The Hatching and Cross-Hatching Technique

Hatching can be a highly versatile drawing technique. At its simplest, it consists of basic lines that suggest form, but it can also develop into a dense network of strokes in multiple directions. When the lines are placed very close together, the effect can even border on looking like continuous tone. Beyond shading, hatching is also a powerful way to create rich textures.

Learning hatching is important not only because it’s useful for ink illustration and tonal drawing, but also because it forms a bridge to later techniques. For example, in dry brush painting, we often use very small painted strokes in a way that closely resembles hatching with a pencil—making hatching a valuable foundation for both disciplines.

Poppy seed capsules: On the left, two different examples of hatching using ink - using parallel and small lines, horizontally not the small pod, which follow the form around the contours of the surface and vertical on the larger pod - also following the contours. On the right, dense cross hatching with pencil was used. All of the drawing s could be completer in either medium but ink can be more suited to the simpler hatching techniques and too much layering gf lines with ink can become too dark.

Above: Very simple hatching using mostly parallel lines creates clean clear drawings with an indication of form. This type of hatching is ideal for print work where subject might be reduced in size. If too much line work is added with this type of subject, and the subject is reduced for printing purposes it may look too dark and lose the clarity, so understanding the appropriate type of shading for the intended purpose can be important to understand too.

What' the Difference Between Hatching and Cross-Hatching

Hatching

Hatching is a shading hading technique that uses sets of parallel lines. and those lines usually all lines go in the same direction (horizontal, vertical, or angled).

Lightness or darkness is created by spacing lines closer or farther apart, or by varying line weight.

This technique creates a softer, simpler sense of tone; good for quick shading and lighter textures, which makes it ideal for subtle form, or when a clean, minimal look is desired.

Cross-Hatching

Cross -hatching is ashading technique that layers two or more sets of lines that cross over each other.

Lines are drawn in multiple directions—commonly perpendicular or diagonal to each other.

Darker tones can be achieved by adding more layers of intersecting lines.

This technique can produce deeper shadows, richer textures, and a more complex, detailed surface.

Making it ideal for strong contrasts, dramatic shading, and rendering detailed or textured objects.

In Summary

Hatching = single-direction lines → lighter, simpler shading.

Cross-hatching = multiple intersecting layers → darker, more complex shading.

BUT you can also mix techniques - some areas may need only hatching and other may need cross-hatching.

In the video, I demonstrate a couple of different approaches using hatching and cross-hatching. One is in ink -but could also be in pencil, the other is in pencil - the density of hatching in in the pencil drawing would most likely be too heavy for ink, but is effective in graphite.

Understanding the Form or Volume: Before Applying Shading

Before adding any hatching lines, it is essential to first understand the shape and volume of your subject. A clear sense of structure will guide how your marks follow the form. Creating a simple contour line drawing is especially helpful for rounded objects, such as a poppy seed-head, because it allows you to visualise the surface before shading.

Equally important is observing how light and shadow fall across the subject. Knowing where the highlights, mid-tones, and shadows are will determine where your hatching should be placed and how dense the lines need to be.

A good starting point is to make a simple sketch, mapping out the basic contour lines and main light/shadow areas on the form. This framework gives you a solid foundation for adding hatching that enhances volume and depth.

Hatching is most effective when it follows the structure of your subject. Before adding any lines, take time to study both the shape and the light source. The steps below will help you build a strong foundation.

Step 1 – Observe the Form

Look carefully at the subject and identify its overall shape.

Ask yourself: Is it broadly spherical, cylindrical, conical, or irregular in shape?

Imagine being able to “feel” the surface with your hand — this will help guide how your lines should curve around it.

Step 2 – Draw Contour Lines

Create a simple outline of the object in pencil

Add working drawing to show the contour lines - these are lines that wrap around the surface, like the latitude and longitude lines on a globe.

These contours act as a guide, showing the direction in which your hatching strokes should flow.

For example: on a poppy seed head, you might draw curved vertical lines running down its rounded form.

Step 3 – Identify Light and Shade

Observe where the light is coming from.

Mark out the areas of highlight, mid-tone, and shadow.

This step is crucial: it tells you where your hatching should be lighter or denser.

Step 4 – Plan the Hatching

Begin in the shadow areas, using denser lines.

Follow the contour lines so your strokes wrap naturally around the form.

Leave more space between lines in lighter areas to suggest highlights.

Step 5 – Build Gradually

Start with a single layer of lines.

Add more layers or cross-hatching in the darkest areas.

Work from light to dark so you can control the depth gradually.

By following these steps, your hatching won’t just “fill space” — it will enhance the sense of three-dimensional volume and believable light on your subject.

Below are the key stages of a rough drawing of a poppy seed- head using hatching and cross-hatching ,

1. The initial contour drawing sketch, 2. Identify where the lightest area will be (note that this is drawn in heavily for demonstration purposes), 3. Identifying the darkest area on the lower and right-hand side.

4. Adding the ink outline (ink is used here so that its clear to see). 5.Add vertical hatching lines - the drawing could actually be left like this 6. Drawing cross-hatching lines in multiple directions and finally pencil marks are removed.

A Note on Flexibility

You don’t always have to start with longitudinal lines — you can begin with cross-hatching or any approach that feels natural. Hatching is a highly versatile technique, and while guidelines are helpful, don’t get bogged down by rigid “rules.” The key is to experiment and find a method that best expresses the form, light, and texture you want to capture.