How to draw a sweater

This step-by-In this step-by-step tutorial, we will learn how to draw a sweater and represent realistically soft yarn and knit. By the end of the tutorial, you will have the skills to add some unique designs to your winter collections and designs. So grab your pencils and coloring materials and let’s get started!

7/10

10 min

drawing paper
pencil
eraser
markers
colored pencils

Step 1: Draw the sweater base

Start by drawing a rectangle and marking its Centerline. This will be the sweater bodice. From the top corners pull down two bent lines. These are the sleeves centerlines.

Step 2: Add the openings

With curved lines mark the bottom of the sleeves, the hemline, and the neckline. Don’t forget to double-check if the sleeve ends are equal in size and curve.

Step 3: Draw the sweater ribbing areas

Time to finish the ribbing areas by drawing curves parallel to the previous ones. All lines should be soft and curved. No harsh lines – this is knit and everything in out sketch should be gentle and soft.

The width of the cuffs and the hemline should be about the same.

Step 4: Add the ribbing

The short ribbing lines should follow the shape of the area they occupy. Notice how they are not parrallel in the neckline, but more like sunrays.

The ribbing comes in many variations. You can also try drawing the lines in equal distance from each other instead of pairs of two like here.

Step 5: Draw the sweater outlines

To achieve the look of an oversized knitted sweater all the lines should be curved and soft. Draw the bodice and the sleeves making sure that your line is wiggly right where the arm bends and at the waistline.

Notice how the sleeve is slightly wider than the cuff. This adds volume and comfort to the design.

Step 6: Draw the folds

A knitted sweater would have long, soft and deep folds. Nothing sharp and crisp. Add folds where the arm is bent and be careful not to overdo it. Notice the folds that cover ever so slightly part of the cuff and the hemline.

Step 7: Add knitting guidelines

It’s time to set the guidelines for the actual weave of the knit. Draw three guidelines for the bodice and one for each sleeve. Make sure the guidelines follow the direction of the sleeve.

Step 8: Draw the holes

Add ellipse holes in the middle of the guidelines. The distance between them should be smaller than their height.
Notice how the holes also follow the change of direction at the sleeve.

Step 9: Finish the weave

Finish the weave with not perfectly rounded brackets around the holes.

Step 10: Start the braid

Draw a short curved line from the bottom of each hole down and to the right to the point where two brackets meet.

Step 11: Finish the braid

Now add the second part. From the top of each hole up and to the left until you reach the point where the brackets meet.

Step 12: Draw the big weaves

Fill in the blank space with bigger weaves following the same steps.

Step 13: Color the sketch

Time to add some color to out sweater sketch. You can use any media, but markers, colored pencils, and pastels would be the best choice because of the texture the naturally have. When coloring, add slightly darker color in the holes and around the folds.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and it has inspired you to include some fabulous warm sweaters in your next collection. If you have any tutorial ideas and suggestions feel free to share them here.
Alternatively, you can check our How to draw a braid tutorial that will show you another way of creating a beautiful braid you can use not only for hair but also in your fashion designs.

Happy drawing!