# Best Parallel Pens Source: https://calligraphynest.com/best/best-parallel-pens Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Calligraphy Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://calligraphynest.com/how-we-research#our-score A parallel pen feeds ink between two precisely aligned metal plates, producing razor-sharp broad-edge strokes that stay crisp from edge to edge. The design excels at italic, blackletter, and Uncial alphabets, and its party trick is color blending: touch two pens together and one ink gradients beautifully into the other. Parallel pens serve calligraphers who want dip-pen sharpness without the dipping, and hand letterers exploring gothic styles or rainbow-blend effects. When choosing, consider which plate widths match your working size, from fine 1.5 mm tips to bold 6 mm ones, the range of cartridge colors available, and whether the pen can be refilled with bottled ink. Consistent flow and clean corner strokes are the marks of a good one. ## Picks ### 1. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 1.5mm, 2.4mm, 3.8mm and 6mm with Bonus Ink Cartridge (P9005SET) Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) The full Parallel Pen range in one box, so you can letter at every size from fine text to bold headings. Pros: - Four nib widths (1.5mm, 2.4mm, 3.8mm and 6mm) cover small notes through large display lettering - Parallel plate nib gives crisp thick and thin strokes without dipping - Bonus ink cartridge means you can start practising straight out of the box Cons: - Broad-edge nibs suit italic and blackletter styles, not pointed-pen copperplate - Cartridge-fed pens need regular flushing to keep ink flowing cleanly Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0141NUTUM ### 2. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 2.4mm Nib with Black and Red Ink Cartridges (90051) Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) The mid-size 2.4mm Parallel Pen, a versatile width for cards, quotes and practice. Pros: - 2.4mm is a comfortable middle width for most lettering projects - Black and red cartridges included in the box - Parallel plates keep stroke edges sharp on smooth paper Cons: - Italic and broad-edge styles only, not suited to brush script - One nib size, so larger headings need a wider pen Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B002RJLS0S ### 3. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 1.5mm Nib with Black and Red Ink Cartridges (90050) Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) The narrowest Parallel Pen, a good first pen for practising italic hand at normal writing size. Pros: - 1.5mm nib suits journaling, cards and practice sheets at everyday size - Black and red cartridges included for accent letters - Easy for beginners to control compared with wider nibs Cons: - Fine width shows less dramatic thick and thin contrast - Single size limits you if you want headings later Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B002RJNT46 ### 4. Set of 4 Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pens 1.5, 2.4, 3.8, 6.0 mm Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) A four-pen Parallel set covering 1.5 to 6.0mm, sold as a bundle for learners who want every width. Pros: - All four common Parallel widths in one purchase - Lets you practise the same letterform at different scales - Cartridge pens are clean and portable for classes or travel Cons: - Bundle listing may not include the extra colour cartridges of retail sets - Check it is the genuine Pilot set from the seller before buying Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B01CZWUV9K ### 5. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 3.8mm Nib with Black and Red Ink Cartridges (90052) Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) A single wide 3.8mm Parallel Pen for bold headings, posters and large gothic lettering. Pros: - 3.8mm nib is wide enough for eye-catching titles and signage - Includes black and red cartridges for two-colour headings - Refillable cartridge system avoids the mess of dipping Cons: - Too broad for everyday journaling or small body text - Only one nib size, so you need other pens for smaller work Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B002RJPPMK ### 6. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pens, Assorted Point Sizes and Colors, 6-Pack Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Six-pack of Pilot Parallel calligraphy pens in assorted nib sizes and colors. The nib uses two parallel plates for sharp broad-edge strokes, and the pens are refillable. Pros: - Parallel plate nib writes sharp lines on the narrow edge and broad calligraphic strokes on the flat - Six pens in one pack, more than the usual four-pen set, for keeping different colors loaded - Touching two nibs together blends ink colors for ombre lettering, per the listing Cons: - Listing does not spell out which nib widths and colors make up the six pens - Priced above the four-pen sets, and six pens is more than a first-time learner needs Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B08P3W2G5L ### 7. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 6.0mm Nib with Black and Red Ink Cartridges (90053) Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) The widest 6.0mm Parallel Pen for dramatic headings, posters and large-scale blackletter. Pros: - 6.0mm nib produces bold, high-contrast strokes for display work - Black and red cartridges support two-tone designs - Great for signage and titles where smaller pens look thin Cons: - Uses ink quickly and can soak through thin paper - Too wide for small cards or everyday writing Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B002RJPLQK As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.