The coiling technique

The Coiling Technique

Now that we've got our base and coils ready, it's time to start the real building - layer by layer, we'll shape our pot by joining coils and blending them as we go. This is the heart of hand building with clay, and one of my favourite parts of the process.

You Will Need

• Smooth kidney
• Serrated kidney
• For a set of different kidneys and a cross hatching tool: scraper & smoother tool set

Starting with a Strong Foundation

We begin by attaching the first coil to the base. I always use my firmest coil for this - like the trunk of a tree, it needs strength to support everything above.

How to stick it on properly:

1. score (or cross-hatch) the top of the base and the bottom of your coil using a fork, knife, pin, or toothbrush
2. add water to those scratched areas - this activates the clay's surface
3. mix water and clay to create a gluey texture known as slip - this helps the two parts fuse as they dry.

Cross-hatching locks the textures together. Water is the magic that binds them.

Make sure the base and first coil are firmly joined - press it on so you can hear little air bubbles escape. That's a good sign, it's bonding well.

Building the Walls

As you stack the coils:

1. use your thumb on the inside to push the new coil down and slightly blend it into the one below
2. keep your other hand on the outside to support the shape as it grows
3. if a coil feels dry, add a dab of water - not too much! You want it to feel tacky, not slippery.

You'll notice a rhythm forming: score, moisten, press, blend.

It's a gentle push and roll - not thinning the coil, just locking it in.

Shaping as You Go

This is the stage where your form starts to emerge. I wanted mine to flare out gently, so I leaned my coils slightly outward as I went.

You can:

1. build up all the way around in one go for fluid, organic forms
2. or take it slow, one ring at a time, blending each one in completely for a more symmetrical, structured shape.

Both methods work - it just depends on your style and patience!

Some of the best coil builders I know do one ring at a time - it's meditative, slow, and stunning.

Blending and Smoothing

Once you've stacked a few coils:

1. use your thumbs and fingers to blend and smooth inside and out
2. then, try a serrated kidney tool to even out any lumps. It's like combing the clay - gives a consistent texture, ready for final smoothing later.

If your pot is starting to curve or flare, pause to let it firm up before adding more coils. This helps it hold its shape and stops it from slumping.

Don't Forget Your Body

Posture matters! As you build:

• make sure your neck and spine are supported - you might need a higher table or chair
• listen to your body - this is slow craft, not a rush job.

The Philosophy Bit

There's something about this process that feels ancient. Coiling connects you to clay in such a primal way - one ring at a time, you're creating a form that holds space, maybe even memory. The act of joining, layer by layer, is like building a story.

Every pot has it's own pace - trust yours.

Next time, we'll look at smoothing and refining the shape, and how to plan your form if you want to change direction mid-build. For now, take it slow, feel your clay, and enjoy this rhythm.