Simple Arabic designs on the back of the hand
Start a flower at the outer wrist, run leaves diagonally to the index or ring finger, and stop. The thumb and the far fingers stay clean.
Simple Arabic designs on the palm
Centre one large open rose in the palm and trail two leaves to opposite fingers. Because the palm stains darkest, you can skip shading entirely.
Minimal designs with an Arabic feel
If even that is more than you want, these minimal designs borrow Arabic outlines and floral shapes for a single motif.
Drawing the outline
Use a slightly larger cone opening than you would for fine work. Draw the outline of each petal in one stroke, then a second stroke just inside it if you want a hint of depth. Do not fill. The empty petal centre is what makes it Arabic.
Browse every Arabic design, or narrow it to back hand Arabic and front hand Arabic.
Frequently asked questions
What makes an Arabic mehndi design simple?
One diagonal sweep, thick outlines with light or no shading inside, and most of the hand left bare. Fewer elements, drawn bigger.
Which is easier for Arabic mehndi, palm or back hand?
The back of the hand. It is flat and the diagonal from wrist to index finger is easy to keep straight.
How long does a simple Arabic design take?
Fifteen to twenty-five minutes per hand.
