How to Write With a Quill Pen

Quill pen and supplies

A quill pen is made from a bird feather and was invented in ancient times. It led to the creation of the fountain pen in the 1800s. Artists use quill pens in their drawings because they create a unique-looking stroke. Others use them for handwriting because they like the way it makes their handwriting look. Writing with a quill pen can be tricky until you get used to it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Quill pen
• Calligraphy ink
• Flat paper

1. Use very light pressure when writing with a quill pen. You must use much less pressure than you usually apply when writing with a ballpoint pen.

2. Trim the feathers of your quill pen so they do not obstruct your grip. Proper grip is necessary to write well with a quill pen.

3. Purchase calligraphy ink, usually found at an art store, to use with your quill pen. India ink is too sticky and won't flow well.

4. Write on flat rather than textured paper. Textured paper is too difficult to use until you get used to it.

5. Recognize handwriting with a quill pen is very different than handwriting with a ballpoint pen. It's like painting narrow lines. It'll probably look much different than your normal handwriting and you'll have to practice to get used to it.

6. Sharpen your quill pen . Using a small, sharp knife, cut a small piece from the outside edge of the nib at an angle. After the nib is sharpened several times, it's worn down and you must get a new quill pen.

Resources

• Medieval Writing - The Quill Pen