Daler Rowney Pocket Sketchbook Review

The Daler Rowney pocket sketchbook is a small notebook that looks simple at first, but it has a few details that make it more interesting than a basic cheap notebook. It is pocket sized, softcover, stitched, and filled with cream-colored blank paper. Even though it is sold as a sketchbook, it also works surprisingly well as a quick writing notebook.

This review is a first look at the notebook before the later durability test. The main question here is whether the notebook feels good enough to use for writing, not just sketching, and whether the paper can handle a normal mix of pencil, ballpoint, rollerball, gel pen, and even a fountain pen. For the very low price, it ends up being a lot better than expected.

Quick verdict: is the Daler Rowney pocket sketchbook good?

Yes, especially for the price. The Daler Rowney pocket sketchbook has a smooth coated softcover, rounded corners, stitched binding, cream blank pages, and 100 gsm paper that feels smoother than many sketchbook papers. It is not a premium fountain pen notebook, but it is more usable for everyday writing than expected.

Size, cover, and first feel

The notebook measures about 3.5 by 5.5 inches, which puts it right in the practical pocket notebook category. It is small enough to carry easily, but still large enough to use for lists, quick notes, daily observations, and short journal entries. That size is one of the reasons it feels approachable. It does not ask you to commit to a big notebook or a precious journal.

The cover is black, softcover, and made from a cardstock-like material with a coating over it. The surface has a very slight texture, but overall it feels smooth in the hand. For a notebook at this price point, the cover feels better than expected. It does not feel luxurious, but it also does not feel flimsy or unpleasant.

Stitching and construction

The notebook is stitched rather than glued, which is always nice to see in a small booklet-style notebook. You can see the stitching clearly in the center fold. A stitched notebook usually feels more dependable than a cheaply stapled or glued notebook, especially if you plan to open it flat or carry it around regularly.

It also has rounded corners, which makes the notebook feel a little more finished. Rounded corners are practical on a pocket notebook because sharp corners can get bent or worn quickly in a bag or pocket. These little details make the notebook feel more intentional than its very low price might suggest.

Cream blank pages

Inside, the notebook has cream-colored blank pages. The color is one of the nicest parts of the notebook because it gives the pages a softer, warmer look than bright white paper. Blank pages also make sense for a sketchbook, but they are useful for writing too if you like a more open page.

The paper is listed as 100 gsm, which is heavier than many cheap pocket notebooks. Because it is sold as a sketchbook, you might expect a rougher, toothier texture, but this paper is actually fairly smooth. That makes it better for regular writing than some sketchbooks, which can feel too textured for ballpoint, gel pen, or quick journaling.

Writing test and fountain pen performance

The writing test included pencil, ballpoint, rollerball, gel pens, and a Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen with Diamine Marine ink in a medium nib. That is a useful range because it shows whether the paper is only good for dry writing tools or whether it can handle wetter pens too.

The paper did better than expected. It is not exceptionally fountain-pen friendly, but it can work with a fountain pen. On the back of the page, there is ghosting and a little bit of almost-bleed-through from heavier ink, but it does not fully bleed through. For a cheap pocket sketchbook, that is a good result. It means the notebook is usable for more than just pencil sketches.

Value for money

The value is the biggest reason this notebook stands out. It was found at Walmart for just over two dollars, which is extremely low for a notebook that has this many usable details. At that price, expectations are naturally lower, but this notebook manages to look and feel better than a throwaway notebook.

That low price also changes how you use it. You do not have to be precious with it. You can carry it, sketch in it, test pens, write lists, or use it as a quick journal without worrying about ruining something expensive. That is exactly the kind of notebook that can become surprisingly useful in daily life.

Pros and cons

The main thing to remember is that this is a budget notebook with better-than-budget usability. It is not trying to compete with premium stationery brands, but it does not need to. It works because it is cheap enough to use freely and good enough that using it still feels pleasant.

Daler Rowney pocket sketchbook FAQ

Final Thoughts

The Daler Rowney pocket sketchbook is a very good little notebook for the price. The cover feels nicer than expected, the stitched binding is a welcome detail, the cream paper looks good, and the 100 gsm paper is smooth enough to make it useful beyond sketching. It can work as a pocket journal, list notebook, idea catcher, or casual sketchbook.

If you want a premium writing notebook, this is not that. But if you want something cheap, small, and genuinely usable, it is easy to recommend. The low price makes it low-pressure, and the paper quality makes it more enjoyable than many other budget notebooks. For everyday pocket notes and casual journaling, it is a strong budget pick.