them back to the thorax. Then, add a curved line inside the upper wing to begin your pattern. Teacher's Tip: Use smooth, fluid motions to get that natural wing shape.

Step 4: Creating Scalloped Patterns

Drawing scalloped patterns along the edges of the butterfly wings.

Add a scalloped, wavy line parallel to the outer edge of the upper wing. Mirror this on the other side. Teacher's Tip: Think of these as little hills and valleys—keep them rounded and soft.

Step 5: Detailing the Lower Wings

Adding scalloped edges to lower wings and a teardrop detail to the upper wing.

Continue the scalloped pattern onto the lower wings. Add a teardrop shape near the top of the upper wing. Teacher's Tip: Teardrops are great for adding visual interest—vary their size to make the butterfly look more realistic.

Step 6: Adding More Teardrop Shapes

Drawing multiple teardrop-shaped patterns inside the butterfly wing sections.

Add a matching teardrop to the other upper wing, then fill the scalloped areas with smaller teardrop shapes. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry if they aren't perfect; nature is full of irregular shapes!

Step 7: Filling the Wings

Adding more teardrop shapes to fill the wing space for a detailed look.

Continue adding teardrop shapes within the upper and lower wings to create a rich, decorative pattern. Teacher's Tip: Leave some white space between the shapes so your butterfly doesn't look too crowded.

Step 8: Finishing the Patterns

Completing the decorative teardrop patterns across all four butterfly wings.

Complete the pattern by filling in the remaining scalloped spaces with teardrops. Teacher's Tip: Take your time here—this is where your butterfly starts to look really professional.

Step 9: Adding Antennae

Finalizing the butterfly drawing by adding two delicate antennae with clubbed tips.

Draw two long, curved lines from the head, ending in small circles or teardrops for the antennae. Teacher's Tip: Make the antennae thin and delicate to match the butterfly's graceful nature.

Step 10: Color Your Masterpiece

A finished, colored butterfly drawing with vibrant wings and detailed patterns.

Your outline is ready! Now, bring it to life with color. Use bright, bold colors for a tropical look, or stick to classic monarch colors like orange and black. The choice is yours!