How to make a hand coiled clay pot

I will walk you through this process step by step with photos on how to hand coil a clay pot from start to finish.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clay
• Water
• Small wooden paddle
• Rolling pin
• Gourd or shallow bowl
• Burlap or plastic bag
• Knife
• Small sponge

1. 
   Beginning base of pot

   Make a "pancake" out of the clay and roll it with the pin to a thickness of 1/2 to 1/4 inch...using small strips of wood on both sides of the clay to gauge your thickness helps.

2. 
   Beginning to form base

   Place piece of burlap/plastic in (choice container)to prevent clay from sticking. Then place clay inside pressing clay to conform to shape of bowl.

3. 
   Forming the base

   Cut edges off around the container approximately 1 inch above the rim.

4. 
   Cutting coils

   Repeat "pancake" process using much more clay this time. You will need a 2 inch wide strip of wood to lay over top of the clay to cut down both sides. This is used as a gauge to cut your strips for your coils.

5. 
   Adding first coil

   Begin applying first coil by moistening the rim of the base and the strip where you will be attaching it. Place coil inside base overlapping approx. 1 inch squeezing both pieces together to bond pushing downward on the inside and pulling clay up on the outside. Put a paper towel, etc in the inside of the bottom of base to avoid water from gathering. This will prevent cracking.

6. 
   Stengthening sides

   Place your hand inside the pot to support it as you gently tap the outside of the pot. This is to strengthen the bond and the walls.

7. 

   Keep your hands wet as you work. This will smooth out any potential cracks. This also keeps the clay moist.

8. 
   Building pot

   As you repeat the process of adding more coils you want to stagger or alternate your coil seams. In other words, don't start another where you left off to add another one. Start a new coil on the opposite side. This helps in support.

9. 
   Building pot

   As you apply your coils, allow them some drying time. This will help in supporting the next coil ... but don't let it dry out.
   As you are building your pot, don't try to shape it as your building it, rather build your wall straight up. It will have somewhat of a natural curve from the coiling process.

10. 
    Doming pot

    When doming the pot, place one hand inside the pot supporting the wall toward the top. Your hand will be roughly 3 inches down from the rim. Take paddle and tap the pot inward around the rim gently while supporting. As you work your way around the opening of the pot it will start to close in. You may have to add another coil at this point.
    You can push the walls out on the inside of the pot to help the shaping process at this point in the process.

11. 
    Preparing the rim

    As you're opening begins to form a circle, try to keep things centered and proportionate. Take a-hold of the edge of the rim at the top , turn it upward approx. 1 inch. Let the pot dry for a just a little while until it can support additional weight.

12. 
    Applying the final coil(s)

    Wet your areas where the clay will be joining together. Place your next coil on the OUTSIDE of the area that you turned upward, and pull the clay on the inside UP and PUSH DOWN on the outside. You may need additional coils.

13. 
    Finished pot

    Look back over your pot and smooth out any seam lines, etc with a moist sponge. Push out any dents that may have occurred keeping the symmetry balanced as much as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Let it dry for two weeks or so before firing. No direct heat or sun during this time.
• Avoid breathing dust
• Do not eat or drink anything made from commercial clay

[Rockney]

on 10/31/2009 Great techniques! 5*!

[chrismoore]

on 9/27/2009 Thanks for writing how to make a hand coiled clay pot. I love to make pottery, but haven't done so in years. Perhaps, it's now time to start again! 5*'s and a recommendation.

[Girlscout63]

on 6/19/2008 We did this pot at day camp for junior high kids, Was a hit.- Took them awhile to get the technique.- need thick strips of clay for the sides of pot.

[LonnaLight]

on 1/30/2008 A great article and wonderful pictures Blackbear! You never cease to amaze me! I used to love working with clay in my college ceramics classes . My favorite teacher all through school was my ceramics professor, Helen Phillips. She is such a special person and I absolutely adore her work! Coiling was one of my absolute favorite ways to work with clay. I have several pieces from those classes, 2 of which are coiled pots! I hope some day I will get set up to work with clay at home!

[Chaddy]

on 12/7/2007 Great article! Really nice photos! This is a TRUE how-to - i feel like I could do it!!!