Beautiful handwriting isn't an accident — it's a learned skill. In calligraphy, each letter is carefully formed and placed on the page in the perfect position. Regardless of what typeface you use, there's a subtle beauty to calligraphy that's simply incomparable to other art forms. If you're ready to give this type of handwriting a try, there are a few essentials you'll need. The pen, of course, is the most important. Since you can't create beautiful calligraphy with a ballpoint pen, you will need to invest in a pen with a nib that holds ink. There are several different types to choose from, so before you go and get overwhelmed, take a look at our favorite calligraphy sets for beginners. Mont Marte Calligraphy Set A Set to Write Home AboutThis calligraphy set comes with four calligraphy pens and five classic nibs so you can start on a high note.Best OverallFind on Amazon If you’re just getting started with calligraphy, this set provides all of the essentials. Inside a nice metal box, you’ll find four classic-style calligraphy pens. Because they’re cartridge pens, you won’t have to deal with any ink bottles. There are 20 different ink cartridges in a variety of colors, which means you can practice quite a bit before you’ll need to buy more. Each pen has a beautiful marbled appearance that’ll look great in your hand. Aside from that, you’ll also get an introduction booklet with letter-by-letter instructions to help you learn the art of calligraphy. There’s also an exercise book to help you practice all of your new skills. You’ll be making beautiful letters before you know it thanks to this great Mont Marte Calligraphy Set. Pros Easy-to-use cartridge pens that are less messy compared to dip pens A fun assortment of colored ink, including pink and orange Contains everything you need to get started, so you can try your new hobby without making additional investments Five nibs ranging in size from extra-fine to extra-broad Cons You have to push fairly hard to get the cartridges inserted properly. Make sure you press down until you hear a click or the ink won’t flow AIVN Calligraphy Pens Set Pure LuxuryThis set's luxurious rosewood pen and stainless steel nibs make creating beautiful letters a breeze.Best GiftFind on Amazon There are calligraphy sets, and then there’s this calligraphy set from AIVN. This one is a premium option that makes a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys lettering. Everything in the set is packaged beautifully in a black box, and it even comes tied with a bright ribbon so that it’s ready for gifting. Inside the box, you’ll find some high-quality calligraphy tools and supplies. The rosewood dip pen is well-balanced and comfortable to hold. You can select between a dozen different stainless steel nibs, giving you maximum control over the ink as you practice. There are also four bottles of ink and an ink holder, which will help make your writing practice more enjoyable. Pros Many nibs to work with, giving you a wide variety of sizes Four different colors of ink (black, blue, purple, and orange) Nibs hold quite a bit of ink, so you won’t have to dip as often Cons If you’ve never used dip pens before, there is a definite learning curve The instructions aren’t the best, so find your own learning resources Black Calligraphy Ink Pens for Beginners Paint It, BlackYou don't have to spend a fortune to give calligraphy a try. Here's a great set of beautiful black pens that can help you get started.Best Black PensFind on Amazon When you’re first trying out a new skill, you may be hesitant to shell out a lot of money on supplies. After all, what happens if you don’t like it? Well, with this calligraphy set for beginners, you don’t have to worry nearly as much about the cost; instead, this set offers an inexpensive way to give calligraphy a try. For one great price, you get four different sizes of refillable black ink pens — there are three hard tipped pens and one soft one. With these, you’ll be able to try a variety of lettering styles. The ink inside each pen is water-based and non-toxic, too, so you can let your kids safely use them. Pros Great price point per pen Non-toxic ink that comes out nice and dark so it’s easy to read Pens are refillable. You can buy fountain pen ink to refill them Cons Only the pens are included. You won’t get instructions or paper Hethrone Calligraphy Set Dip It In InkWhile cartridge style calligraphy pens are less messy, there's something special about dipping your pen into a little jar of ink like you can with this set.Most Elegant Find on Amazon If you want to give dip pens a try, this set from Hethrone is a great option. Inside the box, you’ll find two handmade dip pens, one made from glass and the other from wood. The handles on each are lightweight and comfortable, so you can write for longer without getting hand cramps. To give you maximum control over how your letters look, you can switch between the different sizes of nibs that come in the set. There are seven nibs in all, and they’re all stainless steel so you can rest assured that they’ll last quite a while without bending or breaking. The nibs hold quite a bit of ink, so you won’t have to stop to dip after every letter. This means you can get into a groove with your writing, and before long, your handwriting will be a delight to look at. Pros Packaged well in a gift box High-quality materials make this set durable Five colors of non-toxic ink (including green, blue, and purple) Metal pen holder for holding your pen and an ink bottle Cons You’ll want to make sure you put the lid on the ink tightly or it’ll leak all over your set The nibs have an oil protective coat over them that you’ll need to remove before using. You can do this by quickly washing them in hot water, but make sure you let them dry before you use them again U.S. Art Supply 35-Piece Calligraphy Writing Set Kidding AroundIf you're looking for a calligraphy set for your child, this one is a great choice. Instead of ink pots that easily tip over, it features cartridge-style pens that will let your little one practice without making a mess.Best for KidsFind on Amazon Do you have an artistic child who enjoys trying different types of art? If so, get them this calligraphy set. It’s a kid-friendly option that comes with easy-to-use tools, an instruction book, and a pad of practice paper, so you won’t have to buy anything else before your child can begin. And if you’re worried about calligraphy being a messy hobby, you’ll appreciate that this kit features cartridge pens. There aren’t any open ink pots that your child could accidentally spill. Instead, they’ll be able to practice their lettering to their heart’s content without making a mess. And engaged kids with no mess is a win-win for busy moms. Pros Comes with four pens and five nibs so your child can practice a variety of strokes Includes 22 cartridges in a variety of colors Appropriate for older kids or adults who are interested in learning calligraphy All-in-one set that comes with everything you need to learn and practice your lettering Cons Calligraphy pens aren’t like ballpoint pens, so your child may need some initial help in learning how to make the ink flow The instructions aren’t great, so if your child is an absolute beginner you’ll want to help them find some video instructions before they start Frequently Asked Questions How do you make ink flow from a calligraphy pen? When you first attempt to make letters with a calligraphy pen, you might face some disappointment at the beginning. If you’re holding it like a regular ballpoint pen, you probably aren’t going to get any ink coming out. Try these tips to help you start. First, make sure there’s ink in the pen. If it’s a dip pen, you’ll want to get some ink. If you have a cartridge-style pen, make sure you installed it properly. Then, try holding the pen upright over scratch paper. Gently tap the nib on the paper to help fill it with ink. Once you have ink coming through, hold the pen at a 30-60 degree angle and try writing again. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get it, you’ll be able to make beautiful letters. How do you clean your calligraphy nibs? Ink won’t be able to flow through clogged nibs. To avoid this problem, wash each one thoroughly after each use by removing it from the pen and running hot water through each it until the water runs clear. That way, if you want to change colors next time you use it, you can do so without any problems. Once your nibs are clean, dry them carefully. You don’t want any water left on them, or they could rust. If you care for your nibs properly, they’ll last you a long time.