How to Draw a Sleigh (Easy Step by Step)
A sleigh is a cozy drawing to make because it is built from a few easy shapes: a bowl for the body, a big half circle for the sack of toys, and a couple of boxes for the gifts. Each step adds one part, so you can stop and admire your work along the way. By the end you will have a sleigh that looks ready for a snowy night.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a sleigh step by step
How to Draw a Sleigh · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: The sleigh body
Draw a big smile-shaped bowl, like half of a wide oval. Start with a small flat hook at the top left, curve down and across the bottom, then sweep up on the right into a little point.
Step 2: The long runner
Under the body, draw one long line like a skateboard track. Curl the left end up into a small hook and let the right end swoop up high in a big curve to meet the point of the body.
Step 3: Two runner posts
Draw two short straight lines from the bottom of the body down to the runner. Make them the same length so the sleigh stands up straight.
Step 4: Top edge and curl
Draw a gently sagging line across the top of the body, from the left side to the right. At the right end, loop the line up and over into a small curl that comes down to the body, like a handle.
Step 5: The big sack
Sit a big half circle on the middle of the top edge, like a dome. On top, add a small bump shaped like an upside-down U for the tied-up neck of the sack.
Step 6: Two gift boxes
Draw a small square gift box on the left of the sack and a slightly taller box on the right. Let both sit right on the top edge of the sleigh.
Step 7: Ribbons and window
On the right gift, draw one straight line down the middle for the ribbon. On the left gift, draw a plus sign inside the square to make four little windows.
Step 8: The little heart
In the middle of the sleigh body, draw a small heart. Start with two bumps at the top, then curve down to a point at the bottom.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your sleigh? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a candle or how to draw ice skates next.
Tips for drawing a sleigh
- Draw the long runner slowly and let the right end curl up in one smooth swoop. If it wobbles, practice the curve once on scrap paper first.
- Make the two posts between the body and the runner the same length. Lay your pencil across them to check they are even before you go on.
- Draw the sack as a half circle sitting right on the top edge, with the little bump on top. Leave room on both sides so the two gifts can sit next to it without crowding.
Free sleigh coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this sleigh coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your sleigh drawing
Try a red body, golden runners, a green sack, and gifts in bright stripes of blue and yellow. For a creative twist, color the heart in a glittery color and give each gift its own pattern.
Sleigh fun fact for kids
A sleigh slides on long, smooth runners instead of rolling on wheels, which lets it glide over snow and ice.
Questions about drawing a sleigh
What shapes do I need to draw a sleigh?
You need a big curved bowl for the body, a long curvy line for the runner, two short posts, a half circle for the sack, two boxes for the gifts, and a small heart on the side.
How do I make the runner curl look smooth?
Draw it in one slow motion instead of many short strokes. Rest your hand on the paper and move your whole arm, and trace over a light pencil line if you need to.
How do I make my sleigh look more festive?
Color the body in bright holiday colors and give each gift its own pattern. You can also use a glittery color for the heart.
