Get your pencils ready—it’s time to draw a cheerful little character from Irish folklore: the magical and mischievous St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun! This easy leprechaun drawing tutorial is perfect for kids and parents who love to draw.
In just 8 simple steps—plus a coloring finale—you’ll bring this lucky leprechaun to life. Whether you’re creating for St. Patrick’s Day or just love cute characters, this guide makes drawing fun and exciting!
Did you know? Leprechauns are said to be shoemakers who hide their gold at the end of a rainbow!
Follow each step carefully, take your time, and most importantly—have fun!
Materials:
- a piece of paper
- a pencil for the guiding lines and sketching
- an eraser
- a black sharpie or a pen for the outlines
- markers or colored pencils for coloring
- our printable drawing guide (Join my Email List below to get this Tutorial)
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
15 minutes.
How to Draw a St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun — Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Draw the Face Shape.
Start with the leprechaun’s head.
Draw a U-shape like a bowl. On the top edge, add three soft, bumpy waves—like a wavy “W”—to create his hairline.
Tip: Keep your lines light so you can easily erase if needed.
This is the base of your leprechaun’s head!
Step 2 – Add the Ears.
Draw a small “C” shape on each side of the head for the ears. Inside each ear, add a smaller curved line for detail.
Fun tip: Try making one ear a little bigger or tilted for extra personality!
Step 3 – Draw the Beard.
Time for that iconic beard!
Starting from one ear, draw a bumpy, wavy line around the bottom of the face to the other ear. Make the curves uneven to look fluffy and fun.
Did you know? Leprechauns are often shown with red or orange beards!
Step 4 – Sketch the Hat Brim.
Right above the head, draw a wide curved line stretching from one side of the hair to the other. Add small upward curves on each end—this is the brim of his famous green top hat.
Tip: A big brim makes for an even more magical hat!
Step 5 – Add the Hat Top.
From each side of the brim, draw two slightly curved lines going upward. Connect them at the top with another curved line to form the tall, rounded hat top.
Fun Fact: Tall hats were worn to look important—just like wizards!
Step 6 – Add the Hat Band.
Draw a horizontal rectangle across the base of the hat top—this is the hat band. Make it wide enough to fit a shiny buckle in the center!
Step 7 – Add the Buckle.
Inside the band, draw a square in the middle, then draw a smaller square inside it. This forms the buckle.
Legend says: A leprechaun’s buckle might just be enchanted!
Step 8 – Add the Face Details.
Now bring your leprechaun to life!
Add two circles for eyes.
Draw curved lines above for eyebrows.
Add a small upside-down “U” for a nose.
Draw a big smile with an open mouth. Add a curved line for the tongue.
Tip: Make your leprechaun happy, mischievous, or even surprised!
Step 9 – Color Your Drawing!
The most magical step—color it in!
Try these colors (or choose your own!):
- Hat: Green with a black band and yellow buckle
- Hair & Beard: Orange or red
- Skin: Light peach, tan, or any skin tone you like
- Eyes: Blue, brown, or green
- Mouth: Pink tongue, white teeth
Creative Challenge: Add a rainbow, a pot of gold, or shamrocks in the background—need help? Follow our step-by-step Rainbow and Pot of Gold tutorial for a perfect match!
Pin it now, Draw later!
Fun Facts About Leprechauns
- Leprechauns are only about 2–3 feet tall—that’s toddler size!
- They’re expert shoemakers, always tapping away at tiny shoes.
- Catch one, and legend says they owe you three wishes!
- These tiny tricksters have been in Irish folklore for over 700 years!
Tips and Tricks for Better Drawing
Want your drawing to shine even more? Try these tips:
- Start with light pencil strokes—you can always go darker later.
- Practice different facial expressions and beards on scrap paper.
- Add accessories like freckles, shamrock earrings, or even a rainbow pet!
- Try drawing a leprechaun family—maybe a grumpy grandpa or a baby with a pacifier!
- Use glitter markers or gel pens for a sparkly, magical finish!
Awesome job! You just completed a festive leprechaun sketch—from his bouncy beard to his tall hat, step by step!
Now it’s time to share the magic:
- Show your drawing to your family and friends.
- Hang it up for St. Patrick’s Day decorations.
- Post it online using #EmilyDrawing and inspire others to get creative!
Love this tutorial? Check out more magical art guides—like our St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow and Pot of Gold tutorial, plus rainbows, unicorns, and more!
Thanks for drawing with us. Keep practicing, keep imagining, and remember: every great artist starts with one simple line.
Happy Drawing and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀🧑🎨🌈
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Drawings Tutorials
