What is the minimum number of sketches needed to create a loft?

To create a loft in SolidWorks, a minimum of two sketches is required. A loft feature is constructed by transitioning between two or more profiles, which are defined by sketches. Each profile can be located on different planes, allowing for more complex shapes to be generated.

When using the loft feature, the first sketch serves as one profile that defines the starting shape, while the second sketch acts as the other profile that defines the endpoint of the loft. This allows SolidWorks to interpolate the surfaces between the two sketches, producing a smooth transition and giving the 3D model more complexity and variation in form.

While it is possible to create a loft with more than two sketches for even more intricate designs, the fundamental requirement is that at least two sketches are necessary to establish the profiles between which the loft will be defined.