How to Draw a Top

Tops are traditionally a triangular shape that can be spun around.

A top is a small, triangular shape that spins. If you can draw a triangle, you can basically draw a top. By breaking the top down into its parts, the top is merely a collection of shapes. For the best results, use a pencil in case you make a mistake.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Eraser

Instructions

1. Sketch a straight vertical line. Slightly below the top of this line, sketch an upside down triangle, so that the vertical line goes down the middle of the triangle, with the bottom point of the triangle just a few spaces below the bottom of the vertical line.

2. Erase the top left and right corners of the triangle and round them off, similar to how the top of an apple looks. Erase the bottom point of the triangle, as well as a little above that, and replace with a straight horizontal line that is short in length and connects the two sides of the triangle.

3. Add a small square at the top of the triangle, perfectly in the center of the triangle, so the straight vertical line should also go down the center. Add the bottom point of the top by drawing what looks like the top of a pen on the bottom center of the triangle. This should be a short piece that is pointy at the end.

4. Draw a horizontal line that starts near the middle of the triangle. Draw several parallel horizontal lines below that, each a small space apart, all the way to the bottom of the triangle. As well, draw three or four horizontal lines that are very close together near the top of the triangle.

5. Sketch some light horizontal lines on the right side of the top that start at the right edge and only extend a little into the body of the top. Keep these lines light and rough-looking, as this will help make your top look rounder, and as if it's moving. Also, sketch outside of the body of the top a couple light, short curved lines that point slightly upward. These lines should be to the side of the top, preferably just one side, and should not connect to the top. This will also create the notion of movement for your top drawing.

References

• Drawwing How to Draw: Draw Spinning Top

Resources

• Turner Toys: Spinning Tops