Throwing pots on the pottery wheel seems like such a peaceful, relaxing hobby—you sit at the wheel, center your clay, and let your hands mold it into beautiful vessels. While it may look effortless in the hands of an experienced potter, throwing pots is a highly skillful process that requires patience and practice. From centering the clay to trimming uneven edges to glazing the finished work, there are many technical steps to learn.
In this post on how to throw a pot, I’ll break down the pottery wheel process into clear, easy-to-follow steps so you can start throwing pots like a pro. By the end, you’ll see that with some guidance and hands-on experience, anyone can learn to spin clay into bowls, mugs, and more.
So grab an apron, pull up a pottery wheel—it’s time to get your hands muddy!
What Will You Need?
To start throwing pots, you’ll need the following materials:
- A pottery wheel
- Clay
- Water
- Pottery tools (such as a wire cutter, rib, and sponge)
- Glazes (if you plan to fire and finish your pots)
The type of clay you use will depend on your preferences and the particular project you’re working on.
10 Easy Steps on How to Throw a Pot
Step 1: Prepare Your Clay
The first step in throwing a pot is to prepare your clay. Begin by wedging the clay to get rid of any air bubbles. Once your clay is properly wedged, shape it into a ball. The size of the ball will determine the size of your pot. For beginners, it’s recommended to start with a ball of clay that fits comfortably in your hands. Remember, the goal is not to make the enormous pot possible but to become comfortable with the process. Once your clay is prepared, you’re ready to start throwing!
Step 2: Centering the Clay
Place your ball of clay squarely in the center of the pottery wheel. After wetting your hands, start the wheel and apply steady pressure to the clay, forcing it down and then up, repeating this motion until the clay is perfectly centered. It may take a few tries to get it right but keep going.
Step 3: Opening the Clay
Once your clay is centered, it’s time to open it up. With the wheel spinning, use your thumbs to press down into the center of the clay, creating a hole. Be careful not to go too deep—you want to leave enough clay at the bottom for the base of your pot.
Step 4: Forming the Walls
Next, you’ll form the walls of your pot. Slowly and carefully position your hands on both the inside and outside of the clay and apply gentle upward pressure. As the pottery wheel spins, your hands will guide the clay upward, forming the walls of your pot. Remember to keep your hands wet during this process to prevent the clay from sticking. Also, try to keep the thickness of the walls consistent.
Step 5: Shaping the Pot
After forming the walls, it’s time to shape your pot. Depending on the type of vessel you’re making, you might want to create a wide, shallow bowl or a more narrow, deep vase. To do this, gently squeeze the rotating clay with your hands. Inside pressure will make your pot wider, while outside pressure will narrow it. Remember to keep your hands steady and movements smooth for the best results during this step.
Step 6: Trimming the Rim
The next step is to trim the rim of your pot. This will create a clean, finished look and also help to remove any excess clay. To trim the rim, use a wooden or metal pottery tool while the wheel is spinning. Hold the tool steady and gently scrape it along the rim, removing any unwanted clay. Ensure your movements are slow and careful to avoid damaging your pot. Once you’re happy with the shape and smoothness of the rim, you can move on to the next step.
Step 7: Finishing the Surface
After you have achieved the desired shape and trimmed the rim of your pot, the next step is to finish the surface. Using a rubber or metal rib tool, carefully smooth the outside of the pool while the wheel is spinning. This tool helps to define the shape further and smooth out any imperfections. For the inside of the pot, use a slightly damp sponge to smooth out any rough areas. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could alter the shape of your pot. After this step, your pot should look smooth and well-shaped.
Step 8: Removing the Pot from the Wheel
Now that your pot is shaped and smoothed, it’s time to remove it from the wheel carefully. Slide a wire tool under the pot, keeping it taut and horizontal as you slowly pull it towards you. This will cut your pot accessible from the wheel. Then, gently lift your bank from the wheel and place it onto a sturdy, flat surface to dry. Remember, the clay is still soft and malleable at this stage, so handle your pot with care to avoid distorting it.
Step 9: Letting the Pot Dry
Leave your pot in a well-ventilated area to dry. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the thickness of your pot and the humidity of your environment. Your pot is ready for the next step when it’s dry to the touch and has a leather-like hardness.
Step 10: Firing and Glazing
The final step in throwing a pot is firing and glazing it. This process requires a pottery kiln and glazes. After your pot is completely dry, you can apply your chosen glaze. Once the glaze is dry, place your pot in the kiln and fire it according to the instructions of your kiln and glaze. After firing, your pot will be rugged and durable, and the glaze will have turned to glass, giving your pot a smooth, shiny finish.
Throwing a pot is a rewarding skill that allows you to create unique, handmade pottery items. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be throwing pots like a pro! Remember, the joy lies not only in the finished product but also in shaping and creating. So don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and have fun!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Start with the Basics: Before attempting to throw a pot, ensure you understand pottery’s fundamental techniques and mechanics. This includes the wedging, centering, and pulling up processes.
- Keep Your Clay Wet: The clay must be kept moist while throwing a pot. However, try to avoid over-wetting it as this can make the clay too soft and difficult to shape.
- Maintain a Steady Wheel Speed: Avoid changing the wheel speed frequently, which could lead to the clay losing shape. A steady, consistent pace is ideal for throwing a pot.
- Focus on the Shape: When throwing a pot, concentrate more on the shape rather than the thickness of the walls. A well-shaped pot with slightly thicker walls is more desirable than a poorly formed one with thin walls.
- Practice Regularly: Throwing a pot is a skill that improves with practice. Regular practice enhances your technique and develops muscle memory, making the process more intuitive over time.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can take your pottery skills to the next level. Remember to stay patient-focused and have fun while throwing a pot!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Rushing the Process: Throwing a pot requires time and patience. Rushing through the process may result in a poorly formed bank and may even collapse the clay.
- Avoid Using Dry Clay: Dry clay is difficult to shape and can cause issues such as cracking. Always ensure your clay is sufficiently moist before you begin.
- Avoid Neglecting the Base: Do not ignore the base while throwing a pot. An uneven or too thin ground can cause the pot to wobble or collapse.
- Avoid Excessive Trimming: Over-trimming can lead to thin walls and may compromise the structural integrity of the pot. Trim carefully and conservatively.
- Avoid Being Too Hard on Yourself: Mistakes are part of learning. Do not be disheartened if your pot doesn’t turn out perfect the first time. Learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can confidently improve your pottery skills and create beautiful pots. Remember to be patient and persistent in your practice.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the tips and tricks on how to throw a pot, it’s time to put them into practice! Remember to take your time and be patient with yourself. Practicing and experimenting with different techniques will help you improve and create unique pieces.
Don’t forget to take breaks and enjoy creating something with your own two hands. And when you’re finally satisfied with your creation, share it with the world! Whether it’s giving it as a gift or showcasing it in an art exhibit, your pottery has the potential to inspire others.
So go ahead and get dirty, let your creativity flow, and show the world what you’ve learned today. Keep practicing and exploring new techniques because there’s always more to learn and discover in pottery. Happy potting!