Opening the clay is a critical step in wheel throwing that sets the foundation for the rest of your piece. Whether you’re making bowls, mugs, or vases, learning how to properly open the clay ensures you can shape the form evenly and consistently. In this SEO-optimized guide, we will walk you through the process of opening clay on the pottery wheel, from centering the clay to preparing for pulling the walls.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Clay on the Pottery Wheel
Step 1: Center the Clay
Before opening the clay, ensure the clay is fully centered on the wheel. A well-centered piece of clay is key to creating balanced and symmetrical pottery. Place your hands on both sides of the clay ball, and use firm pressure to center it as the wheel spins.
- Tip: Centering takes practice—focus on maintaining steady pressure from both hands until the clay is completely centered.
Step 2: Create a Hole in the Center
With the clay centered, you’re ready to open the clay. Using your thumb, find the middle of the clay and begin to press down, “drilling” a hole into the center. Push down until you’re about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the wheel head or bat.
- Pro Tip: If you’re unsure of the depth, it’s better to leave a little more clay at the bottom. You can trim the bottom later, but if you go too far, the piece may be difficult to salvage.
Step 3: Check the Depth with a Needle Tool
To ensure you haven’t gone too far, check the depth using a needle tool:
- Insert the needle tool into the hole, pushing it all the way down to the bat or wheel head.
- Place your index finger at the base of the clay (near the bottom of the hole).
- Pull out the needle tool while holding your index finger in place.
- Measure the distance from the tip of your index finger to the tip of the needle tool.
This will tell you how much clay remains at the bottom. Adjust if needed to maintain a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Step 4: Widen the Opening
Once the depth is correct, it’s time to widen the hole and create the base of your pottery piece. Place your right hand over your left hand to steady your movements, then slowly pull the clay towards you using your fingertips. This widens the hole and flattens the bottom of the piece.
- Tip: Go slow and maintain even pressure as you widen the opening. Stop when you’ve reached the desired size for your piece.
Step 5: Compress the Bottom
To prevent cracking or unevenness at the bottom of your piece, it’s important to compress the clay. Use a wooden rib with a right angle, and gently press the short end of the rib against the base of the clay. This helps to smooth and compact the bottom of the pot, ensuring structural stability during the drying and firing process.
Why Compressing the Bottom is Crucial
If the bottom of the clay is not properly compressed, it can lead to cracking as the clay dries. Compressing also helps to remove air pockets and provides a smooth surface for trimming and finishing later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Opening Clay
- Opening Too Deep: If you drill too far and break through the bottom, it’s nearly impossible to recover. Always err on the side of leaving more clay at the base and trim it later if necessary.
- Uneven Opening: Ensure your hands are steady and apply even pressure as you open the clay. An uneven base can make it difficult to pull the walls evenly.
- Not Compressing the Bottom: Skipping this step can lead to cracks, which will ruin your piece. Always take the time to properly compress the bottom.
Next Steps: Pulling Up the Walls
Now that you’ve successfully opened the clay, the next step is pulling up the walls to shape your pottery piece. This process will take the flattened base and extend it upwards to form the height of your piece, such as a mug or vase. Continue to work slowly, ensuring even pressure and control as you pull the clay upwards.
Conclusion: Perfecting the Art of Opening Clay on the Wheel
Opening clay is a foundational skill in wheel throwing and sets the stage for the entire pottery-making process. By following this step-by-step guide, you can master the technique and ensure that your pieces are well-formed and free of common issues like cracks or uneven bottoms. Practice makes perfect, so keep working on refining your technique and soon you’ll be able to open clay with precision and confidence.
Click here to go to the next step in the process pulling the walls.