Every holiday season, I find myself drawn to cozy evenings, hot cocoa, and the joy of creating something cheerful and festive. This year, I decided to capture that holiday spirit in my sketchbook — and that’s how this how to draw an elf tutorial was born.
I’ve always loved creating cute and approachable drawings that make people smile. Elves are such fun little characters to draw — playful, magical, and full of personality. Whether you’re new to drawing or looking for a festive project to brighten up your winter sketchbook, this easy step-by-step elf drawing guide is perfect for you.
All the illustrations in this post were drawn by me, and you can follow along with each red-highlighted step to build your own adorable Christmas elf. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner — I’ll guide you through everything from the first simple line to the final colorful details. Grab your pencil (or iPad!) and let’s start creating some holiday magic together!
Step 1: Draw the Bottom of the Head
Let’s start by outlining the lower part of the elf’s head!
Draw a smooth U-shaped curve — this will be the bottom edge of the face. Keep the curve nice and rounded so your elf looks cute and friendly.
Step 2: Add Eyes and a Smile
Now let’s bring your elf’s face to life!
Draw two small circles for the eyes — make sure they’re evenly spaced.
Then, add a tiny curved line below them to form a cheerful smile.
Your elf is already looking super friendly!
Step 3: Start the Band of the Hat
Let’s start the elf’s hat!
Begin drawing the hat by adding a curved line across the top of the head.
This will be the bottom edge of the band that goes around the elf’s hat — make it gently curved so it fits nicely over the head.
Step 4: Draw the Red Band of the Hat
Let’s finish the band that wraps around the elf’s head!
Add another curved line just above the one you drew before.
This creates the thick red band at the bottom of the elf’s hat — it gives the hat a cute, festive look!
Step 5: Add the Bell on the Hat
Time to make your elf extra festive!
Draw a small circle near the top right side of the hat, then add a tiny curved line inside it. This little detail will be the shiny bell hanging from the end of the elf’s hat.
Step 6: Draw the Top of the Hat
Now, let’s complete the elf’s hat!
From the left side of the red band, draw a large curved line that goes up and connects to the bell. This gives the hat its classic pointy shape, bending slightly to one side for a playful look.
Step 7: Add a Fold Line on the Hat
Let’s give the hat a bit more detail!
Draw a short curved line on the right side of the hat, just below the bell. This little fold makes the hat look soft and gives it a fun, floppy appearance.
Step 8: Connect the Bell to the Hat
Now attach the bell to the tip of the hat!
Draw a short curved line connecting the bell to the end of the hat. This small detail makes it look like the bell is hanging right from the tip — perfect for your cheerful little elf!
Step 9: Draw the Elf’s Ears
Let’s give your elf some pointy ears!
On each side of the head, draw a small curved triangle shape that sticks out slightly.
These classic elf ears make your character instantly recognizable and extra adorable!
Step 10: Add Details Inside the Ears
Now let’s make those ears look more realistic!
Draw a small curved line inside each ear to show the inner part. This simple detail gives your elf’s face more depth and personality.
Step 11: Draw the Elf’s Collar
Let’s add the fun, festive collar!
Below the head, draw a zigzag shape with rounded points — this is the elf’s classic collar. Make sure it spreads evenly on both sides to look balanced and cute.
Step 12: Draw the Body
Now it’s time to add the elf’s body!
Below the collar, draw a wide U-shape with slightly curved sides.
Keep the shape simple and rounded — this will be the main part of the elf’s outfit.
Step 13: Add the Sleeves
Let’s give your elf some sleeves!
Draw two short angled lines on each side of the collar, then connect them down toward the body. These will form the elf’s cute little sleeves, making the outfit look more complete.
Step 14: Draw the Hands
Now let’s add the elf’s little hands!
At the end of each sleeve, draw a small curved shape with two bumps — just like tiny mittens. Keep them simple and rounded to match the cute style of your elf.
Step 15: Draw the Belt Buckle
Let’s start the elf’s belt!
In the middle of the body, draw a small horizontal oval or rounded rectangle.
This will be the center opening of the belt buckle — keep it neat and centered for a balanced look.
Step 16: Outline the Belt Buckle
Now draw a larger rounded rectangle around the small shape you just made.
This creates the frame of the belt buckle — make sure the smaller inner shape stays centered inside it for a tidy, finished look.
Step 17: Draw the Belt
Let’s finish the elf’s belt!
Add two straight horizontal lines extending from both sides of the buckle.
These lines should go across the body to complete the belt — it ties the whole outfit together!
Step 18: Draw the Elf’s Shoes
Time to give your elf some magical shoes!
Draw two curved shoe shapes beneath the body, each with a little upward curl at the toe.
These pointy shoes are a classic elf detail and add lots of character to your drawing!
Step 19: Add the Legs
Now draw two straight vertical lines above each shoe to create the elf’s legs.
Keep them short and evenly spaced — they’ll soon be covered with cute striped stockings!
Step 20: Draw the Hair
Let’s add a few strands of hair peeking out from under the hat!
Draw some small zigzag lines across the forehead for the fringe, and a short curved line on each side of the head. This makes your elf look lively and cheerful!
Step 21: Add Fun Background Details
Let’s make the drawing even more magical!
Draw a few simple shapes like stars, hearts, and small circles around your elf.
These playful details add charm and make the scene feel festive and full of joy!
Step 22: Color Your Elf!
It’s time to bring your elf to life with some bright, cheerful colors!
Use green for the outfit and hat, red for the hat band and collar, brown for the belt and shoes, and yellow for the bell and buckle.
Add a soft blush on the cheeks to make your elf look extra cute and festive.
Great job — your Christmas elf is complete!
Tips for Making Your Elf Drawing Extra Cute
Once you’ve completed your elf, here are a few fun ways to make your drawing even more magical:
- Experiment with colors: Try different outfit colors — maybe a blue or pink hat instead of green!
- Add a festive background: Draw candy canes, snowflakes, or Christmas lights around your elf.
- Make it personal: Turn your elf into a self-portrait — add your favorite hairstyle or even a tiny coffee mug!
- Use digital brushes: If you’re drawing on Procreate, play with textured brushes for a cozy, hand-drawn look.
I love adding small details that make a drawing feel alive — a touch of blush, sparkly eyes, or even a tiny star on the hat. These details are what turn a simple sketch into something truly special.
More Festive Drawing Ideas You’ll Love
If you enjoyed drawing this cute Christmas elf, I think you’ll love these other step-by-step tutorials on my blog:
- How to Draw the Grinch – The Grinch Drawing Tutorial
- How to Draw a Snowman – Cute Snowman Drawing Tutorial
- How to Draw Santa Claus – Cute Santa Claus Drawing Tutorial
Each one follows the same beginner-friendly approach, helping you create adorable holiday drawings you’ll be proud of.
Final Thoughts
Drawing an elf is such a fun and rewarding way to get into the holiday spirit. I hope this how to draw an elf tutorial inspired you to slow down, relax, and let your creativity shine — even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Remember, every drawing you create is uniquely yours. Don’t worry about perfection — focus on enjoying the process, experimenting, and expressing your own imagination.
If you try this tutorial, I’d love to see your version!
📌 Share it on Pinterest, tag me on Instagram @digitaldrawingideas, or comment on the post to show off your festive artwork.
Happy drawing — and may your holiday season be filled with creativity, color, and joy! 🎄
