How to Use a Lopp Tool in Pottery

Knowing how to use the loop tool in pottery is one of the basic steps in mastering the craft. Loop tools are metal loops attached to wooden or bamboo handles that are used to shape, define, trim, and create details on a piece of pottery. The tool, which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, can be used on pottery that is on the wheel or on a stand-alone piece. Using a loop tool in pottery is fun and easy and it only takes a few simple steps to learn.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clay
• Loop Tools of Various Shapes and Sizes
• Pottery Wheel (optional)

How to Use a Loop Tool with a Potter's Wheel

1. Using a loop tool to shape a wedge of clay before it goes on the wheel. To create the basic shape of a piece of pottery clay before it goes on the wheel, select a large loop tool with a rectangle shaped loop and slice off a chunk of clay by placing the loop horizontally along the top of the wedge and slicing down at a slight angle using a firm but steady pressure. Never slice clay towards yourself, as the loop tool can slip and cause injury. Slice the clay in increments until you reach the desired size.

2. Using a loop tool to shape a wedge of clay after it is on the wheel. Choose a loop tool that is proportional to the area you wish to shape. Hold the tool along the side of the piece so the loop is vertical to the potter’s wheel. With the wheel on low – medium speed, gently press the tool into the clay. Keep in mind it is better to shape a piece slowly, it is easier to keep control of the amount of clay that you are removing.

3. Creating intricate designs. Choose a smaller loop tool and holding it an angle or vertically next to piece of pottery. With the wheel on low, gently press it into the side of a piece at an angle to create swirly designs. Hold the loop tool vertically to create stripes. The pressure you use determines the depth of the design, light pressure creates delicate designs and firm pressure creates deeper bolder designs.

4. Creating bold designs. Choose a loop tool with a thick and/or serrated loop. Turning the wheel so the side you wish to design is in front of you, cut out a wedge of clay. Different designs can be created by placing the cuts abstractly or in a pattern.

How to Use a Loop Tool on a Stand-Alone Piece of Pottery

5. To create the basic shape of a piece of pottery clay, select a large loop tool with a rectangle shaped loop and slice off a chunk of clay by placing the loop horizontally along the top of the wedge and slicing down at a slight angle using a firm but steady pressure. Never slice clay towards yourself, as the loop tool can slip and cause injury. Slice the clay in increments until you reach the desired size.

6. Creating intricate designs. Choose a smaller loop tool and holding it an angle or vertically next to piece of pottery. Working around the piece in a circular motion, gently press the tool into the clay. Use the loop tool an angle to create swirly designs. Hold the loop tool vertically to create stripes. The pressure you use determines the depth of the design, light pressure creates delicate designs and firm pressure creates deeper bolder designs.

7. Creating bold designs. Choose a loop tool with a thick and/or serrated loop. Stand in front of the piece so the side you wish to design is in front of you, cut out a wedge of clay. Different designs can be created by placing the cuts abstractly or in a pattern or by using different sized loop tools.

Tips & Warnings

• The most important step in mastering any pottery technique is practice. Make sure to practice on an extra piece of clay until you feel comfortable using the loop tool.
• Loop tools come in a variety of different shapes and sizes which can produce a wide range of detailing effects. Use small loop tools for intricate designs and the large geometric loop tools for bold designs.
• Loop tools are one of the primary shaping tools in pottery. Make sure to purchase loop tools that have sturdy handles and loops made from high-quality steel. These tools will cost more but the investment will pay off in the long run.
• High quality loops tools can last years when properly cleaned and stored. Clean the blade of the loop tool after each use with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing in a potter’s tool box.
• Some loop tools have sharp serrated edges. Take care when using and keep the tool out of the reach of small children.