BASICS OF CALLIGRAPHY

1. What is Calligraphy?

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting.

It focuses on creating attractive, harmonious, and expressive letter shapes using special pens, brushes, or nibs.

It’s different from ordinary handwriting because it’s more artistic and follows deliberate strokes and styles.

Historically, calligraphy has been used in manuscripts, invitations, certificates, and religious texts.

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2. “Drawings” to Learn Handwriting

When teachers or copybooks train children in handwriting, they don’t jump straight to letters. They begin with basic strokes and patterns (called “patterns,” “drill strokes,” or “penmanship exercises”) to develop fine motor skills, control, and uniformity.

These aren’t literal “pictures” but practice designs. Examples:

Straight lines (horizontal, vertical, slanting)

Curves and waves

Circles and ovals

Loops

Spirals

Zigzags

Joined curves

“Push–pull” strokes (like in cursive)

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3. Names of Common Handwriting Practice Patterns (Step by Step)

Here’s the typical sequence from first to last used in handwriting practice books (especially for cursive or calligraphy):

Order Pattern Name / Exercise Purpose

1 Straight lines (horizontal, vertical) Control of pressure and direction

2 Slanting lines (left/right diagonals) Learning letter slant

3 Wave patterns Smooth hand movement

4 Circles and ovals Letter “o” and “a” foundations

5 Spirals Continuous motion

6 Loops (upward & downward) For letters like “l,” “e,” “f”

7 Zigzags Angular movement control

8 Joined curves / humps For letters like “m,” “n,” “u”

9 Push–pull strokes / swings Smooth flow for cursive

10 Connecting strokes (joins) Joining letters in cursive

11 Letter skeletons (basic forms of each alphabet) Forming actual letters

12 Words and sentences Full handwriting practice

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4. Designs in Calligraphy

In decorative calligraphy, beyond just letters, you also learn:

Flourishes (extra curves and swirls)

Borders and frames

Illuminations (tiny decorations around letters)

Drop caps (large ornate first letters)

These designs aren’t compulsory for handwriting but are common in calligraphy art.

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Summary Table of “Drawings” to Learn Handwriting (From First to Last)

1. Straight lines

2. Slanting lines

3. Waves

4. Circles / ovals

5. Spirals

6. Loops (upward & downward)

7. Zigzags

8. Joined curves / humps

9. Push–pull strokes

10. Connecting strokes

11. Letter skeletons

12. Words & sentences

13. (Optional for calligraphy) Flourishes, borders, decorations