Each step builds on the one before. Students learn to see mittens as a few simple shapes, then add the details that make it theirs.
Before you start: a pencil, an eraser, a sheet of paper and something to colour with.
Draw lightly at first. Dark lines come at the end, once the shapes look right.
Step-by-step: how to draw mittens
Step 1. Left mitten
Draw the left mitten shape.
Step 2. Left thumb
Add the left thumb.
Step 3. Right mitten
Draw the right mitten.
Step 4. Right thumb
Add the right thumb.
Step 5. Cuffs
Draw a cuff on each mitten.
Step 6. String
Join them with a string.
Step 7. Hearts
Draw a heart on each mitten.
Step 8. Stripes
Add a stripe on each mitten.
Step 9. Cuff lines
Add ribbing lines on the cuffs.
Step 10. Snowflakes
Draw three snowflakes in the sky.
Step 11. Dots
Add a row of dots on top.
Step 12. Create
Make one part completely yours.
The pink line is the new part in each step.
Make it theirs
- Add falling snow with dots or tiny stars.
- Draw a second, smaller one beside it.
- Fold the paper and turn it into a card for someone at home.
- Colour last. There is no wrong colour for mittens.
Teaching it with the projector
The projector version draws each step slowly on the board, pauses while students copy it, then checks in before the next step. Nobody has to talk, so you are free to walk around and help.
Quick Fix: 8 steps, about 5 minutes. Good for a brain break or the last few minutes before recess. Full Focus: all 12 steps, about 10 minutes, with the extra detail.
Open Cozy Mittens on the projector → It works on any classroom screen. No accounts, no student names, no ads.
Curriculum connections
Visual arts: the elements of design (line, shape and pattern) and creating art for a purpose. Language: listening to and following multi-step directions. Directed drawing also builds fine motor control and focus.