What Is Crosshatching? (Drawing Definition)

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by Helen South's Drawing/Sketching Glossary

Updated January 10, 2017

Crosshatching is an extension of hatching, which uses fine parallel lines drawn closely together to create the illusion of shade or texture in a drawing.

Crosshatching is the drawing of two layers of hatching at right-angles to create a mesh-like pattern. Multiple layers in varying directions can be used to create textures. Crosshatching is often used to create tonal effects, by varying the spacing of lines or by adding additional layers of lines.

Crosshatching is used in pencil drawing, but is particularly useful with pen and ink drawing, to create the impression of areas of tone, since the pen can only create a solid black line.

Alternate Spellings: cross-hatching