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How to Draw a Tape Measure
Draw a tape measure in 11 easy steps, about 8 minutes. Free, with a printable worksheet.
Each picture adds one red line. Draw that line, then scroll to the next picture. Rub out any dashed helper lines at the end. First up: the body.
Step 1: The body
A little right of the middle, draw a big rounded square. This is the case.
Tip Make the corners very round, like a squashed ball.
Step 2: The tape
From the bottom left of the case draw a long flat strip going left. This is the tape pulled out.
Step 3: Two big eyes
On the case draw 2 big egg eyes side by side. Add a black dot and white shine in each.
Step 4: Smile and cheeks
Under the eyes draw a wide U smile. Add a small flat oval cheek beside each end.
Step 5: The hook
At the far end of the tape draw a small block, a little taller than the tape, for the hook.
Step 6: Tick marks
Along the top edge of the tape draw short lines down, every finger-width, like on a ruler.
Step 7: Button and shine
On the left of the case, above the tape, draw a small button. Add a short shine curve inside.
Step 8: The table
Draw a table line from left to right under the case. Add a flat oval shadow on it.
Step 9: Cream tape, pink cheeks
Go over your lines. Colour the tape cream and the cheeks pink.
Step 10: Yellow case
Colour the case yellow, going around the eyes and the cheeks. Leave the eyes white.
Step 11: Slate hook, grey shadow
Colour the hook and the button slate, and the shadow grey. Your tape measure is ready!

Your finished drawing
Follow the steps above and this is where you end up: a tape measure, drawn by you.
Every step in one picture
