5 Easy Steps to Draw a Graduation Cap

Drawing a graduation cap is a simple and fun way to celebrate a special achievement. Whether you’re a student who’s about to graduate or a proud parent or friend, creating a drawing of a graduation cap is a great way to commemorate the occasion. With just a few basic drawing supplies, you can create a beautiful and meaningful work of art that will be cherished for years to come.

To begin, you will need a pencil, paper, and an eraser. You may also want to use a ruler or protractor to help you draw straight lines and circles. First, draw a circle for the top of the cap. Then, draw a rectangular prism for the bottom of the cap. Connect the top and bottom of the cap with two straight lines. Finally, add a tassel to the top of the cap. You can also add other details, such as a diploma or mortarboard, to your drawing. Once you are finished, you can color your drawing with crayons, markers, or paint.

Drawing a graduation cap is a fun and easy way to celebrate a special achievement. By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and meaningful work of art that will be cherished for years to come. So get creative and have fun!

Creating the Basic Shape

The basic shape of a graduation cap consists of a square base and a triangular tassel. Begin by sketching a square. Position the square at a slight angle to create a three-dimensional effect. The bottom of the square should be slightly wider than the top, resembling an elongated trapezoid. This shape will form the base of the graduation cap.

Next, draw the tassel. Start by sketching a small circle at the top of the square. From the circle, extend a series of lines downward, tapering them together to form a triangular shape. The lines should be slightly curved for a more natural flow. The length of the tassel can be adjusted to your preference.

To complete the basic shape, add a small rectangle at the center of the square. This rectangle will represent the button that holds the tassel in place. Draw the rectangle parallel to the base of the cap, ensuring it is centered within the square.

Shape	Description
Square	Form the base of the cap, drawn at a slight angle with a wider bottom
Triangle	Represents the tassel, created by extending lines downward from a circle at the top
Rectangle	Depicts the button holding the tassel in place, drawn at the center of the square

Adding the Button

Once you have the basic shape of the graduation cap drawn, it’s time to add the button on top. The button is typically a round or square shape and is often decorated with a tassel. To draw the button, follow these steps:

Draw a circle or square in the center of the cap. This will be the base of the button.
Draw a smaller circle or square inside the base. This will be the center of the button.
Add details to the button, such as a tassel or other decoration. If you’re adding a tassel, draw a thin line from the top of the button to the bottom. Then, draw a few small lines at the end of the line to create the tassel.

Tips for Drawing the Button

Here are a few tips for drawing the button on your graduation cap:

Tip	Description
Use a ruler to draw straight lines.	This will help you create a neater and more precise button.
Make the button a slightly different color than the cap.	This will help it stand out.
Add a small shadow under the button.	This will give it a more realistic look.

Detailing the Hatband

Choosing the Hatband Material

The hatband, or tassel, is an essential part of a graduation cap. It is typically made of silk, velvet, or polyester. Silk is the most traditional choice and provides a luxurious look. Velvet is a more affordable option that still adds a touch of elegance. Polyester is a synthetic material that is durable and wrinkle-resistant.

Determining the Hatband Length

The length of the hatband will vary depending on the size of the cap and the desired length of the tassel. A good rule of thumb is to choose a hatband that is twice the length of the cap circumference, plus 6 inches for the tassel.

Attaching the Hatband

The hatband is typically attached to the cap with a needle and thread. Start by threading the needle with the chosen thread. Then, make a small hole in the center of the cap and insert the needle. Pull the thread through the hole and tie a knot.

Next, wrap the hatband around the cap, tucking the raw edge under. Secure the hatband with a few stitches at regular intervals. Trim any excess thread.

Adding the Tassel

The tassel is attached to the hatband by a loop of thread. To make the loop, thread the needle with a piece of thread and make a small knot at one end. Insert the needle through the center of the tassel and pull the thread through. Make another small knot at the other end of the thread.

Attach the tassel to the hatband by threading the loop through the hole at the end of the hatband. Pull the ends of the thread to tighten the loop and tie a knot. Trim any excess thread.

Drawing the Tassel

1. Draw a small circle for the tassel’s silhouette.
2. Draw a short, curved line extending from the bottom of the circle to create the tassel’s point.
3. Draw a series of parallel, diagonal lines inside the circle to represent the tassel’s threads.
4. Extend the threads downward and curve them slightly at the bottom to create a rounded shape.
5. Add finer details to the tassel by drawing smaller, curved lines around the original threads. Consider adding subtle shading to create a sense of depth and texture. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the finer detailing process:

Step 1:	Draw a series of shorter, curved lines around the outer edges of the original threads.
Step 2:	Add even smaller, curved lines within the spaces between the original threads.
Step 3:	Vary the length and curvature of the lines to create a sense of variation and texture.
Step 4:	Use a darker pencil or pen to shade certain areas of the tassel, such as the bottom edges of the threads, to create the illusion of depth and volume.

Shading and Highlights

Step 4: Determine the Light Source

Establish the direction of the light source to determine how shadows and highlights will fall on the cap. Typically, it’s best to choose a light source that comes from above and slightly to the side, as this creates natural-looking shading.

Step 5: Add Base Shadows and Highlights

Using your chosen drawing tools, lightly sketch in the base shadows and highlights. Focus on capturing the overall shape and form of the cap, keeping the lines loose and fluid.

Step 6: Refine Shading and Highlights

In this step, you’ll need to refine the shading and highlights to add depth and dimension to the cap. Use a variety of tones to create gradual transitions from dark to light, paying close attention to the shape of the folds and creases in the fabric.

Highlight Intensity	Description	Pencil Range
Hard	Lightest areas with maximum reflection	H, 2H, 3H
Medium	Areas with moderate reflection	HB, F
Soft	Areas with minimal reflection	2B, 4B, 6B

Remember to feather the edges of your shading and highlights using a blending tool, such as a tortillon or blending stump. This will create smooth transitions and add a sense of realism to your drawing.

Adding Texture

To add texture to your graduation cap, you can use a variety of techniques. One option is to use a dry brush to apply paint to the cap. This will create a rough, textured surface. You can also use a sponge to apply paint, which will create a more subtle texture. Another option is to use a textured fabric, such as burlap or canvas, to cover the cap. This will create a more dramatic texture.

7. Using Other Materials

In addition to paint and fabric, you can also use other materials to add texture to your graduation cap. For example, you can use glitter, beads, or sequins to create a sparkly or glamorous look. You can also use feathers, ribbon, or lace to create a more elegant or whimsical look. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment with different materials to find the perfect look for your cap.

Material	Effect
Glitter	Sparkly, glamorous
Beads	Ornate, elegant
Sequins	Glittery, eye-catching
Feathers	Elegant, sophisticated
Ribbon	Pretty, delicate
Lace	Elegant, feminine

Final Touches

Now that your graduation cap is drawn, it’s time to add some final touches to make it look complete. Here are some ideas:

Add a tassel. This is a traditional graduation accessory that can be made from yarn, ribbon, or even beads.
Draw a mortarboard on top of the cap. This is the square part of the cap that is often decorated with a tassel.
Add a personalized touch. You can do this by writing your name or graduation year on the cap, or by adding stickers or other decorations.
Color your cap. You can use watercolors, markers, or crayons to add color to your cap. Be creative and have fun with it!
Add some glitter. This is a great way to make your cap sparkle and stand out.
Laminate your cap. This will help to protect it from damage and keep it looking new for years to come.
Frame your cap. This is a great way to display your graduation cap and show it off to your friends and family.

10. Additional Decoration Ideas

In addition to the ideas listed above, here are some other ways to decorate your graduation cap:

Idea	Description
Add a pom-pom	This is a fun and festive way to add some extra flair to your cap.
Attach a bow	This is a more sophisticated way to decorate your cap, and it can be made from ribbon or fabric.
Use stickers	Stickers are a quick and easy way to add some personality to your cap.
Draw on your cap	You can use markers or paint to draw designs or write messages on your cap.
Add some flowers	Flowers are a beautiful way to add some color and life to your cap.

No matter how you choose to decorate your graduation cap, make sure that it reflects your personality and style. After all, this is your special day!

How To Draw Graduation Cap

1. Start by drawing a large circle. This will be the base of your graduation cap.
2. Draw a smaller circle inside the first circle. This will be the mortarboard.
3. Draw a line connecting the two circles. This will be the tassel.
4. Draw a small circle at the end of the tassel. This will be the tassel’s weight.

5. Now you can erase the guidelines.
6. Color in your graduation cap and tassel any way you like.