Calligraphy for Beginners: Dip Pens, Nibs, Ink and Paper

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Beautiful lettering on cards, certificates and wedding invitations starts with a few simple strokes. This guide to calligraphy for beginners explains how a dip pen and nibs work, which ink and paper to use, the first strokes to practise, and how to look after your nibs so they last.

How a dip pen works

A dip pen has a holder and a removable metal nib. You dip the nib into ink, and the ink sits in the nib’s slit and reservoir. Broad, flat-edged nibs make thick and thin lines depending on the direction you pull the pen; this is how classic calligraphy alphabets get their shape. Pointed nibs make thick and thin lines depending on how hard you press, as in copperplate.

Calligraphy for beginners: supplies we stock

Mont Marte Calligraphy Dip Pen Set (9 nibs): a dip pen with nine nibs in a range of styles, for calligraphy, copperplate and lettering.
Skyglory Calligraphy Pen 6 Nib Set: six dip-style nibs in a range of widths, also a popular gift.
Calligraphy Pen Ink 25ml (XL015): ink for dip and calligraphy pens.
For modern brush lettering without dipping, the Dual Tip Water Soluble Marker has a brush tip and a fine tip.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all drawing pens.

Which paper for calligraphy?

Smooth paper gives clean lines and stops the nib catching. Thin or soft paper may let ink spread (feather) or bleed through. For practice, smooth drawing paper works well; for finished cards and certificates, ivory or Conqueror paper gives a smart result. Our drawing paper guide explains the options. Always test your ink on a corner first.

Getting started, step by step

Wash a new nib gently with mild soap and water and dry it. New nibs often have a light protective coating that can stop ink sticking.
Push the nib firmly into the holder.
Dip only the nib into the ink, just past the small hole, and tap off the extra on the bottle edge.
Hold the pen at a steady angle. For a broad nib, keep the edge at the same angle as you write, often about 45 degrees.
Pull the pen towards you; dip nibs work most smoothly when pulled, not pushed.
Re-dip often, before the line starts to fade.

First strokes to practise

Straight downstrokes and upstrokes, keeping the nib angle the same.
Ovals and circles, which show the thick and thin parts of the stroke.
Small curves and loops, the building blocks of letters such as n, m and o.
Rows of the same letter, before moving to whole words.

Draw light pencil guidelines first so your letters stay the same height. Ten minutes of practice a day works better than one long session.

Cleaning and care

Rinse the nib in water after each session and dry it with a soft cloth. Dried ink makes nibs scratchy.
Never leave a nib standing in ink.
Store nibs dry to stop them rusting, especially in humid weather.
Close the ink bottle tightly after use.

Frequently asked questions

Which nib should a beginner start with?

A medium broad nib is easiest for learning classic letters. Try the other nibs in your set once the basic strokes feel steady.

Why does my ink blob or skip?

Too much ink causes blobs, and a new, oily nib or too little ink causes skipping. Clean new nibs, tap off extra ink and re-dip often.

Is brush lettering the same as calligraphy?

It’s a modern style of calligraphy using brush pens instead of dip nibs. Our art markers guide covers brush-tip markers.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose a calligraphy set and paper.

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