Before you use your compass as a drawing tool, you need to get a feel for how it works. Move and adjust both arms, while looking at the hinge to see if there are any markings. Some compasses have a measurement scale that’s similar to what you’ll find on a ruler, but the markings will be a lot smaller. You then want to perform the following actions:
- Set the hinge’s point to the 1-inch mark.
- Grab the compass’s handle located just above the hinge with the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand.
- Place the shoulder needle on the center of the paper.
Once the drawing compass is in place, let the pencil run along the page by using a sweeping motion, as you twirl the compass’s handle. And make sure the needle remains fixed. As you spin it around a single point, the device will draw a perfect circle. The measurements on the compass refers to the radius of the circle being drawn. So if it has a 1-inch radius, it will have a 2-inch diameter.