How to Throw a Bowl on the Wheel

How to throw a bowl on the wheel can seem like an intimidating challenge if you’re new to working with clay.

However, you can start creating beautiful, functional pottery with some focused practice and patience. When I first began exploring ceramics, forming bowls was the most frustrating part of the process for me. The delicate movement of centering the clay and expanding it into a graceful yet sturdy form felt impossible. Through many teardowns and restarts, I slowly understood how to coax the spinning clay into cooperation. Now, I find throwing bowls a creative outlet that brings me joy.

In this post, I’ll share the basic steps and techniques I’ve learned to help you feel more confident jumping into this rewarding yet occasionally tricky aspect of working with clay.

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly go over what tools you’ll need to get started.

• A Pottery Wheel: This can be an electric or kick wheel.
• Clay: Any type of clay can work, but I recommend starting with mid-range stoneware as it is more forgiving and easier to work with than porcelain.
• Water: You’ll need water to keep the clay moist and help your hands glide smoothly over the surface.
• A Bowl Rib: This is a curved tool used to help shape and smooth the inside of the bowl.
• A Sponge: A sponge will help clean up excess water and smooth any imperfections in your bowl.
• Trimming Tools: These are used to trim and refine the bottom of your bowl after removing it from the wheel.
• Wire Cutter: This will be used to cut your bowl off the wheel once you are finished throwing.

Now that you have all your tools ready, let’s start learning how to throw a bowl on the wheel.

10 Easy Steps on How to Throw a Bowl on the Wheel

Step 1: Preparing Your Clay

Before you start throwing, make sure your clay is at the right consistency and free of air bubbles.

• Consistency: The clay should be soft enough to mold but not so wet that it loses its shape or too dry that it cracks easily.
• Air Bubbles: Wedge the clay by cutting it in half and pushing the two pieces together multiple times. This helps remove air pockets and creates a more uniform consistency.

Step 2: Centering the Clay

Centering is the most crucial step in throwing any pottery on the wheel. It ensures that your bowl will be symmetrical and balanced.

• Place your clay on the wheel head’s center, ensuring it’s firmly attached.
• Start by centering it roughly with your hands before using the wheel’s speed to help you achieve a smooth and even center.

Step 3: Opening Your Bowl

Using both hands, press down gently in the center of the clay while slowly pulling up and outwards. This will create an opening in the middle of your clay that forms the base of your bowl. Be careful to leave enough clay at the bottom for the base of the bowl – around 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch is usually good for beginners. Remember, the key to this step is to maintain consistent pressure and speed.

Step 4: Widening the Bowl

Once you have created the base, it’s time to widen your bowl. Slowly and gently pull the clay walls towards you, allowing the bowl to expand. Be careful to maintain even pressure to avoid too much thinning out the bowl’s walls. Continue this process until you’re satisfied with the width of your bowl. Take this step slowly, and remember that your bowl’s final size will be smaller after it’s been fired in the kiln.

Step 5: Shaping the Bowl

Now, let’s focus on shaping the bowl. Wet your hands and the bowl rib, then press the rib against the inside of the bowl while your outside hand supports the clay. Start from the bottom and work towards the rim, always maintaining a steady pressure. This process will help smooth the bowl’s interior and define its shape.

Take your time, and remember that practice makes perfect. If the shape is different from what you envisioned, don’t worry. The beauty of working with clay is that you can always smooth out, reshape, or even start over if you need to.

Step 6: Finalizing the Rim

The rim of the bowl is more than just an aesthetic element; it also imparts strength to the form. Start by compressing the rim with your fingers, ensuring it’s even and smooth. You can then use a sponge or a chamois to further smooth and shape the rim. This is your opportunity to impart your personal touch to the bowl. You might want to create a rounded, flat, or flared rim based on your vision for the bowl. Remember, the rim should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to be comfortable.

Step 7: Cutting Off the Bowl

Once you are happy with your bowl, it’s time to cut it off the wheel. Using your wire cutter, hold both ends and drag it horizontally from one side of the bowl to the other, right under the base. Remember to keep the wire taut and steady to ensure a clean cut. Once the bowl is cut, you can gently lift it off the wheel. Be careful not to distort its shape in the process. Let it dry until it’s leather-hard before moving on to the next step: trimming.

Step 8: Trimming the Bowl

Trimming is an essential step in throwing a bowl on the wheel, as it allows you to refine the shape of the bowl and create a foot (the bottom part of the bowl that comes into contact with the table). Once your bowl is leather-hard, which holds its shape but can still be carved, place it upside down on the wheel.

Secure the bowl with lumps of clay around the edge to prevent it from moving. Using a trimming tool, gently carve away excess clay to create a foot and refine the shape of the bowl. Remember to keep the device steady and apply even pressure. Once you’re satisfied with the body and the foot, smoothen any rough edges with a sponge or a rib.

Step 9: Biscuit Firing the Bowl

Biscuit firing, also known as bisque firing, is the first round of firing that your bowl will go through. This step transforms your bowl from clay into ceramic, making it stronger and more durable. Ensure your bowl is completely dry before starting this process, as any remaining moisture can cause the bowl to crack or explode in the kiln. Place your bowl in the kiln, ensuring space around it for even heating.

The exact temperature and duration of biscuit firing will depend on the type of clay you are using, but a standard temperature range is between 1700 and 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. After the biscuit firing, your bowl will be hard and white and no longer dissolve in water. Carefully remove your bowl from the kiln (using heat-proof gloves), and let it cool down before moving on to the next step.

Step 10: Glazing the Bowl

The final step in throwing a bowl on the wheel is glazing. This is where you add color and a shiny finish to your bowl. Begin by selecting a glaze that complements your design and is suitable for the clay body you used. Ensure that your bowl is dust-free and hold it by the foot while applying the glaze with a brush or dipping it directly into the glaze.

It’s crucial to apply the glaze evenly and to wipe off any excess, particularly around the foot where the bowl will sit on the kiln shelf. Once the glaze is dry, your bowl is ready for its final firing. This is typically done at a higher temperature than the biscuit firing, and the specific temperature will depend on the type of glaze and clay you use. After the final firing, carefully remove your bowl from the kiln (using heat-proof gloves) and let it cool down.

By following these steps and practicing, you can easily learn how to throw a bowl on the wheel. Remember to be patient and take time in each step for the best results.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Rushing the Process: Throwing a bowl on the wheel is an art that requires patience. Take your time with the steps. Each step has its significance and contributes to the final product. Spend time on each step, understanding and perfecting it.
2. Avoid Uneven Pressure: Consistent, even pressure is crucial when shaping and forming the bowl. Uneven pressure can lead to asymmetrical shapes or, even worse, collapse your bowl’s structure.
3. Avoid Too Thin Walls: While thin walls might seem aesthetically pleasing, they can easily collapse or warp during the firing process. It’s essential to maintain a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
4. Avoid Using Wet, Soggy Clay: Too much water can make the clay unmanageable and cause it to collapse on the wheel. Only use enough water to keep the clay workable.
5. Avoid Rushing the Drying Process: Let your bowl dry naturally. Rushing this process using heat or placing it in the sun can cause your bowl to crack.

With these tips and a lot of practice, you can master the art of throwing a bowl on the wheel and create unique, functional pieces that are unique.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to throw a bowl on the wheel may seem intimidating initially, but with practice and determination, you will soon master this satisfying craft.

Remember always to center your clay and keep a consistent speed and pressure when pulling up the walls of your bowl. Feel free to experiment with different shaping techniques and incorporate unique designs into your pieces. And most importantly, have fun throughout the entire process! Whether it’s your first or hundredth time throwing a bowl, each piece will hold its own story and sentiment.

So, my fellow potters, create beautiful bowls that reflect your individuality and personality.