Page:Standard lettering (IA standardletterin01claf).pdf/18



The curved part of the D starts at the line bisecting the distance between the left lines of both strokes as indicated. Do not bisect the total width of the D.

Figure 9 illustrates by steps the "skeleton method" of laying out the inside line of the curved stroke of the D, and the curved strokes of the other letters including the P, B, etc., which method insures symmetry and in the long run is an economy of time.

First step, draw line CD 1⅛ units from AB. 2d: bisect EG and FG at H and K, respectively (this can be done by the eye after a little practice). 3d: sketch in curves L and M. 4th: "Fatten" this portion of the letter by rounding out the hollows at L and making the new curve continuous and tangent to CD at the midpoint, with the result as shown.

The finished letter is often left as in the 3d step, but that is a case of sacrificing, to some extent, the grace of design for the advantage of speed.

Fig. 9.