Throwing on the wheel is a lot harder than it looks—definitely trickier than those Instagram videos would have you believe!
Here are a few things to keep in mind about pottery for beginners as you head into your first classes:
Enjoy the process
Learning to throw takes time, patience, and a good sense of humour. Try not to get too caught up in the end result—focus on the experience. Think of it like patting your head and rubbing your belly; it takes a while for that brain–hand coordination to click.
Start with cylinders
They might seem simple, but cylinders are the foundation of wheel throwing—and arguably the most challenging shape to master. If you can throw a clean cylinder, you’re well on your way. It’s all about learning to control the centrifugal force of the wheel so you’re shaping the clay, not letting the wheel take over - always remember, you’re in charge!
Centre yourself before you centre the clay
Throwing isn’t about brute strength. It’s about balance, body positioning and using your weight efficiently. A calm, grounded posture makes all the difference when it comes to centring and will hold you in good stead as you progress to throwing larger amounts of clay.
Keep your hands connected
Your hands should be in constant communication. Keeping them connected helps with control and protects your joints, especially your fingers!
Not everything needs to be fired
Clay is endlessly reusable… until it’s fired. Once that happens, it’s here for centuries—it will outlive us all. So be thoughtful about what you choose to keep, and don’t be afraid to recycle those pieces that didn’t quite work out.
At Cone 8, we make sure our pottery for beginners feel supported every step of the way. Our small class sizes mean you’ll get hands-on guidance and the space to develop your technique at your own pace. Most importantly? Have fun with it. Mistakes are all part of the journey!