A 6 step-by-step how to draw skirts easy to follow process – to make sense of realistic ruffles on skirts whether short, long, for girls, or for scottish boys.

I couldn’t help but notice some people in the Discord being frustrated with skirts. Don’t worry, friend. I got you ;3

I’m gonna try my best to make skirts easy and fun for you with this step-by-step guide.

Let’s go!

1. Create Basic Form

The first step is to outline the general shape of the skirt’s form.

To do this:

1. Establish the waistline.
2. Draw a circle for the base of the skirt.
3. Draw lines from the waist to the edge of your circle – being sure to follow body contour and account for how the fabric is being pulled.

Remember when learning how to draw skirts that clothing has thickness – It doesn’t always sit right against the skin.

You can watch 3 free in-depth workshops I have on clothing here.

2. Mark out fold lengths

Create the right distance between folds.

Remember!

• The distance will increase between folds as you get closer to points of tension and pull.
• The distance will decrease between folds as the fabric relaxes and bunches.

3. Add pleats

Using a sawtooth pattern, follow and meet the fold and circle guides you’ve made.

4. Develop the folds

The folds of a skirt have a natural zig-zag pattern. But this pattern extends near sources of tension and pull.

In the example above a hand is pulling on the skirt. This means your zig-zag unfolds and extends towards the hand (the source of pull).

The zig-zag tightens (creating a stronger Z shape) as the fabric relaxes and bunches (on the right side of the skirt).

5. Add shade

Add medium shade to the parts of the folds that are facing opposite to your light source.

Add dark shade to the under-skirt area.

6. Color, design, make it yours!

After Step 5 you should have a strong guideline to draw a beautiful skirt. If not, you can get help here.

I just did a quick version here to get the point across but…

Now you know :

• Can draw confident final lines
• Know where your light and dark areas are
• Have a guideline for adding designs (like plaid)
• Can do whatever will make your heart sing!

How To Draw Skirts Base Template

Wanna try it yourself? Here’s the model.

Have fun!

Btw if you want some clothing poses, here ya go.