How to Draw a Yo-Yo (Easy Step by Step)
A yo-yo is a great first drawing because it is mostly circles. You will draw two big disks, add a ring and a star in the middle, and finish with a wiggly string and a loop. The two curved lines on the side make the toy look like it is spinning.
- Easy
- 10 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 yo-yo step by step
How to Draw a Yo-Yo · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: The front disk
Draw a big circle near the bottom left of your page. This round disk is the front of the yo-yo, so try to draw the outline with one smooth curve.
Step 3: The back disk
Draw a curved line that starts near the top of the front disk, bulges out to the right, and curves back down to touch the front disk on its lower right. It makes a second big circle that looks tucked behind the first.
Step 4: The inner circle
Inside the front disk, draw a smaller circle that follows the same curve. Leave an even gap all the way around, like a ring.
Step 5: The star
In the middle of the inner circle, draw a star with five points. Start at the top point and zigzag down and around until you come back to the start.
Step 6: The string
Start at the top of the front disk and draw a short wavy line that goes up and to the left. Add a tiny bend at the bottom where the string ties on.
Step 7: The finger loop
At the top end of the string, draw a small oval tilted a bit to one side. This is the loop where a finger goes.
Step 8: Motion lines
On the right side of the yo-yo, draw two curved lines that bend the same way. Make the long one first and the short one just beside it to show the yo-yo spinning.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your yo-yo? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a jump rope or how to draw a carousel next.
Tips for drawing a yo-yo
- Draw the front disk first and make it big, then tuck the back disk behind it so the two overlap.
- For the inner ring, keep the same gap all the way around. Try following the outer edge with your pencil a little way inside.
- Make the star's five points about the same size. If it looks lopsided, lightly mark a dot for each point first.
Free yo-yo coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this yo-yo 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 yo-yo drawing
Try a bright red front disk with a yellow star and a blue back disk. For a creative twist, color the motion lines in rainbow stripes so the yo-yo looks like it leaves a trail.
Yo-yo fun fact for kids
Yo-yo-like toys are very old. A painting on an ancient Greek vase from about 2,500 years ago shows a young person playing with one.
Questions about drawing a yo-yo
What shapes do I need to draw a yo-yo?
You need circles, an oval, and a star. Two big circles make the disks, a smaller circle makes the inner ring, and a small oval makes the finger loop.
How do I draw a perfect circle for a yo-yo?
Do not worry about perfect. Practice by drawing the circle in the air a few times, then draw it in one smooth swing. You can also trace around a cup or a lid.
How do I make my yo-yo look like it is moving?
Add curved motion lines next to it. The lines show the yo-yo is spinning.
