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  • Welcome to TPK! This is your first of 2 free articles. For unlimited access to tutorials and articles, join TPK Premium for less than the cost of a latte.

    Free Calligraphy Worksheet: Spacing Cross Drills

    March 26, 2024

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Beginner’s Calligraphy, Calligraphy, Dip Pen Calligraphy, Free Printables, Printable Goodies, Worksheets

    If you have trouble with letter spacing, then you will appreciate today’s free calligraphy worksheet! Print it out and practice as many times as you need to in order to hone your ability to “eyeball” the distance between letters.

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    Free Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet | The Postman's Knock

    No matter what your level of pointed pen expertise, 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 help you to hone your spacing skills.

    DOWNLOAD THE FREE WORKSHEET

    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 (affiliate link), and choose your favorite nib, pen holder, 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.

    Free Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet | The Postman's Knock

    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.

    Free Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet | The Postman's Knock
    All of the “o”s should line up with the “o”s above them.

    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.

    Free Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet | The Postman's Knock
    Your goal is to make a grid of connected letters.

    Basically, you’re going to “crisscross” your first sets of “o”s with new sets of “o”s.

    Free Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet | The Postman's Knock

    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.

    For an extra challenge, try writing a lowercase alphabet in the upper right quadrant of the worksheet. When you get to “z”, you can start again at “a”.

    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!

    Free Calligraphy Spacing Cross Drills Worksheet | The Postman's Knock
    If your grids don’t look perfect, don’t worry about it. That’s the reason you are practicing: to improve. Each time you fill out this worksheet, you get better at calligraphy spacing!

    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)! And yes! This worksheet has shown up on the Blog before. It’s such an important and helpful learning resource, though, that I want to make sure it’s on your radar.

    Happy practicing!

    Warmly,

    *This post contains affiliate links to Amazon

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About the author

Hi, I’m Lindsey Bugbee, the illustrator, calligrapher, and author behind The Postman’s Knock (TPK). Since 2012, the TPK Blog has been a vibrant creative space filled with tutorials and lessons on modern calligraphy, hand lettering, and illustration. After publishing The Calligraphy Book, I wanted to elevate the quality of content even further—so I launched TPK Premium. You can join here to receive access to some of the internet’s best creative inspiration and project tutorials.

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52 responses

  1. Karen Avatar
    Karen
    March 28, 2024

    Thanks for offering a unique resource! I tried this last night, and it’s definitely harder than it looks. I’m curious about why the letters are so tiny. It’s hard to form alphabet letters based on an x-height so tiny.

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  2. Robin Avatar
    Robin
    March 27, 2024

    This is going to be a great help, Lindsay! I’ve been lettering for many years but the spacing between my letters gets wonky. Because I don’t practice spacing, I don’t get better. Because I don’t get better, I don’t do much lettering. Vicious cycle. Thanks for this practice sheet! I plan to put it to good use!!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 2, 2024

      It is one of the hardest things to get down and can be so discouraging if things aren’t lining up right. I wish you luck in your practice, it will absolutely help you build those skills!

      Log in to Reply
  3. Teresa Cisneros Avatar
    Teresa Cisneros
    March 27, 2024

    Thank you for this informative video and explanation on how to use this practice sheet. I had seen this practice sheet before but never understood why this was important. I have learned something new and useful for my calligraphy practice.

    Log in to Reply
  4. Natalia Avatar
    Natalia
    March 26, 2024

    I’ve seen this worksheet around for a while, but it feels like a daunting task! Like I need better skills than the ones I have so far. So I might look at it as a goal or just might give it a go and keep trying until I improve.

    Log in to Reply
  5. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda
    May 31, 2022

    Spacing drills are new to me, I’m excited to try them!

    Log in to Reply
  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole
    May 31, 2022

    I really appreciate all the effort and time you put in your drill sheets and sharing them with the community. Helping to keep the art of calligraphy alive! Thank you very much!

    Log in to Reply
  7. Jana Ottersberg Avatar
    Jana Ottersberg
    May 30, 2022

    Thank you so much for these wonderfully helpful practice sheets!

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  8. Katherine Hawkes Avatar
    Katherine Hawkes
    May 30, 2022

    Thank you so much for the worksheet! I learn so much from you and you are so generous with your time and talent. I appreciate you so much! Be especially blessed!!!

    Log in to Reply
  9. DSF Avatar
    DSF
    May 30, 2022

    Thank you for the free worksheets! They are always so helpful.

    Log in to Reply
  10. Susan Avatar
    Susan
    May 30, 2022

    The lessons are easy to understand and are very helpful

    Log in to Reply
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TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured in @newyorkermag’s “A Holiday Gift Guide: Treasures That Are Old, or Old at Heart”. 🎁 I agree that it makes for a *fabulous* gift ... and it is the gift that keeps on giving, since your recipient will develop the skills to create all sorts of beautiful and satisfying projects. We’re talking gorgeous envelopes, frameable quotes that make a home feel cozy, place cards, sketchbook pages, family trees ... there are a lot of possibilities (and tutorials for those possibilities can be found on the TPK Blog)!

To get a kit, visit the link in my bio and navigate to the “SHOP” tab. If you buy a kit as a gift, let me know right after placing your order (lindsey@thepostmansknock.com). Be sure to tell me your recipient’s name, and I’ll be glad to include instructions for them over how to enroll in the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course, which comes with the $125 kit option. ✍️ Happy holidays! 

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphytools #calligraphyset #calligraphykit #giftguide #holidaygiftguide #newyorkermag #smallbusinesslove #shopsmall #makersgonnamake #creativegifts #handmadegifts #artgifts #artsupplies #stationerylove #snailmailrevival #envelopecalligraphy #learncalligraphy #artistsontiktok #creativeprocess #holidayseason #giftideas2024
✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ – This inky poppy ✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ - This inky poppy motif is one of my all-time favorites for filling blank space with drama and elegance. To make it, you use dark ink smudges, loose leaves, and airy petals to build a border that looks intricate but comes together quickly. My go-tos for this style are sumi ink and a touch of gold watercolor for warmth. 

Want to try it yourself? Visit the TPK website (link in bio) and search for “Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art Tutorial.” Happy creating! 🌸🖋️

#thepostmansknock #tpk #mailart #mailartideas #envelopeart #snailmailrevival #snailmailing #snailmailart #envelopecalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #sumiink #goldwatercolor #penandink #creativeprocess #creativemail #illustrationart #papercraft #stationerylove #artistsoninstagram #artreels #calligraphyreels #mailartreels
✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catal ✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catalog: The Graceful Ballerina Calligraphy Drill Worksheet 

This ballerina is unique among TPK calligraphy drills in that it’s really not that complicated. After a few simple loops, a flourished tutu, and long strokes to make the legs, you have, well, a ballerina! 🩰 The most difficult part is getting the outline right; but even that isn’t too bad because you’ve got a traceable outline included in your worksheet set.

The beauty of the flourished ballerina? She makes *anything* look elegant: cards, envelopes, gift tags, whatever. My recommendation is to feature her on your next envelope. She’ll add a “wow” factor and allow you to left-justify the address, which is always a relief (no need to bother with centering)!

To find her, visit the link in my bio, then navigate to the Blog!

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #calligraphydrills #calligraphyworksheet #moderncalligraphy #pointedpen #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphypractice #flourishing #flourishedart #mailart #snailmail #envelopeart #envelopecalligraphy #handlettering #creativeprocess #artistsoninstagram #balletart #ballerinadrawing #ballerinaart #inkdrawing #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #letterwritersalliance #penandink #calligraphyinspiration #learncalligraphy #artistlife #creativeplay
✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Chr ✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Christmas trees for years. They’re a go-to whenever I need a quick gift tag, envelope flourish, or something festive that doesn’t require a whole afternoon.

They look fancy, but they’re really just simple strokes stacked in different patterns. Truly: once you get the rhythm down, you can make a tree in under 30 seconds. 🎄 

If you want to try them (there are six styles!), the tutorial is on the TPK Blog, and it’s called
“6 Simple Ways to Make a Calligraphy Christmas Tree.” Feel free to google it, or visit: thepostmansknock.com/6-simple-ways-to-make-a-calligraphy-christmas-tree/

It’s very beginner-friendly, video-based, and a great way to get some creativity in during a busy season. I hope you love it as much as I do. 💛

#calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #holidaycalligraphy #calligraphyart #creativelifehappylife #christmascrafts #holidaycrafts #giftwrappingideas #diychristmas #christmascards #calligraphytutorial #finetec #metallicwatercolor #papercrafts #creativepractice #thepostmansknock #holidayinspiration #blackandgold #christmasideas #holidayideas
🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favor 🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favorite free printables on the TPK site. Just download, print, cut them out, and — if you want to — reinforce them with a bit of cardstock.

Inside the PDF you’ll find four designs: Festive Frida, Flourished Tree, Pine Boughs, and Merry & Bright. They’re all hand-drawn, and they make even the simplest wrapping look bespoke and artistic. 🎨 

Pro tip: If you’ve got a bit of extra time, add a pop of watercolor or some gold dots; and consider mounting the tag on a contrasting piece of cardstock for extra oomph.

They’re free to download at: thepostmansknock.com/free-super-cool-hand-drawn-printable-gift-tags/ (or visit the link in my stories today). Happy holidays!

#handdrawn #gifttags #printablegifttags #freeprintables #holidayprintables #christmascrafts #holidaygifts #papercrafts #snailmailinspo #mailart #creativegiftwrapping #diyholiday #diygifttags #artistsoninstagram #illustrationartists #thepostmansknock #tpkcommunity #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #creativecommunity
There’s something extra fun about a card that do There’s something extra fun about a card that doesn’t just open … it comes to life. ✨ This little stand-up tree might look fancy, but it’s totally approachable — relaxing to make, satisfying to embellish, and (my favorite part) it folds up perfectly to pop in the mail. 💌🎄

If you’re looking for a holiday project that feels creative and doable, this is *such* a good one. The printable template does half the work for you, and you can customize the rest with flourishes, white ink, ornaments, or whatever feels festive to you.

The full step-by-step tutorial is waiting for you on the TPK website; just head to the link in my bio and tap “Blog.” I think you’ll have as much fun making this as I did. ❤️

#calligraphy #calligraphytutorial #holidaycalligraphy #flourishedcalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphyart #letteringcommunity #letteringart #papercraft #papercrafting #diycards #handmadecards #holidaycards #christmascards #christmascrafts #snailmail #snailmailrevolution #snailmaillove #creativecommunity #stationerylove #makersgonnamake #thepostmansknock
I love it when I can make simple pointed pen pract I love it when I can make simple pointed pen practice on cardstock ... and it magically turns into a festive card! Find instructions + a printable template for making this “Loop-de-Loop” tree in the TPK 2025 Holiday Calligraphy Worksheet set. 🎄 (Link in bio, then navigate to the Blog!)

#pointedpen #calligraphy #calligraphypractice #pointedpenpractice #holiday #christmastree #treedrawing #doodles #goldwatercolor
Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward t Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward to sitting down with a cup of something warm ☕️ and sketching out ideas for the TPK holiday worksheet. This year was no exception, and I think you’ll be pleased with the motifs! They’re designed to bring calm, beauty, and (sneaky) pointed pen practice to your holiday season. 🎄Visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) for details!
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