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The 7 Best Calligraphy Sets for Beginners (Review) in 2021

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Calligraphy encompasses numerous styles of writing and calligraphers use a bunch of specialized tools and pens to craft the beautiful artistic scripts they are known for. If you are just getting started in the calligraphy world, then finding the right set of pens, ink, and other tools can be hard. First of all, calligraphy is not as popular as some other forms of recreation so info may be harder to find. Second, “calligraphy” is a broad term that encompasses many different styles of writing, and the calligraphy tools you want depends on the kind of script you want to write.

Table of Contents show
7 Best Calligraphy Sets for Beginners – Review
1. ASXMA New Model Wooden Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Value Calligraphy Set
2. Daveliou 17-Piece Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Overall Calligraphy Kit
3. AIVN 17-piece Calligraphy Set – Best Calligraphy Set For Gifting
4. The Lettering Tribe Calligraphy Set – Best Calligraphy Set for Letters
5. GC Quil MU-02 Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Color Selection
6. Pablo Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Budget Calligraphy Set
7. Mont Marte Calligraphy Set – Most Versatile Calligraphy Set
Buyer’s Guide
Parts of a Calligraphy Pen
How Do Calligraphy Pens Work?
What to Look for When Buying a Calligraphy Pen Set
FAQ
Should I get a dip pen or cartridge pen?
How many extra nibs should I get?
How can I practice calligraphy?
Why you should learn calligraphy?
What supplies do I need for calligraphy?
What are calligraphy pens called?
Is calligraphy hard to learn?
How long does it take to master calligraphy?
Conclusions

Read on to figure out our picks for the 7 best calligraphy sets for beginners. Their sets have everything you need to get started as a new calligraphist, including pens, ink, and tips.
Quick Overview: Top 3 Best Calligraphy Sets for Beginners

Best Choice

ASXMA New Model Wooden Calligraphy Pen Set
  • Very affordable
  • 11 different pen tips for different styles
  • Lots of ink choices
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Check Price
Also great

Daveliou 17-Piece Calligraphy Pen Set
  • Comes with 2 pens, wood and glass
  • Includes a calligraphy instruction pamphlet
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Best Value

AIVN 17-piece Calligraphy Set
  • Handmade rosewood pen is balanced and comfy in the hand
  • Extra-large nibs hold a lot of ink
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Check Price

7 Best Calligraphy Sets for Beginners – Review

1. ASXMA New Model Wooden Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Value Calligraphy Set

Let’s start this list with a solid entry. The ASXMA calligraphy pen set comes with everything a handwriting aficionado needs to get started, including a solid wood calligraphy pen, 11 different pen nibs for different sized lettering, a vintage pen holder, and 4 vials of blue, green, black, and purple ink. Each pen tip is made from treated stainless steel which will not rust or corrode and the pen itself is made from a single solid block of wood so it is sturdy and light at the same time.

So starting with the obvious, the ASXMA is extremely affordable and has a great price to quality ratio. The ASMXA makes a great gift for anyone interested in calligraphy, whether they are a beginner or seasoned expert. The pen construction is very solid and the pen tips combined with the ink give you an effortless stroke that glides across the page easily. The different colored inks are non-toxic, long-lasting, and fade resistant and the tips can easily be switched out by simply pulling them off and snapping another one on. Best of all, this kit comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. If you have any problems at all or are just not satisfied, you can call the manufacturers and they will offer a full refund or replacement, your choice.

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • 11 different pen tips for different styles
  • Lots of ink choices
Cons
  • Pen is slightly uncomfortable to hold for long periods
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2. Daveliou 17-Piece Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Overall Calligraphy Kit

Let’s talk about options! The Daveliou comes with 17 different pieces including 2 pens, 4 inks (black, purple, green, and silver) and 12 different pen nibs for different fonts and handwriting styles. Each nib is balanced to allow the pen to glide across the page and the 12 different attachments give you a wide range of possible writing styles. One of the pens is made out of a single solid piece of wood while the other is made out of straight cast glass. The Davelious is a great calligraphy gift set for beginners and experts alike and is perfect for invitations, cards, letters, and more.

The Daveliou 17-piece set is a great beginner set because it comes with 12 different nib attachments and a handy pamphlet calligraphy guide so you can get started. Each ink is non-toxic, long-lasting, and will not fade and it even comes with a nifty pen holder that keeps the tip elevated when not in use so the ink does not get over your work station. Even better, the manufacturer offers a 1-year money-back guarantee. You can send the set back if you have any problems or are just not impressed.

Pros
  • 17 pieces offer versatility in writing
  • Comes with 2 pens, wood and glass
  • Includes a calligraphy instruction pamphlet
Cons
  • Nib fastener can wear down over time
  • Green ink is slightly dull compared to other colors
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3. AIVN 17-piece Calligraphy Set – Best Calligraphy Set For Gifting


First things first, the AIVN 17-piece Calligraphy set comes in a fancy felt-lined box that makes it a perfect gift plus carrying case. With a solid wooden pen 12 different pen nibs, 2 different bottled inks and a beginner instruction set make this one a perfect gift for beginner calligraphists.

Design and Materials
The AIVN features a solid wooden pen hand-carved out of a supple rosewood and each pen nib is made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Each nib fastens to the pen via a pewter fastening rig that offers extra stability and smooth pen strokes. The elegant black gift box is a nice touch and doubles as a display and carrying case. So not only does the AIVN work well, but it also looks great displayed on your desk in your study. Each nib holds a sizable amount of ink and the nib attachment is standard so you can use attachments from other calligraphy sets. Even better, the AIVN is extremely affordable at just under $23.

The sole downside to this one is the ink selection. Unfortunately, the AIVN only comes with two different shades of black ink instead of multiple colors. While this is not a huge deal if you are more interested in classic calligraphy, the lack of colors may be a deal-breaker for those who want to try more experimental calligraphy styles.

Pros
  • 12 different attachments
  • Stylish black gift box for travel and display
  • Extra-large nibs hold a lot of ink
  • Handmade rosewood pen is balanced and comfy in the hand
Cons
  • Limited ink color selection
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4. The Lettering Tribe Calligraphy Set – Best Calligraphy Set for Letters

Let’s start with the basics. The Lettering Tribe comes with 2 calligraphy pens, 2 bottles of ink, 5 extra nib attachments, an instruction booklet, and a magnetic gift box. The set also comes with a tracing pad for learning new techniques and letterings and an online calligraphy box you can access using the QR code included with the gift set.

Each nib is built so you can control the ink flow by tilting the pen. If you need a thicker line, hold the pen more vertical and if you need a finer line hold it more to the horizontal. Applying the right amount of ink is a tricky thing for beginners to learn so these nibs really help on that front. One of the calligraphy pens is made from a hand-carved rosewood while the other is made from a light composite material. The unique feature of this set is that it comes with a tracing pad that helps beginners learn the different strokes and techniques for lettering. The physical and online booklets give you access to hundreds of exercises covering upper/lowercase letters and project ideas.

Unfortunately, the Lettering Tribe calligraphy set only comes with 2 vials of black ink so it’s a bit limited on color selection. This set also only comes with 5 attachment nibs, which is relatively few for a starter calligraphy set. However, the extra instructional materials make up for this lack of selection.

Pros
  • Control the amount of ink
  • Tracing pad and instructional materials included
  • 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
  • Limited color selection
  • Only has 5 extra nib attachments
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5. GC Quil MU-02 Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Color Selection

The thing that sets the GC Quill apart from its competitors is the large ink color selection. This calligraphy set comes with 5 different colored inks including red, yellow, black, purple, and green, so you can do both classic black and white calligraphy or more experimental colored designs. The set also comes with 1 glass pen, 1 hand-crafted rosewood pen, and 6 extra attachment nibs for drawing lines of different thickness. Each nib offers a very smooth drawing experience which makes the GC Quoll a great set for beginners to learn the ins and outs of calligraphy.

The GC Quill also comes in a stylish antique-inspired carrying case/display box featuring an old French world map that looks equally well on your desk or bookshelf. It is a perfect gift for any friends who like to collect vintage trinkets. And of course, the GC Quill comes with a 100% money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free and get your money back if you are not completely satisfied.

The only potential drawback with this option is the relatively limited nib selection. The GC Quill comes with more ink color selections that a lot of other kits, though some of the color quality is lacking, particularly in the yellow and green inks. However, the bottom line is that this is a great calligraphy set for beginners.

Pros
  • Large color selection (6 inks)
  • Cool antique-inspired carrying/display case
  • Great customer service from the manufacturer
Cons
  • Color quality is slightly off in the yellow and green inks
  • Large nibs can blot ink if you are not careful
  • Glass pen is somewhat fragile
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6. Pablo Calligraphy Pen Set – Best Budget Calligraphy Set

If you need a good set of calligraphy tools but don’t want to spend a lot of money on a fancy kit, then you might be interested in the Pablo calligraphy set. At only $20, the Pablo manages to be both extremely affordable and a good mid-quality set of calligraphy tools.

The Pablo comes with 3 different calligraphy pens, each made from a durable composite material. Unlike other sets, the Pablo does not come with separate ink wells that you dip the pen in. Instead, it comes with preloaded ink cartridges you insert into the top of the pen so you don’t have to worry about slopping ink all over the place or excessive blotting. The set comes with 12-water based ink cartridges in black, blue, red and green. It also comes with a refillable ink converter so you can use your own ink. Included with your purchase is a beginner’s guide to calligraphy that has exercises and project ideas.

As it is so affordable, the materials are not the greatest quality. The pens are made out of a slightly tacky-feeling plastic and it only has 3 different size nibs that you cannot detach from the pens. However, this drawback is compensated for by how easy it is to use the Pablo calligraphy pens. So while the materials are not top-quality, it is very easy to use and make a great entry-level set for the calligraphist on a budget.

Pros
  • Comes with 3 separate pens
  • Pre-loaded ink cartridges
  • 4 color options (green, red, blue, black)
Cons
  • Quality is not amazing
  • Refillable cartridge can get clogged if you don’t use water-based ink
  • Only 3 nibs
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7. Mont Marte Calligraphy Set – Most Versatile Calligraphy Set


The main draw of the Mont Marte calligraphy set is how versatile it is. The Mont Marte comes with 33 different attachments (you read you read that correctly), 4 calligraphy pens, 20 ink cartridges in 7 different colors (green, brown, pink, orange, yellow, black, and blue), an instruction booklet with letter-by-letter instructions, and a workbook full of calligraphy exercises.

Like the Pablo, the Mont Marte calligraphy set does not come with separate ink wells but preloaded cartridges you insert directly into the pen. While this is a good mechanism for beginners learning how to write, more experienced calligraphists may find this a turn off. The 7 different colors offer a lot of flexibility in style and with over 33 nib attachments you can always find the line thickness you need. It also comes in a sturdy metal carrying box

The only drawback to the Monte Marte is the preloaded ink cartridges. While they are super useful for beginners, they tend to dry and clog if not cleaned regularly. Some users report that the nibs are a bit inflexible as well.

Pros
  • 33-piece set offers lots of possibilities
  • 7 different colored inks
  • Preloaded cartridges simplify the process
Cons
  • Cartridges can get clogged
  • Pens are not amazing quality
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Buyer’s Guide

Parts of a Calligraphy Pen

Calligraphy pens have three main parts; the pen itself, the nib, and inkwells. The pen is the main body that you hold to which you attach the nibs. Most higher-quality calligraphy pens are made of glass or wood, like rosewood or mahogany.

The nib is the small metal attachment on the end of the pen. The nib is what determines the shape and slant of the lines you draw. Most calligraphy pens have detachable nibs so you can change the angle and size of the lines you draw.

Lastly, is the ink. Calligraphy ink is usually either water-based or acrylic-based. Water-based inks are easy to apply but tend to bleed. Acrylic inks are more expensive and make better-defined lines, but it is harder to work with and can be overapplied very easily.

With classic style calligraphy pens, you dip the nib into the ink and then start writing. This method means you have to periodically reapply ink to the nib. Some newer calligraphy pens come with preloaded ink cartridges like a common pen so you don’t have to reapply ink between stokes. While these kinds of preloaded pens are easier to use, they lack the elegant quality hand-dipped pens have.

How Do Calligraphy Pens Work?

Calligraphy pens work using a simple pressure mechanism. When you apply pressure to the end of the nib, separating the tines on the end. This separation allows the ink to flow down the nib creating even ink strokes. The harder you push, the more ink is deposited so the thicker the lines. So proper calligraphy involves changing pen pressure through the strokes to have dynamic lettering that changes thickness.

What to Look for When Buying a Calligraphy Pen Set

Before buying, make sure you consider the following features of calligraphy pen sets.

Pen Style

As we said earlier, calligraphy pens come in two main styles: dip pens and cartridge filled pens. Dip pens are the “classic” option while cartridge pens are a newer invention. The benefit of dip pens is that you can use any kind of ink and don’t have to worry about leaky cartridges while storing your pen. Dip pens can be much messier to use and can blot if you are not careful.

Cartridge filled pens, on the other hand, are easy to use and let you control the amount of ink. The downside is that you cannot use any kind of ink you want and some pens will only take specific cartridges.

If you have never done calligraphy before, you might want to start with a cartridge pen set simply because that is easier to use. As you get more experienced, consider transitioning to a dip pen set.

Nibs

Calligraphy nibs come in two main types: italic and flex nibs. Flex nibs are the traditional nib and are separated into two leaves called tines. Applying pressure opens up the tines which deposit an amount of ink proportional to the pressure. Italic nibs are more rigid and don’t have tines. These nibs apply ink via the side which makes them good for angular fonts like italics and Gothic styles. Italic nibs are also pressure-sensitive, but not to the same degree as flex nibs.

The kind of nib you choose depends on the style of lettering you want. If you want more dynamic flowing lettering, consider a flex nib. If you want to do more modest and angular fonts, try an italic nib.

Grip

Many calligraphy pen guides overlook the importance of the grip. Calligraphy is a detailed and intensive process that requires long hours of working, so a bad grip can leave your hands feeling tired. A good grip is ergonomic and also makes your writing more precise. The right grip depends on the size of your hands so there is no hard-and-fast rule for choosing a grip.

Brush pens

Depending on the kind of calligraphy you want to do, you may want to consider getting a brush pen. Brush pens are basically a calligraphy pen with a flexible marker end that applies ink in response to pressure. Brush pens are good for getting elegant strokes that may be hard to mimic with a rigid tip. For example, Chinese calligraphy is often performed with brush pens to capture the elegant strokes of Chinese characters.

FAQ

Should I get a dip pen or cartridge pen?

It depends on how experienced you are with calligraphy. If you are just getting started, consider trying a cartridge pen as those are easier to get started on. When you get more experience transition to a dip pen.

How many extra nibs should I get?

Again, the amount of nibs depends on your experience. If you are just starting out, you should not need more than 5 extra nib attachments, although there is nothing wrong with getting more.

How can I practice calligraphy?

There is no better practice than actually doing! In addition to regular practice, many calligraphy pen sets come with instruction manuals and practice workbooks so you can hone your skills. There are also plenty of internet resources you can use to learn.

Why you should learn calligraphy?

If you love handwriting in general, especially if you love to learn new writing styles, then you will also enjoy learning the art of calligraphy. Calligraphy focuses more on the aesthetics side of handwriting, so if you want to learn decorative writing, then this is the way to go.

What supplies do I need for calligraphy?

First and foremost, you will need a pen. The pen should consist of the handle or holder, the nib, and the ink. Depending on what you want, the ink can come preloaded in the handle or you can get dip style pens where you instead dip the nib into a canister of ink. Lastly, you should purchase certain kinds of paper meant for calligraphy to help you get the most out of your practice and art.

What are calligraphy pens called?

Originally or in ancient days, calligraphy pens were known as dip pens and involved dipping the nib in the ink. As the old dip pens developed, they started also being referred to as nib pens because of the addition of the metal nibs.

Is calligraphy hard to learn?

To put it simply, just about anyone can learn the art of calligraphy. However, it does depend highly on how much you practice. So, learning calligraphy is not hard, but mastering it can be.

How long does it take to master calligraphy?

There is no specific answer to this questions. But, if you practice often, you can get the hang of decorative writing or stylish lettering within months. Then, maybe after a year or two of continued commitment, you could find yourself in the position to teach others on how to do calligraphy writing.

Conclusions

Calligraphy is a wonderful way for a person to combine their passions for art and writing and calligraphy sets make a great gift for the creative minded, young and old. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced calligrapher, this list of best calligraphy sets for beginners makes a nice jumping-off point for getting into the world of beautiful penmanship.

By James Morris November 5, 2021

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claire

    November 25, 2019 at 11:38 pm

    After watching tons of calligraphy videos on Instagram I’ve finally decided to give it a go myself. The result turned out not so bad but I definitely have to upgrade my pens. On my hunt for calligraphy pens for beginners I noticed the Daveliou set popping on several lists so I think I’m gonna go with this one for now.

    Reply
  2. Denise

    November 26, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I had no clue a starter calligraphy set is so affordable! I dabbled in calligraphy when I was studying abroad in Germany but have since abandoned this hobby #busymomof3 Thanks for this roundup, I’ve added them to my list, I need to get back in the calligraphy game asap, my brain needs it haha

    Reply
  3. Tamira

    November 26, 2019 at 3:05 pm

    I’m in a pickle… I’ve worked on my calligraphy skills for the last months but all I had was an old pen my mom had lying around on her desk. The thing is, how do I decide on just one set? The best calligraphy kit in my case should have a wide variety of tips but my budget is tight, I’m saving for my first trip abroad. Do you think the Mont Marte set is versatile enough? Do these pens work with bottled ink? Thaaaaanks!

    Reply
  4. Alexia R.

    November 27, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Holy Moly, I just clicked home the first two and the fourth set and I can’t wait to get them. This is my early xmas present to myself! Now I need to stock on paper but I’d rather look for it offline, I don’t want to miss the mark on this one.

    Reply
  5. Christine

    November 27, 2019 at 8:20 pm

    I know NOTHING about calligraphy but I’ve always wanted to try it out. I could watch calligraphy videos for hours, I find it so soothing and it always looks amazing. I need the absolute best calligraphy set for beginners because I want to practice my penmanship for my bff’s baby shower but I can’t spend too much on this. Right now I’m reading through the comments for your top pick and it looks perfect for my needs, thanks for suggesting it.

    Reply
  6. Zelda Ella

    September 6, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    I have a Daveliou set. This is a great starter set. The price is less than 25 dollars but I get so many different tips to play with. I bent the tips to fit my personal needs. With this inexpensive set, I feel comfortable to write with force without worrying.

    Reply

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