In this video I'm going to show you how to center clay.
in 5 easy steps Hi Marie here back with another
informative pottery making video for you. Did you ever give up and start making
something even if your clay wasn't centered yet.
Well you're not alone. Centering clay can be one of the toughest skills to master.
When I started throwing on the wheel it took me longer to center than it did to
make the piece. I'm going to demonstrate the 5 steps to
Let's get centering.
The 1st step and most important is wedging your clay.
Because if you don't have a well-wedged ball of clay
centering can become very difficult. It should be nice and malleable (workable)
with no air pockets. I have a video you can check out with
3 different ways you can wedge. Pick you're favorite because they all work
well. I left a link for you in the description below.
The 2nd step is to throw your ball of clay
on the center of the wheel. Pat your clay down
making sure it's nice and smooth, with no dents where air can get trapped.
You want to throw your clay on a damp surface.
a damp sponge does the trick.
Not too wet or your clay will slide all over your bat
or wheel, and not too dry or it won't stick. Throw your clay
as close to the center as possible.
Now place your index finger on the wheel next to the clay and slowly turn the
wheel.
This does two things, it seals the clay to the wheel
and it shows you how centered your clay is.
If it's in the center you did a great job throwing your clay on the wheel.
If it's not you can turn the wheel slowly
and patch your clay into the center.
The 3rd step is to make sure you're in the right position.
You want your legs right up against the splash pan.
Make sure your elbows are anchored to your sides
or your thighs and your back is straight so you can lean into the clay with your
whole body. This gives you more leverage and control
over the clay. The 4th step is to place the pad
of your anchor hand on the side of the clay in the 8 o'clock position.
Then place your other hand at the 6 o'clock position.
In the karate chop position using the side of your hand,
load your sponge with water and have it rest in your hand. This way
you have more control over the amount of water you need and it keeps your hand
on the clay longer. If you feel a little friction just give
it a little squeeze. Now spin your wheel on medium-high to
high. The faster you go the more control you get over your clay.
When centering speed matters. Now give it a little water. Give your sponge a
little squeeze and now lean in and press down on your
clay. And keep your elbows anchored
and your anchor hand steady.
Now the 5th step is to cone up and press down on your clay.
Keep your anchor hand firm at 8 o'clock
and your other hand in the 3 o'clock position.
Start at the base of the wheel and pull your clay
upward to form a cone. Using a thin sponge will help you control the clay
better, but you don't want too much water in your sponge. So take a
little out. Just enough to keep your clay smooth.
Now
keep your anchor hands steady and cone up.
There. You don't have to go too far up. That's
just fine.
Now place your right hand in the karate chop position
using the side of your hand press downward on an angle
towards the 12 o'clock position. Fill your sponge with water again and
keep your anchor hand firm and the clay will center.
Make sure your wheel is going fast enough.
Squeeze a little water on.
Now that you know how to center let's put those skills to work.
You can check out my 30 beginner pottery wheel project
series where you will find plenty of projects to practice on your newfound
centering skills. With the tips I shared and a little
practice I know you'll be centering like a pro in no
time. If you found the video helpful don't forget to give a thumbs up
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You watching my other videos supports this channel
and helps me to make more videos just like this one.
Head on over to this how-to Wedge Clay video,
or 11 Problem Centering Clay and How to Fix them. If you do I get to
play with more clay. Let's stay dirty.