Pattern Layout Day 1: Easy Pen tool Techniques 5/11

Now that you have finished lesson 4 you now know that you can draw smooth curved lines with the pen tool. But you also know how COUNTERINTUITIVE it is to work with. If you feel like you mastered the technique - good for you!

If you think you need to find another way - read on about Ms. Hooker's EASY pen tool techniques.

NO DRAG METHOD: This is the easiest and quickest way to outline shapes. Simply click to create anchor points and let the line segments stay straight. You end up with a somewhat jagged looking outline. Make a lot of clicks and you'll get a smoother looking "curve".

CLICK & DRAG then CLICK BACK METHOD:
1. Start your path with a simple CLICK.
2. Move your mouse to a location further down the edge of the shape where it starts to curve and CLICK & DRAG until your path is curved the way you want.
3. Now CLICK BACK on that last anchor point.
4. Again move your mouse to a location further down the edge of the shape and CLICK & DRAG until your path is curved the way you want.
5. Again CLICK BACK
6. Keep repeating the sequence until you have closed the shape