Chapter 2

Sketching
introduction
 Sketching technique is one of the most important skills for engineering
visualization. Sketching is the quick way to communicate ideas with other members
of the design team. Sketching is a time-efficient way to plan out the drawing
processes needed to create a complex object.

 This topic will describe the concept of freehand sketching in design as one of the
common approaches in technical drawing.
objectives
At the end of this chapter, student should be able to

 describe the purpose of freehand sketching;

 list the advantages of the freehand sketches;
 describe the reasons why we need sketching;
 sketch lines and circles neatly;
 sketch object from a given picture and from an actual object;
 identify and list types of measuring devices used in the workshop;
 identify various types of lines and their applications;
 visualize object into six-view;
 select and sketch the necessary views;
 sketch object into isometric, oblique and perspective views.
2.1 basic freehand sketching
2.1.1 Freehand Sketching In Engineering
Progress begins on paper – words alone cannot describe new or futuristic forms
(French, 1997). Sketches are needed to show the thoughts that cannot be said.
Sketching can become an important part of technical discussions and design
decision.
During Leonardo da Vinci’s time
(1452-1519), no one had yet seen a
helicopter. His sketch helped
convey the idea. The person in the
center powers the rotating wings.
(Source: Technical Drawing 12th
Ed.)
 Sketches can assist
technical discussions by
showing the relationships
among ideas. (Source:
Technical Drawing 12th
Ed.)

In general, freehand sketches achieved without the aid of conventional drawing

equipment such as compasses, straight edges and scales.
Freehand sketches are commonly required for at least three purposes to:
 record (in the field or workshop) features of a site, structure or a piece of machinery. In such
cases a neat sketch is made on the spot (with measurements) and taken back to the design
office for discussion. This may be used in preparing an alteration or new design.
 substitute for a proper drawing, where the object is sufficiently simple for a scaled drawing to
be acceptable.
 aid design thinking.
2.1.2 Advantages of Sketching
The advantages of freehand sketching are:
 Enables designer to summary most of the ideas while they are still fresh in mind.
 Information is easily arranged and adjusted and can be used to test whether parts of the initial
design or objects will fit together.
 A sketch can be readily enlarged or reduced without any loss of character or quality.
 Allows designer to describe things which can’t always be described by speaking or writing.
2.1.3 Reason of Sketching
Freehand sketch should be made with care and with attention to proportion, clarity, and
correct line widths (Giesecke, 2004).

Following are typical reasons why we need sketching:

 To persuade people who make decisions about a project that an idea is good
 To develop a refine sketch of a proposed solution to a problem so that a client can respond on
to it.
 To clarify a complicated detail of a drawing that has more than one view by enlarging it or by
creating a simple pictorial sketch.
 To give design ideas to drafters so that they can do the detail drawings
 To develop a series of ideas for refining a new product or machine part.
 To develop and analyze the best methods and materials for making a product
 To record permanently a design improvement on a project that already exists
 To show there are many ways to look at or solve a problem
 To spend less time in drawing. More quicker to sketch than to create mechanical
drawing.
 2.1.4 Sketching Materials
 One of advantage of freehand sketching is that is requires only pencil, paper and eraser.
Experienced draftsmen use plain paper. Paper with A4 and A3 size is recommended. Beginner is
advisable to use cross paper. Such paper is easy to carry and is convenient for maintaining correct
proportions.
 Soft pencil, such as HB or F should be used for freehand sketching. Use mechanical pencil and
sharpen it to a conical point. Use the sharp point for center lines, hidden lines and cutting plane
lines. Use soft eraser to maintain your sketches from dirt.
Sketch on graph paper. Pencil points.
2.1.5 Lines
The difference between an instrument drawing and a freehand sketch lies in the
technique of the lines. Freehand line is not expected to be as rigidly straight or
exactly uniform as an instrument line. The quality of a freehand line and its
types, lie in its freedom and variety
Comparison of Lines. Types of sketch lines.
a) Sketching Straight Lines
 Most lines on an average sketch are straight lines; student should learn
to make them correctly. Proper methods of holding pencil and the
direction of travel should be practiced.

 Method of Holding a Pencil

The pencil should be held with freedom and not too close to the
point

Method of holding a
pencil.
 Direction of Travel
 In drawing a straight line between two points, keep your eyes on
the point to which the line is to go, rather than on the point of the
pencil.
 Draw a very light line first then sketch the finished line.

Direction of travel.
b) Drawing Horizontal Lines
In order to draw a horizontal line, you may follow these
guidelines:
 Draw with your hand shifted to the position of Figure 2.10.
 When draw short horizontal lines lightly rest your finger on the
page as a guide then move the pencil from left to right.
 When draw long horizontal lines still use your little finger as a
guide and move the pencil from left to right keeping your wrist
firm.

Drawing a long
horizontal line.
c) Drawing Vertical Lines
In order to draw a vertical line, you may follow
these guidelines:
 Draw downward with your hand in the position.
 When draw short lines use your wrist to draw a series of overlapping
lines. Keep your wrist firm and move your arm down the page.
d) Drawing Sloping Lines
2.1.6 Sketching Circle and Arc
a) Small circle
b) Large circle
Method 1
Method 2
2.1.7 Maintaining Proportion
a) Sketch from a given picture.
b) Sketch from an actual object
c) Establish proportion
2.1.8 Sketching for Accuracy
2.1.9 Types of Sketch
2.2 Multiview Sketch

2.2.1 Six view sketch

2.2.2 Necessary Views
2.2.3 Two Views Drawing
2.2.4 One View Drawings
2.2.5 Alignment of View
2.3 isometric sketches
2.4 oblique sketches
2.5 perspective sketches
..end of chapter 2..