No matter what your level of dip pen expertise is, calligraphy spacing can be a major challenge. It’s tough to maintain a consistent amount of space between letters! While block lettering allows you to mathematically space out letters evenly, you have to “eyeball it” with calligraphy. If that intimidates you, don’t despair! Today’s printable — a calligraphy spacing cross drills worksheet — will really help you to hone your spacing skills.
How to Use This Free Calligraphy Worksheet: Video Tutorial
First, download the Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet for free by clicking here. Print it off on a calligraphy-friendly paper like 32# laserjet, and choose your favorite dip pen, nib, and ink. (I used iron gall ink and a Brause EF66 nib in an oblique pen.)
How to Use This Free Calligraphy Worksheet: Written Tutorial
First, begin by writing connected “o”s over the faint “o” outlines at the top left of the worksheet.
Once you finish writing the first line, continue to write “o”s along the other horizontal lines in the left quadrant. Try your very best to ensure that each “o” is right below the one above it.
Once the ink has dried, turn your page 90 degrees, then write a new line of “o”s that are perpendicular to the “o”s that you drew before. Each new “o” that you draw should be in the middle of a square of four “o”s.
Basically, you’re going to “crisscross” your first sets of “o”s with new sets of “o”s.
Continue drawing connected “o”s until the first quadrant of the worksheet looks like a grid! Fill out the rest of the worksheet quadrants the exact same way, but with different letters of your choice.
Benefits of Using the Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet
As I mentioned before, calligraphy letter spacing doesn’t have a whole lot to do with math. Instead, you rely on your visual judgment to achieve consistency. It really doesn’t matter which letter(s) you choose to practice with — the point is to work on spacing.
If you find yourself generally having trouble with your calligraphy being “smooshed” together or too far apart, then I encourage you to give this worksheet a try. Don’t be discouraged if your results aren’t perfect. The whole point of a worksheet is to provide you with mistake-friendly practice!
Again, you can download this free worksheet by clicking here. I hope that you enjoy it, and I’d love to see your results on Instagram (@thepostmansknock)!
Get Your Drills On: BOGO!
I love calligraphy drills because they keep practice sessions fresh. Instead of writing “A, A, A, B, B, B …” ad nauseam, you’re making strokes and loops that will translate to increased confidence, better pen control, and improvement in your calligraphy as a whole. TPK has several themed calligraphy drills available that make practice simultaneously challenging and fun.
Through this Friday, May 20th, you can type the code DRILLBOGO in the “Apply Gift Card” field at checkout to buy a drills packet and get one for free. Simply add the two drills packets that you want to your cart! (Coupon will only work once per customer.)
Happy practicing!
Warmly,
This article was first posted in May of 2017. It has been updated to include a much-needed tutorial video.
