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The Number 1 Pottery Mistake Made by Beginners — Spinning Pots

Terry Connor
4 min readJul 15, 2024

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The most common pottery mistake beginners make is not wedging the clay. Beginners often overlook this crucial step, which leads to many issues in pottery. In this article, we will explore why beginners skip wedging. We will also discuss the consequences of this mistake and how to wedge clay perfectly. By understanding and correcting this mistake, beginners can improve their pottery skills significantly.

Wedging is essential in pottery. It involves kneading the clay, which prepares it for shaping. Skipping this step can cause many problems. Wedging removes air bubbles and ensures uniform consistency. The clay becomes smooth and workable. Proper wedging is crucial for good results. This step prevents defects in the final product. It’s an essential but vital part of pottery.

Air bubbles in clay are problematic. They can cause cracks during firing. Uniform consistency is vital. It makes the clay easier to shape. Without wedging, the clay can be uneven, leading to structural issues. Proper wedging ensures even texture and enhances the clay’s plasticity. Well-wedged clay responds better to shaping. This step improves overall quality.

Cracks and weak spots are common. Uneven clay is more challenging to work with, ruining the final product. Air bubbles cause explosions in the kiln. Beginners…

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Terry Connor
Terry Connor

Written by Terry Connor

I'm someone who is always looking to improve my life and others. Looking to be a better person spiritually and financially. Plus I love pottery and Cats.

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