Calligraphy

Types of Calligraphy Pens

Calligraphy covers a wide range of styles and techniques, and different tools suit different approaches. Understanding the basics helps you choose the right pen from the start.

Dip pens and nib pens

These are the traditional choices for pointed pen and broad-edge calligraphy. A metal nib fits into a holder, you dip it into ink, and the split tip flexes under pressure to create thick and thin strokes. They give you a huge amount of control and are the go-to for formal scripts like Copperplate and Spencerian, as well as modern pointed pen styles.

Browse our replacement nibs to find the right nib width and style for your script.

Calligraphy fountain pens

Calligraphy fountain pens work like standard fountain pens but with a specially shaped broad-edge nib. They're convenient for practice and everyday lettering since there's no dipping required, and they come in nib widths ranging from extra fine to extra broad.

Staedtler's 33-piece calligraphy set is a great example of this format: it includes four pens with comfort grips, five nibs ranging from extra fine to extra broad in width, and twenty water-based ink cartridges in multiple colours, all packaged in a storage tin. It's ideal for beginners.

Brush pens

Brush pens use a flexible brush tip rather than a rigid nib, making them well-suited to modern brush calligraphy and lettering. Thanks to their looser, more expressive style that's become hugely popular for handmade cards, envelopes, and social media content.

Explore our brush pens range for options in this category.

Chisel-tip felt calligraphy pens

These pen types are the most beginner-friendly format: no dipping, no cartridges, just uncap and write. They're great for practising letterforms and exploring broad-edge styles before committing to a dip pen setup.

What to Look for in a Calligraphy Pen

• Nib width – Determines the contrast between your thick and thin strokes. Broader nibs (2–3.5mm) produce more dramatic contrast and suit larger-scale work; finer nibs are better for small, detailed lettering. If you're buying a starter set, one with multiple nib options lets you experiment across the range before committing to a favourite.
• Ink flow – Everything in calligraphy. You want consistent flow, not too wet, not too dry, and an ink formula that doesn't bleed on the paper you're working with. Most cartridge-based calligraphy pens use water-based dye ink, which flows smoothly and is available in a variety of colours. Dip pen users have more flexibility to choose inks for specific properties like permanence, shimmer, or opacity.
• Comfort and grip – Matter more than they might seem, especially for longer practice sessions. Ergonomic grips reduce hand fatigue and help you maintain a consistent pen angle.

What Can You Use Calligraphy Pens For?

The obvious answer is hand lettering and writing, things like addressing envelopes, writing place cards, creating quotes and artwork. But calligraphy pens are also popular for journaling, card making, scrapbooking headers, and adding hand-lettered details.

For decorative finishing touches that combine lettering with shimmer, metallic glaze pens are a beautiful companion tool. They're ideal for adding gold or silver lettering accents on dark paper, envelopes, or card fronts. And if you need opaque, bold colour on a wider range of surfaces, paint pens extend what's possible beyond ink-based calligraphy work.

Shop Calligraphy Pens at CraftOnline

CraftOnline is one of Australia's largest online art and craft shops, with over 700 brands and 50,000 products across every creative category. Whether you're after a complete beginner set, individual calligraphy pens to build your collection, or replacement nibs and accessories, you'll find everything you need here.

Free shipping on orders over a certain amount and great everyday prices. Browse the full calligraphy pen range, or explore our art and craft shop to find your next creative essential.