How to draw a Celtic triquetra using an equilateral triangle

Triangles are the perfect shape to use as a guide for drawing triquetras. The triangle’s shape provides the template for the loops, determining the shape and size of the finished design.

In today’s drawing tutorial, we will use an equilateral triangle, a compass, and a bit of freehand to create a triquetra (or trinity knot) that is even on all sides. This drawing project is similar to a previous tutorial with three overlapping circles. 

So grab your drawing supplies and let’s get started!

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Gather your supplies:

Compass
Drawing pencils
Markers
Blending stumps
Eraser
Click eraser
Ruler
Grid paper
​Sketch pad
Tracing paper

Step 1:

Draw a circle using a compass. Divide in half horizontally.

Step 2:

Place the compass point on one end of the line and make a tick mark above it on the circle’s circumference. Place the compass point at the other end of the line and do the same thing.

Step 3:

Place the compass point on one of the tick marks and make a circle using the same radius as the first circle. The circumference of this second circle should pass through the center of the first. Follow the same steps on the other tick mark and draw the third circle.

Step 4:

Draw lines connecting the three outer points where the circles intersect to form an equilateral triangle.

Note: In a different technique you could skip the triangle and use the triquetra shape formed by these overlapping circles (watch that tutorial here), but this tutorial focuses on drawing a triquetra using the triangle as a guide.

Step 5:

Erase everything but the triangle and mark the center of the triangle. (You can guestimate but if you’d like to learn how to find the exact center of a triangle check out that brief tutorial here.)

Step 6:

Draw a half-circle or arc from one corner of the triangle to another, making sure to go around the center point.

Step 7:

Do the same to create the other two arcs.

Step 8:

Draw offset lines above or below the overlapping lines to create the thread.


Step 9:

Pick an intersection and create alternating overs and unders for your thread.

Step 10:

Erase all unnecessary lines and stylize!

Watch the YouTube video link for this tutorial...

Another video tutorial you may like…

Related blogs you may want to read:
How to find the center of a triangle
How to draw a triquetra using a right-angle triangle
How to draw a simple Celtic triquetra using three circles
How to find the midpoint of a line, arc, and circle without measuring
Step-by-step method for drawing a basic triskele
Creating a knotwork pattern inspired by the Clonmacnoise South Cross
Drawing tutorials for Celtic knot borders and corners
Circular Celtic border knot tutorial, basic braid
Basic twist step-by-step drawing tutorial using grid paper
​Celtic braid step-by-step drawing tutorial
Basic border knot with vertical breaks, step-by-step drawing tutorial
Basic border knot with horizontal breaks, step-by-step drawing tutorial
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A fun DIY project with paint and a thrifted mirror part 2
The Celtic Motherhood Knot, a symbol of love
Celtic Tree of Life
Basic Celtic Knot Tutorial Part 1
Celtic Knot Tutorial Part 2