Basic Steps for Throwing on the Wheel

Basic Steps for Throwing on the Wheel

1. Wedge Clay Well

  • Form the clay into a round ball.

2. Positioning the Clay

  • Throw the clay onto the center of a bat on the wheel.

  • Seal the base and pat the clay into a cone shape.

3. Centering Clay

  • Arm Positioning: Brace arms on legs.

  • Wheel Speed: Set wheel to medium-fast speed.

  • Hand Positioning: Place hands around the base of the clay.

  • Squeezing Technique: Slowly squeeze the clay to center it and form a cone.

4. Pushing Clay Down

  • Left Hand: Use the heel to push the left side of the clay.

  • Right Hand: Press down on the top with the side of your right hand.

5. Repeat Steps 3 & 4

  • Continue repeating until the clay is fully centered.

6. Opening Up Clay

  • Wheel Speed: Slow the wheel down.

  • Thumb Position: Place thumbs together.

  • Pushing Down: Push down into the middle of the clay.

  • Measurement: Leave approximately ½” of clay at the bottom; measure using a needle tool.

7. Creating the Floor

  • Starting Position: Begin from the center.

  • Finger Position: Pull fingers of the right hand outward.

  • For Cylinder: Keep the floor flat.

  • For Bowl: Allow fingers to curve up wall to establish a curve.

8. Pulling Walls

  • Wheel Speed: Keep the wheel slow.

  • Hand Position: Left hand inside, right hand outside at 3 o’clock.

  • Movement: Right hand pushes at the base to elevate the clay; rise just above the left hand.

  • Technique: Gently squeeze and let hands travel up with clay while maintaining a cone shape.

9. Shaping

  • Shaping Inward: Place outside fingers above inside and press slowly in and up.

  • Shaping Outward: Place inside fingers above outside and press slowly out and up.

  • Refining Curves: Use a rib to smooth curves and to remove excess water from the surface.

10. Finishing

  • Trimming: Trim the rim to be level.

  • Removing Excess Clay: Trim excess clay at the base.

  • Supporting Bowl Walls: For bowls, leave clay at the base for support.

  • Pulling String: Use a string to cut under the base of the pot.

Important Reminders

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows down to maintain stability.

  • Lubrication: Keep the clay lubricated with water; use less water while shaping.

  • Hand Coordination: Make sure your hands are touching, using them in unison for improved control.

  • Body Engagement: Use your entire body to work the clay, focusing on the center.

  • Smooth Movements: Always move your hands slowly in and out of contact with the clay while the wheel is spinning. Jerky motions will result in an uneven pot.

  • Touching the Pot: Only touch the pot while the wheel is in motion.

  • Speed Control for Height and Width: The higher and wider you go, the slower you must turn the wheel.

  • Centering Importance: Remember that centering the clay is the hardest yet most crucial part of throwing. An uncentered pot will be wobbly and uneven.