Cursive Alphabet: Letter D Worksheet and Practice Methods
Cursive writing is a smooth way of writing where letters flow into each other. The cursive letter D is part of that flow. It has a tall line, a soft curve, and a loop that gives it shape and style. Learning how to write the cursive letter D is a basic part of mastering cursive handwriting.
This guide focuses on the correct strokes, structure, and connections needed to form the cursive D. You’ll find printable worksheets, writing tips, and example sentences to help make learning simple and effective.
Let’s begin with a free worksheet to get your hand moving the right way.
Download Free Printable Cursive D Worksheet
Each part of the worksheet is laid out in a way that makes it easy to follow. First, you trace the shape of the letter. Then, you try it on your own. This helps train your hand to remember the right movement.
Help your child or students master the letter D in cursive writing with our free printable worksheets.
How to Write the Cursive Letter D?
To write the cursive letter D, you need to know how both versions of the letter work. Each one starts with a different stroke and follows a smooth path.
Before trying to write fast, make sure you understand the shape. Watch how each part of the letter moves, especially the loops and curves. Once it feels familiar, you can build up your speed.
Let’s break each one down on its own, starting with the lowercase.
How to Write Lowercase Cursive D?
The lowercase cursive d begins at the baseline, just like many other small letters. You start by making a small loop upward, then swing it around into a tall curve that touches the top line. From there, you come straight down and finish with a soft tail that curves slightly to the right.
Think of it like making a cursive a, but with a tall line rising before the loop closes. The movement should feel light, not rushed. Keep your wrist steady and let your fingers guide the shape.
Practice slowly at first. Make one letter at a time. Trace a few on the worksheet, then try without tracing. If the loop feels off or the line leans, pause and fix it before moving on.
Once your letters look even and smooth, you’re ready to connect them to other letters. But before that, let’s go over how to form the uppercase version.
How to Write Uppercase Cursive D
The uppercase cursive D starts with a tall upward stroke that reaches the top line. Once you get to the top, you curve slightly left, then swing your pencil in a wide loop that comes around and touches the baseline. It should look strong and smooth, not stiff or wobbly.
This letter takes up the full height of the writing line. It stands tall like a flagpole with a wide loop wrapped around it. Don’t rush the loop. Let your hand move with control, keeping the shape open and round.
Some people find this letter tricky at first because of its size and shape. That’s normal. Try tracing it a few times, then copy it freehand. Keep your strokes light until you feel confident.
Once you’ve got the shape right, you can move on to connecting it with other letters.
How to Connect Cursive D to Other Letters
Once you’ve learned how to shape the cursive D, the next step is learning how to connect it to other letters. In cursive, connections are part of what makes writing flow smoothly.
Each version of the letter D has its own way of connecting. Lowercase d usually connects forward to the next letter. Uppercase D often stands on its own or links differently, depending on the word.
Let’s take a closer look at each one, starting with the lowercase.
How to Connect Lowercase Cursive D
Lowercase d connects from the tail. After you make the loop and straight line down, the tail curves slightly up and right. That’s your link to the next letter.
What to keep in mind:
The tail should be small and smooth no extra curve or drag.
Don’t lift the pencil. Let the motion carry through.
Keep your loop open. If it’s too tight, the letter can look like an a or o.
Common letter pairs:
- da – d rolls into a with a gentle rise. Keep the connection soft and even.
- de – Let e start close to where d ends. The loop should flow without a gap.
- di – d leads into i with a small hook. Keep it neat so the dot doesn’t float too far.
- do – d and o blend well when spacing stays tight. The round shapes should balance each other.
- du – After d, the u starts low and curves up. Try to keep the rhythm steady.
How to Connect Uppercase Cursive D
Uppercase D stands tall, and its loop is wide. Once you make the loop, you can connect it to the next letter. The key is to keep the loop smooth and not too wide, so the letter after it doesn’t feel crowded.
What to keep in mind:
The bottom of D should stay close to the baseline. If it slants, the connection can look uneven.
The loop needs to be open enough to blend smoothly with the next letter.
Don’t rush. The tall stroke of D is a clear divider between words, so take time with it.
Common letter pairs:
- Da – D leads naturally into a with a slight curve. Don’t let the loop get too tight or the letters will feel disconnected.
- De – D flows easily into e. Let the bottom of e catch the tail of D without lifting your pencil.
- Di – D into i needs a gentle rise. The loop should stay close to the next letter.
- Do – D into o is simple. The round shapes should flow, so space the letters carefully.
- Du – D and u move together well when you relax your hand. The curve of u fits the end of D perfectly.
Practice Methods for Writing Cursive D
The best way to get better at writing the cursive D is to practice it often, but in small, focused steps. Start slow, repeat the strokes, and watch your hand as it moves. That’s how you build muscle memory and confidence.
Begin with tracing exercises. Use a pencil to follow dotted letters on a worksheet. Focus on the shape, not the speed. Once you’re steady with tracing, try copying the letter without help. Do a row of lowercase d’s, then a row of uppercase D’s.
Next, move on to connecting letters. Write pairs like da, de, do. Then try short words like “dad” or “dog.” This helps your hand learn how to glide between letters.
Sentences That Use Cursive D
Once you can write the cursive letter D on its own and connect it to other letters, it’s time to try full sentences. Keep them short at first. This helps you stay focused on shape, spacing, and rhythm.
Use simple words that include both lowercase d and uppercase D. Sentences like:
- Dad had a red dog.
- Dan did a good job.
- Dig deep and do it.
Write each sentence slowly. Let each letter flow into the next without picking up your pencil. If one letter feels awkward, go back and write just that word a few more times.
Make sure your uppercase D starts tall and clean. Let your lowercase d loop stay open and soft. Read each sentence aloud as you write it to stay on track.
What to Focus On
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is best to start cursive?
Most children start learning cursive around ages 7 to 9, once they’re confident with print. But there’s no age limit. Teens and adults can learn it too. The key is patience and regular practice.
Should I use a pen or pencil?
Use a pencil when starting out. It’s easier to control and lets you erase mistakes. Once you’re confident with the shapes, you can try a pen for smoother strokes.
Why is the cursive D important to practice?
Because it combines tall strokes, loops, and connections, the cursive D teaches control, spacing, and flow all key parts of cursive writing. It also shows up often in words and names, so learning it well helps your writing look more natural.
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