Crosshatch means to draw or shade using two sets of parallel lines that cross each other, usually at an angle. Artists use this technique to create shadows, texture, and depth in their drawings. Instead of filling an area with solid color, they draw one set of lines going one direction, then add another set crossing over them.

The closer together you draw the lines, the darker the area appears. The farther apart they are, the lighter it looks. If you want something really dark, you can add even more sets of lines crossing at different angles. Imagine shading the curved side of an apple: you might use crosshatching to show where the shadow falls, making that side look round and three-dimensional.

The technique is especially common in pen and ink drawings, where you can't simply smudge or blend like you can with pencil or charcoal. Old engravings and etchings relied heavily on crosshatching to create everything from portraits to landscapes. You've probably seen it in comic books too, where artists use crosshatching to add drama and shadow to their characters.

Learning to crosshatch well takes practice and patience, since the spacing and angles of your lines determine whether your drawing looks smooth or messy. When done skillfully, crosshatching can make flat paper look remarkably three-dimensional.