Hatching, Cross-Hatching and Stippling

How do you make a gray tone with a tool that only makes lines? You put many lines close together. Hatching and its variations are the classic way to create value (light and dark) with pencils and especially with pens, where you can't smudge.

The main techniques

• Hatching: parallel lines in one direction. The closer and thicker the lines, the darker the tone.
• Cross-hatching: layers of hatching in different directions. Each new layer darkens the area.
• Contour hatching: lines that curve around the form, following its surface. They describe value and volume at the same time.
• Stippling: many small dots. More dots, darker tone. Slow, but it produces very smooth gradients.
• Scribbling: loose, tangled lines. Energetic and great for textures like hair, foliage or rough surfaces.

Building tone in layers

Start with the lightest tone over the whole shadow area, then add layers only where it needs to be darker. This keeps your values organized.

Good hatching habits

• Use the wrist and fingers for short strokes, and flick the pencil so each stroke tapers at the end.
• Change direction thoughtfully. Cross-hatching at about 30–45° between layers looks cleaner than at 90°, which can create a stiff grid.
• Follow the form when you want volume: on a cylinder, curve the strokes around it.
• Leave the paper white for highlights. It's very hard to get the white back.

When to use which