In order to do Arabic calligraphy, there is a special tool used known as Qalam. This is the most important tool to look after and taken care of, if this Qalam isn’t carved from the correct angle, then the word formation won’t be perfect

There is a whole process of qalam carving:

A normal bamboo can be used to make a Qalam though a variety of woods are used for the same. But as a beginner, a normal bamboo stick will work.

Take a dry bamboo stick of 10-12 cm or as long/ short as you prefer or feel comfortable with. Use a knife or a cutter(thick blade) to carve the stick from any end if it doesn’t have any knot. The carving should be in a curve pattern. Initially, make small cuts from 1.5 inches of the stick using your thumb to control the knife. Do not rush, be polite with the wood and don’t apply too much pressure cuz it may damage your qalam, slowly and steadily , keep on making cuts on wood until you see the inner portion of the bamboo, try to maintain a balance on each side, shave the excess edge gently and giving the tip a flat and sharp shape.

Turn your bamboo around and shave it a lil to make the tip or nib more flat. Be patient and gentle, a wrong cut may damage the Qalam. Now let’s move towards the last part , giving qalam a nice and perfect cut, put the Qalam on some tough surface facing the carved portion towards you and the back portion touching the surface and make a cut between 85°-75°. Now smooth out the nib by rubbing it gently against sand paper( be extremely gentle) and you are ready to go.

Your Qalam is ready to run on paper.

Enjoy!!