How to Center Clay in Pottery

Pottery making on a potter's wheel can be both fun as well as profitable, but in order to make any type of pottery it is essential that you first learn how to center your ball of clay on your spinning wheel.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pottery Wheel
• Clay
• Water

1. Prepare your clay and form it into a round ball. Moisten the outside of your ball of clay.

2. Throw the ball of clay onto the wheel, as close to the center of the wheel as you can.

3. Start the wheel spinning. Wet your hands and place your left hand vertically against one side of your ball of clay with your little finger resting lightly on the spinning wheel. Cup your right hand on the opposite side of your ball of clay such that your thumbs touch. Using equal pressure from both hands, slowly move your ball of clay toward the exact center of the wheel, frequently dripping water onto the surface of your ball of clay.

4. When your ball of clay no longer appears to wobble on the spinning wheel then you have centered your ball of clay and are ready to begin the forming process.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to keep your clay moist at all times and take your time when centering. Centering is vital so look for even the slightest wobble in your clay and correct it before you proceed.