Calligraphy is a mindful and fun craft to take on, it's soared in popularity in recent years! The simple satisfaction of dotting your I's and crossing your T's has never been so exciting. There is a tonne of techniques and styles to calligraphy.
It spans many parts of the world and is used in various ways across different cultures. Calligraphy has a rich and colourful history - you can find out much more by visiting The British Library.
If you are new to calligraphy check out this in-depth article - The ultimate beginner's calligraphy guide. Get started today with master calligrapher Kirsten Burke. Kirsten has published many books and provides easy-to-follow tutorials for beginners.
But first things first, you are going to need your first calligraphy set. Discover a variety of beginner calligraphy sets, all modern in style and bound to inspire!
12 calligraphy kits for beginners
Best calligraphy kits
- Most affordable kit: Hosung calligraphy pen set, £5.39
- Most stylish kit: Wild Sea Calligraphy's luxury kit, £25.00
- Best kit to give as a gift: Ideapool calligraphy set, £27.95
1. Mont Marte calligraphy kit
This is a very comprehensive calligraphy kit, it contains a variety of tools you need to start practising your skills straight away.
You'll find x4 calligraphy pens, x5 nibs and 20 ink cartridges (so you won't run out any time soon). The kit also comes with an introductory booklet and exercise booklet, so is ideal for complete newbies.
This kit is a fantastic way to begin your calligraphy journey thanks to its ease of use, variety of tools and helpful guides.
2. Calligraphy set with dipping inks
This beautiful set contains 7 inks, 12 nibs and a wooden-handled dipping pen. The inks come in a variety of colours too, so you can keep your lettering vibrant!
In the box, you'll also receive a handy instruction booklet which will give you plenty of tips and guidance so that you can get started right away.
The set comes beautifully presented in an elegant box, which would be the perfect gift to any keen writers or budding artists you may know.
3. Luxury calligraphy kit
Why not treat yourself to a special calligraphy kit? We love this minimalist, clean and beautifully presented calligraphy kit by Wild Sea Calligraphy.
The kit itself contains a premium Nikko G nib, a pen holder, an A5 pad of paper and some luxury greeting cards complete with envelopes! In the box, you'll also find a 24 page workbook and leaflet with links to video tutorials.
This really is a luxury kit, with a black-bound workbook and all the calligraphy set pieces beautifully presented. If you can bear to part with it, the kit would make the most thoughtful present for anybody who is new to calligraphy and might want to give it a try.
If this kit doesn't get you hooked, nothing will!
4. Modern calligraphy set
This gorgeous calligraphy kit is ideal for beginners and looks the part too!
The kit includes 14 traceable workcards which will take you from forming the key shapes and learning how to use your pen to discovering how to form phrases. This kit also includes a gold foil practice pad, a 30ml ink bottle, a G nib and their signature original penholder.
5. Personalised Calligraphy Set
Why not add an extra touch of personalisation to your calligraphy kit? This personalised calligraphy set contains three calligraphy inks, a pen with four nips and a set of 10 cream postcards and envelopes.
It is all beautifully presented in a gorgeous box that can be personalised with the recipient's name and message. This is the ideal starter kit for anyone looking to try their hand at calligraphy and would make a thoughtful gift too.
6. Brush lettering calligraphy set
Brush calligraphy is a type of calligraphy made using a brush pen. This fabulous kit includes everything you need to get started on your writing journey.
This personalised calligraphy set contains three calligraphy inks, a pen with four nips and a set of 10 cream postcards and envelopes.
This kit doesn't contain any tutorials or booklets to help you practice, so you might find it helpful to look up a tutorial on YouTube on brush lettering. We love this one by Kelly Creates.
7. Calligraphy pen set
If you are already a keen stationery collector, then you might simply need the pens. In that case, we'd recommend these low-cost ad highly-rated brush pens as your first set!
You don't need to blow the budget on your first calligraphy set to enjoy it and if you decide it's not for you, at least you haven't spent a tonne of money.
This brush set is made of six pens in a variety of nib sizes so you can practice different types of lettering.
Use your new calligraphy kit to create incredible handwritten notes then follow our how to make an envelope tutorial to package it up nicely!
8. Chinese calligraphy kit
Chinese calligraphy has a rich history, celebrated over thousands of years. It uses traditional brushes (rather than a pen), as well as solid ink, in the form of an ink stick.
It's actually a type of charcoal, compressed into a solid stick which you grind down on the ink stone (usually made of slate), and mixed with a little bit of water.
The result is ink which can be watered down to create a lighter grey, or if used with only a little water, will draw a solid black colour.
It follows a more traditional method and this art form can be very therapeutic to partake in. This kit contains basic Chinese calligraphy supplies, including four brushes, a solid ink stick, an ink stone, a brush rest and a small water bowl.
It also contains a different type of red ink (in the ceramic pot on the left of the image) and a block that forms the basis of a seal, which is the traditional way to 'sign' your art, once it's complete.
9. Magic Chinese calligraphy
This kit is calligraphy with a twist! instead of ink, you'll be using water to create deep black brush strokes!
Amazingly it is the special paper which is used which when wet creates a black colour. After a few minutes or when the paper is dry, the black will disappear and you can use the paper all over again.
This makes a fabulous and eco-friendly way of practising your Chinese calligraphy skills. Plus you don't have to worry about ink splash or mess! Bonus.
10. Manuscript Calligraphy Artist Set
This rustic kit is ideal for a budding artist who wants to try their hand at calligraphy. Ideal for unwinding and relaxing, this light wood presentation case features the comprehensive calligraphy set for artists everywhere!
With four Acrylic inks, 12 hand-selected nibs and two dip pen holders, this gift set is perfect for calligraphers, artists and creatives of all styles.
Looking for more craft kits?
Check out our paint by numbers kits, macrame kits and air dry clay kits.
11. Brush lettering kit
This kit is spot on for beginners, packed full of pens, ink, paper, gift tags and more! You'll find plenty of practice and guidance books too.
You'll even find a beautiful gold metallic pen in the kit, to add a little extra something to your lettering work.
12. Personalised modern calligraphy set
This utterly stylish calligraphy set is ideal for those who love a clean and tidy aesthetic and want to try their hand at beautiful lettering. It would make a wonderful present as the set can be personalised to your recipient too.
There is also a choice of left and right-handed which can be particularly helpful if you are a lefty and prone to smudging your work. You will also find a vegan ink option too.
Write beautifully with calligraphy kits
Calligraphy kits are a wonderful way of mastering this ancient technique and improving your handwriting!
Choose your favourite calligraphy kit from our round-up and immerse yourself in the stunning world of stationery.
Discover more beautiful stationery kits with Gathered
Are you looking for more fun arty kits to get stuck into? Try our wax seal kits.
