How to Improve Your Cursive

Co-authored by Katherine Rinewalt

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 References

Although cursive isn't used as often as it once was, it's still an important skill to have, especially for times where you'll need to write your signature. If your cursive needs improvement, don't worry! This wikiHow will explain how you can improve it.

1

Learn the basics.

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First, you'll need to learn the basic rules of writing in cursive. You can use videos, images, or even articles to learn how to write in cursive.
- Start with writing in big bold letters to make it easier.

2

Use the right writing utensil.

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Don’t use an uncomfortable pen or pencil. Instead, use a calligraphy pen. You can find a calligraphy pen at any craft store or even on Amazon. They are usually fairly cheap and are amazing when trying to improve your cursive.
- Another item you can use is a normal ballpoint pen. They are cheaper than calligraphy pens and quite useful.
- Your choice of pen will sometimes, but not always, affect how you write. A fountain pen can yield a different handwriting style altogether if you're used to using a ballpoint. ^{[1]
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3

Use lined paper.

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This is important for creating straight lines of writing. Instead of using blank or printer paper, use a lined notebook or a "Beginner's handwriting notebook".
- For absolute beginners, use a lined paper preferably one that has a middle dotted line to help you when shaping and sizing your lowercase letters. The dotted middle line will act as a guide to help you write evenly and neatly. You can find these lined papers in your local stationery shop or supermarket.
- Spiral bound notebooks are fairly easier than composition notebooks because you can open them all the way.

4

Hold your pen correctly.

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Pay attention to the way you're holding your pen. Your penmanship will never reach its full potential if you don’t hold your pen the right way. Grip your writing utensil so that it’s resting on your middle finger and hold it in place between the thumb and index finger. Keep your grip loose on your pen or pencil.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Katherine Rinewalt
Calligrapher

Expert Interview} If your fingernails are white, you’re squeezing too tight. A tight grip will lead to a tired hand, and handwriting that looks stiff and stilted. ^{[3]
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- A “relaxed grip” means that none of the muscles in your hand are overly flexed, and your fingernails shouldn’t be white from squeezing the pen’s barrel. ^{[4]
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5

Position your paper correctly.

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If you’re right-handed, the top right and bottom left corners of your paper should line up in a straight line with your nose, as seen in the illustration. Your left arm will hold your paper still. If you’re left-handed, flip the above instructions. If you’re a lefty that’s gotten used to the “hooked” writing hand position, handwriting expert Michael Sull suggests that you try the standard position, as it’s more comfortable for longer writing sessions. ^{[5]
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6

Practice.

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You should write out each letter in uppercase and lowercase multiple times.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Katherine Rinewalt
Calligrapher

Expert Interview} Then write out simple words (for example, "fox", "box", "name", and other three and four letter words. You can also try writing a sentence repeatedly that uses all the letters in the alphabet (for example, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog").

7

Use your cursive every day.

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Long periods without writing in cursive can cause your skills to slip. To avoid this, practice writing in cursive every day. Keep in mind that the more you practice, the better you get. So, practice often to see more improvement.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Katherine Rinewalt
Calligrapher

Expert Interview} If you feel like you are not improving, look back at your old cursive and look at the differences.
- Whether you plan on writing in cursive or print, it can be difficult to form nice letters without warming up. Doing a couple of simple drills will help you to write clear, confident characters. ^{[8]
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- Something you can do to improve your cursive writing is to simply brush up on the basic cursive alphabet. This is the best way to make sure you are writing your cursive correctly as you build the writing reflex. You might accidentally develop a letter form that isn’t technically correct if you don’t check the alphabet early on. ^{[9]
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- Don't feel bad if it is taking a while to get better. Remember, it may take a while, but improvement will come.

8

Find inspiration.

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Make a file titled "Cursive goals" or "Cursive inspiration". Whenever you are feeling bored or bad about your cursive, simply look back at your goals or inspiration to feel better about your cursive or goals.

Join the Discussion...

How do I improve my handwriting?

Swetha Shenoy
Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist

Much like calligraphy or lettering, if one wants to improve their handwriting, it is about practicing. You can get handwriting worksheets on Etsy or for free online. Download a couple of worksheets that you like.

Start by tracing over the writing initially to build some muscle memory and to learn how to move your pen or your pencil in those shapes that you like. Then eventually, learn to let go of the tracing paper and try it on your own, really slowing down. Whether it's calligraphy or handwriting, I think it's important to be mindful, slow down, and focus on one letter at a time or a couple of letters at a time to improve your skill.

Practice does not mean you practice for 30 minutes every day. Start small by doing 5 to 10 minutes a day, working on a few sets of letters every day. Again, have a little bit of structure and just practice, practice, practice.

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Question

Can I use a composition notebook?

Lily

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Yes, however, it may be harder to write in because you cannot fully open it. It might be better to use loose-leaf paper in a binder.

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Do they teach cursive in school?

Lily

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In some schools, yes. It is being taught less and less in schools, however.

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Can I use a ballpoint pen?

Lily

Community Answer

Yes, as mentioned above, using calligraphy or ballpoint pens are a good idea when learning and improving your cursive.

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Tips

Use pens that don’t leak or smear.

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Use a spiral bound notebook so you can open it all the way.

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