Beginners Guide to Wheel Throwing
Learning how to throw on a wheel is an exciting journey into ceramics. The art of transforming a lump of clay into a beautifully shaped pot or bowl is both rewarding and therapeutic. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, advance your skills, or even set up your pottery studio, this guide will walk you through the essentials of wheel throwing.
Why learn how to throw on a wheel?
Pottery has been a craft for thousands of years, and today, it serves as a creative outlet that helps many people find a sense of calm and focus. The repetitive nature of working on a wheel and the tactile experience of shaping clay can be meditative, allowing you to lose yourself in the moment and tangibly express your creativity.
Moreover, wheel throwing is a skill that continually evolves. As a beginner, you might start with simple forms like bowls and mugs, but as your skills improve, you can tackle more complex projects, such as intricate vases or even sculptures. The endless possibilities make it a hobby that can grow with you.
Setting up your workspace
You must set up a suitable workspace before learning how to throw on a wheel. If you’re attending a class, this will be provided for you, but if you’re setting up at home, there are a few things to consider:
Space: You'll need enough room to move around freely and accommodate your wheel, tools, and finished pieces. An ideal location is a clean, dry area with access to water.
Pottery wheel: This is your most crucial investment. Various types of wheels are available, from electric to kick wheels, each with its own benefits. For beginners, an electric wheel is easier to manage.
Tools: Basic tools include a sponge, rib, needle, wire cutter, and trimming tools. You might expand your toolkit as you progress, but these will get you started.
Clay: Stoneware clay is often recommended for beginners because of its versatility and ease of use. Ensure you have enough to practice with, as learning how to throw on a wheel takes time and plenty of clay.
Water source: You'll need water to keep the clay moist as you work. A simple bucket of water and a small container for dipping your hands will do.
Step-by-step guide to wheel throwing
Learning to throw on a wheel involves mastering a series of steps, each crucial for creating a well-formed piece. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Preparing the clay
Start by wedging your clay. This process involves kneading the clay to remove air bubbles and ensure a consistent texture. Wedging also aligns the clay particles, making it easier to work with. Once wedged, shape the clay into a ball.
2. Centering the clay
Centering is one of the most essential skills to master in wheel throwing. Place the ball of clay in the centre of the wheel and start spinning it at a high speed.
Position your body in a way that allows you to move slow and steady, by anchoring your elbows down on your legs.
Wet your hands and place them around the clay, then apply even pressure to make the clay come up into a cone shape. Then add pressure from the top of the cone to bring it down into a ball. Repeat this process twice.
The goal is to have the clay spinning smoothly with no wobble, as this will make the subsequent steps easier.
3. Opening the clay
Once the clay is centred, it’s time to create an opening. Use your thumbs or fingers to press into the centre of the clay, forming a well that goes down to about 1cm from the wheel head. The depth of the well will determine the base thickness of your piece.
Now use your fingers to widen the base of your pot.
Compress the clay at the bottom using your thumb. Apply slight pressure with your thumb and move it along the base back and forth. This will make sure the clay is strong at the base, and prevent cracks later on.
4. Pulling up the walls
You can begin pulling up the walls now that you have an opening. With the wheel spinning at half speed gently pinch the clay at the base and draw your fingers upwards, thinning and raising the walls as you go. This step requires a delicate touch—too much pressure can cause the walls to collapse, while too little won’t raise them evenly.
5. Shaping the piece
You can start shaping your piece once the walls are at the desired height. Whether you’re making a bowl, vase, or mug, this is where your creativity comes into play. Use your fingers, sponge, or ribs to refine the shape, smoothing imperfections and giving the piece its final form.
6. Trimming and finishing
After shaping, let your piece dry until it’s leather-hard, meaning it’s firm but still slightly pliable. This usually takes around 24 hours. You can trim the base to refine the shape further and add any decorative details at this stage. Finally, your piece will need to be fired and glazed, but that’s a topic for another guide.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
When learning how to throw on a wheel, it’s common to encounter a few challenges. Here are some tips to help you overcome them:
Clay not centering: If your clay won’t centre, try anchoring down your elbows and applying more consistent pressure with your hands. It might take several tries, but you’ll get the hang of it with practice.
Walls collapsing: This usually happens because the walls are too thin or the clay is too wet. Try to keep your hands steady and apply even pressure. If the clay feels too wet, stop and let it dry out slightly before continuing.
Uneven shapes: Uneven shapes can result from inconsistent pressure or an uncentred base. Always ensure your clay is well-centred before beginning, and use steady, even movements when shaping.
Tips for improving your wheel throwing skills
Like any craft, learning to throw on a wheel takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you improve:
Practice regularly: The more time you spend on the wheel, the better you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; each is a learning opportunity.
Learn from others: Attend a class or workshop. Watching experienced potters and receiving feedback on your technique can significantly speed up your progress.
Experiment: Once you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with different shapes, sizes, and glazes. This will help you develop your style and keep the process enjoyable.
Be patient: Wheel-throwing can sometimes be frustrating, especially when things are unplanned. Remember, every potter was once a beginner, and it takes time to develop the skills required to create beautiful pieces.
Using a taster class to learn wheel-throwing
If you're curious about how to throw on a wheel but have yet to be ready to commit to an entire course or invest in equipment, a taster class is the perfect introduction. These short, single-session classes offer a hands-on experience that allows you to try your hand at wheel throwing under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
All materials and tools are provided in a taster class so that you can focus entirely on learning. The instructor will walk you through the basics—preparing and centring your clay, forming your first piece, and troubleshooting common issues. This immediate, practical experience is invaluable, as it gives you a taste of the process without the pressure of a long-term commitment.
Final thoughts
Learning how to throw on a wheel is a fulfilling and rewarding journey. While the process can be challenging, the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating your pottery makes it all worthwhile. With the right tools, patience, and practice, you’ll soon be shaping clay into beautiful, functional pieces that you can proudly display or use in your home.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, remember that perseverance is the key to wheel-throwing success. Keep practising, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process. Happy throwing!