Cursive F
f is the only letter that touches all three zones, which is why it is usually taught on its own before it enters a word. A cursive f is a tall letter, and it hands over to the next letter low.
This is the same renderer the generator uses. Open it with f already filled in to change size, rows and guides, then print.
How to write a cursive f
- Start on the baseline, sweep up to the top line and loop back down through the baseline.
- Continue below the baseline into the lower loop, then return up to the baseline.
- Cross the stem at the midline with a short horizontal stroke and exit to the right.
A f sits in the tall + descender zone. Capital F starts at the top line with a small loop and finishes with a cross stroke at the midline.
Joining f to the next letter
f is the only letter that uses all three zones. It exits at the midline, so the join starts high. fa, fo.
Where it usually goes wrong
The lower loop is forgotten and f stops at the baseline. Without the descender it reads as a tall s.
Words to practise after the letter
Once the single letter holds its shape, put it into short words where it appears once: for, after, off. Type any of them into the generator above and it will lay out eight ruled rows of tracing for you.