How to Make a Long Extruded Clay Tube

Work you clay until it is soft before attempting to sculpt.

You can make long extruded tubes of clay if you have a macaroni attachment to your pasta machine, or a clay extruding tool. If you use your pasta machine, you will get clay in your machine, and you can only make one size of clay tube. A far easier way to make extruded clay tubes uses everyday household items. You can also use different items to make tubes that are bigger or smaller, depending on what you are working on.

Things You'll Need

• Clay
• Rolling pin
• Knife
• Wooden skewer

Instructions

1. Knead the clay on your work surface until it is soft and malleable. Soft, workable clay is the secret to perfect tubes.

2. Roll out the clay on your work surface. You need the clay to be at least 1/4 inch thick if you want it to keep its shape, but you can make the clay tubes thicker if your project calls for it. You have to fire them longer, according to the instructions on your clay packaging.

3. Cut a straight edge on one side of the clay. Place a wooden skewer on the edge. Gently lift the straight edge of the clay from the work surface, and roll the clay over the top of the skewer. Keep rolling the clay and the skewer over until the whole skewer is covered with clay.

4. Cut the clay with a knife. Roll the skewer gently back and forth on your working surface to join the two edges of the clay, so the clay is the same thickness throughout. Do not push down on the skewer or it will stick to the clay.

5. Remove the skewer and fire the clay tube.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover your work surface to make clean-up faster.

• If you are using polymer clay, you need to fire it for 30 minutes per 1/4-inch thickness at 270 to 315 degrees Fahrenheit (temperatures vary with brands). Check packaging for details.

• Use pencils, pipes and rolling pins to get tubes of different sizes. You can coat the items with a thin layer of olive oil to expedite removal once the tube is formed.