How to Center Clay - A Beginner's Guide

This is my ultimate guide on how to centre clay on the potter's wheel, (centre, center? Yes I'm using both spellings, both English and American, so it's searchable for people all over the world). I've tried to go into as much detail as possible to thoroughly explain each little step along the way as well as showing you how to fix certain errors and discussing all the little tips and tricks I have. Enjoy, and I hope this video is useful! Let me know if it is in the comments below.
• How to wedge clay video: • How to Spiral Wedge Clay
• How to center clay: • How to Center Clay - A...
• How to pull up the walls of clay: • How to Pull Up The Wal...
• How to open up and form the base: • How to Open Up Centred...
• How to lift pots off the wheel: • How to Lift Pots Off t...
• How to throw a bowl: • How to Throw a Pottery...
• Trimming tips and tricks: • How to Trim Pots - Tip...
📖 • PRE-ORDER MY BOOK: ow.ly/9wYn50MQXV5
⏱ • Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction and discussing the importance of preparing clay, (wedging)
0:50 - What shape to make the wedged up balls of clay
1:23 - How to sit at the wheel properly
1:41 - Positioning of left arm, the 'anchor'
2:02 - How to slam the clay down effectively
4:21 - How to position left arm and push upper body weight onto the clay
5:10 - Water/slip usage
5:36 - Using little finger to seal the base of the clay
6:00 - Introducing vertical pressure
8:01 - The centred shape I'm after
8:26 - Scraping the ball of clay if it feels gritty
9:02 - Discussing the speed of the wheel
9:53 - How to position hands as to not grind your skin
10:32 - Pinching fingers and focusing on stability
11:18 - Using the leftover 'skim' of clay to help stick down the balls of clay
11:37 - Coning the clay
13:50 - How to remove your hands from the clay as not to introduce a wobble
15:20 - The importance of centring
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Instagram - / floriangadsby
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Website - www.floriangadsby.com

[@koraburke1820]

I am a high school art teacher who just now happened upon this video/ channel, and this is the BEST centering video I've ever seen! It is so helpful! The craziest part of it all is that 99% of this is what I teach my students, as many potters have different styles. Loved being able to see what NOT to do. Definitely will be using this video as a resource in my class!

[@primitiveonpurpose]

Same here, high school art teacher :) this must be the best, most useful tutorial I've encountered. Superb teacher and talented he is.

[@bulbulayasmr7693]

Awesome texture like this video

[@devinmartin7626]

Good teacher

[@juleezruleez1703]

Thank you, this video is totally helpful!

[@MetalRat518]

Holy anticapitalism lol sorry gone nutz but luv this video

[@lindaparisi6744]

I still have the first pot I ever made. I was so proud of that! The experienced potters at the studio were so happy for me. I knew I’d found a home. That was >12 years ago and I now have my own studio. It does become an obsession!

[@rajshrisingh9378]

Please share your Insta page if possible

[@govindaswamydhamodaram2442]

👍

[@matildabozkurt7669]

@@rajshrisingh9378 pvPppp mi

[@bulbulayasmr7693]

Lovely video stay connected

[@themoodyonejb]

I'm beginning my journey now and loving it. Signing up for more classes next week.

[@kateedmonds9900]

What a lovely way Florian has of expressing himself, so clear and also so kindly. I will watch this again in my car just before class next week. I especially loved his final words about, don’t worry, just make pots, even lumpy wobbly ones…. What an encouraging teacher.

[@PotterybySargam]

Hands down the best video for centering. As a beginner, I usually take over 5-7 minutes to center. But after watching this video, and understanding the mistakes I was making, I centered my pot within 2 minutes!

[@juliedallaire1228]

I love this video! My favourite part? “Soon you’ll forget that you ever struggled on centering clay”. Thanks for this!

[@vilyat7]

I am a potter of over 30 yrs and your demonstrations are very good. This is what I teach in one of my lives, I am also a trained event professional.

[@charlielarson1350]

Oh man, I bought a pottery wheel after watching your video with Tom Scott and binging your channel. I just made my first successful bowl last night. Wish I had seen this before because it took me like 15 failed attempts first, haha. Definitely will try again today after watching this

[@floriangadsby]

Ah wonderful! Pleased to hear you liked the video with Tom Scott, it was such fun to film. Good luck potting, I really hope this video helps and thanks for watching, Charlie!

[@chrisdotdash5154]

I can’t wait for your next video on pulling! As an intermediate potter I am still learning how to throw more consistently and refine my pulling skills. Thank you for these high quality videos.

[@IanJohnstonblog]

This is an exceptional tutorial. Thanks for sharing your expertise! It’s also well shot, well paced, and narrated beautifully. This makes digesting all the information so much easier, and enjoyable. Love your channel!

[@ALTOONAPPS2011]

Omg he is the best one out on KZbin for pottery stuff... He can be a teacher

[@tweshikatonyala6480]

Exceptional tutorial indeed. So clearly explained and all bases covered.

[@SeriouslyCreative]

Thank you for the helpful video, and your kind words at the end 💖

[@toniweston4330]

To me this is the most interesting & useful thing I have ever viewed on KZbin! Sincerely thankful to you for sharing. Very well demonstrated, too.

[@Uzume2]

Not only are you a fantastic potter, your tutorials are gentle and encouraging. I've been throwing for quite a number of years and still found some gems in your video. Thank you!

[@earthtrippersuz]

"And soon you'll forget that you ever struggled centering'--love the encouraging ending! And thanks for this video my trainer sent me. Learnt lots on centering!

[@Koii.Jeanie]

I’m taking a ceramics class in my college semester, and I tried doing the wheel, I always never felt confident in the wheel but I wanna learn to use it. I did terrible the other day and watching this, I understood where I made my mistakes. And understood why my clay was really bad. Thank you so much for this! I learn so much from your videos

[@michaelmadison883]

Florian all of your content is amazing. My son for his birthday told me he wanted to try and now we are absolutely hooked after going to our first lesson. We have since devoured your content and love your work. I want you to know just how much we appreciate you making videos for beginners like us and then also showing us just how far and amazing we can become (if only aspirationally, your work is just sooooo beautiful). Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@Jabanalla]

Soo yesterday I was at the studio alone and desperately tried to center my pieces and nothing worked. After regrouping myself I decided to watch this video just to get the basics straight again. And boy did this work!! Yesterday was good but today I freaking overdid myself 😂 so thank you!

[@Dani-ej1zl]

This is an exceptional tutorial! I was never able to actually throw anything when I took a ceramics class but this demonstration has addressed all of the issues I had! I truly appreciate how much care you took in describing how everything should feel. The stoneware clay felt like sandpaper, I was pressing too hard on the wheel, I was centering for too long to get it perfect, and I turned my wheel too slowly in order to try to save myself from the sandpaper feeling. I really wonder if I could do it now. Can't wait for the next one!

[@hankkingsley9183]

The wealth of info here and the expert presentation is really beyond measure. Kudos

[@joshstarling2466]

I took a pottery class because of you. Thank you Floriran. I took the beginner stage a year after watching this, and I'm back to learn more for my first studio lesson.

[@booboobex10]

You are a gift to this community. Thank you for all your wonderful videos with clear guidance and tips !!!

[@annaberstein]

Thank you so much! I am in a beginner's class. The teacher is so-so. I am learning what I need from yours and other's videos. Lifesavers!!!!

[@annapetri-satter844]

Your videos are so precious and soothing to watch. They allow me to learn pottery in a way that caters to my needs and my learning pace. I gratefully appreciate that you leave out all the noisy nonsense (music, intros and bling-bling stuff etc) and unusefull chit-chat other people's videos often display but focus on essential information instead. Your explanations are incredibly precise, well-structured and didactically superb. Thank you so much for sharing and please keep going, it's immeasurably valuable and helpful!

[@Tacomaster-lq2ik]

I threw my first 2 pots today. (not in a class im learning at home) and Tomorrow I'm going to try these tips and see if my results will improve :)

[@elisabonifacio5017]

Honestly, thank you! Your peaceful voice and careful explanation has been helping me so much! Cheers from Brazil!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you Elisa! That means a lot. Very appreciate you taking the time to watch. Good luck potting!

[@BVoshol]

This is wonderful! I'm not going to start throwing pots any time soon, but I can tell how helpful this would be. Thanks for being so specific - I know that can be really hard to do when you've been doing something as second nature for a long time! Seriously, showing all the problems that can happen, and not just taking about them? Amazing!

[@nievesgonzalez8543]

When I was a teenager i would follow a rockstar or a tennis player, now i follow you!!!!! Thank you a lot for your inspiring work and sharing your knowledge ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lene_.s]

I just watched this again a couple of months after the first time I saw it and there´s a lot of stuff that apparently didn´t really stick with me the first time. Definitely worth watching several times over the course of a couple months untill I get this centering down. All the details really help.

[@DunoonVanRijn-dx1hr]

It is nice to see someone taking this Craft seriously. I wish you well for your future endeavours

[@MariekaJackson]

You are such a blessing to the pottery world. Thank you for everything you do. From your beautiful pieces/creations to the extremely helpful (and gently spoken) information that you share. A true gift.

[@ekakaz2296]

Very well explained! As my math teacher used to say “you used the right words in the right way” !

[@awhisper12]

I tried this process yesterday for the first time before watching this amazing guide. I’ve done all the mistakes and this really helped me understand a lot. Can’t wait to go home and try it your way!

[@user-bj5un2qx5f]

This is one of the best centering videos I have watched! I’m a amateur potter and have been struggling with centering my clay but this tutorial really helped me understand the fundamentals of this craft. Thanks!!!

[@JessicaSmith-gn3mb]

This was so helpful, thank you! The best centering video I have found!!

[@donnajobe6111]

These are the BEST videos. The tone and pace of his voice …chefs kiss

[@Nellian]

Chiming in to agree - Florian’s videos are superior. I will be starting my first pottery class in a few weeks, and am so grateful to have these videos to prepare me.

[@suzankohlik6827]

I love your videos and recommend them to my students often. they are so precise and clear. after 40 years of throwing I can still learn things from you! I also love the fact you pass on the knowledge for free. Congratulations!!

[@andreacordova4290]

Florian you are the best! This video shows how passionate you are about pottery and this gets really contagious! I am now in my first wheel throwing classes, and after watching your video I'm sure I'll do it with more confidence. Thank you so much for your guidance!

[@theabsolutetruth2024]

One of the best instructional videos I've ever seen, period. Well done! Thank you!

[@yagmurkaya369]

I am a beginner and I have just started watching your videos, and i cannot stress enough how lucky I feel to have such amazing tutorials in hand! Thank you so much, your videos are great :)

[@micheledickey4066]

I just got my first wheel this winter and finalllly it is warm enough in my garage to start using it. I have watched Soo many videos but I stilll don’t know where to start. I will start with these videos you have made. I LOVE your work and I’m so grateful that you have made these videos for beginners!! Thank you. This is so incredibly in depth! It is sooo helpful. Thank you again!!!

[@rosalindbarbier7670]

Thank you very much for taking this time to help those of us starting out. I really appreciate your clarity and patience.

[@melindaschawel]

Your videos are brilliant, so informative and well-paced, even the short clean up sections at the end! As a beginner, there are a million videos to weed through and the learning curve can feel overwhelming but your approach is calming, yet thorough. And of course the resulting vessels reflect that quality. Thanks for taking the time.

[@bluetickbeagles116]

Outstanding instruction. I started throwing clay only two days ago (1:6 scale for ultra realistic mini foods) and your videos are extremely helpful.

[@FilbieTron]

Thank you so much Florian. I had some practice today with a full size wheel and was really struggling with centering. Even though I’ve been using a mini wheel with not much difficulty.. So it felt extra frustrating. But after your video I’m realizing I think the clay I was working with was simply too firm. All of your suggestions for subtle changes were rather revolutionary to me. Thank you again for your in depth explanations.

[@camilabeltrame6763]

Such an amazing demo! Thank you so much for sharing it. I’ve been learning a lot through your videos, and I do appreciate all effort and time you put into this.

[@1Toshu]

The best most comprehensive tutorial. Thank you!!! very helpful

[@nazbolo253]

This is the best video I have seen about centering. Actually felt good to hear you saying the same things I say to my students. Thank you

[@Dobby-1611]

‘So’ welcome this level of detail Florian. Looking forward to the next one. Thankyou

[@Thorisotto]

Wow! You are such a talented educator! Thank you so much for explaining and illustrating the WHY as well - that helps me a lot!

[@gigicooper1759]

Just had my first day at the wheel, this is a VERY helpful video, I look forward to more.

[@slevinchannel7589]

I like Isekai and Time-Travel so i wonder oddly-specific this: Whats the best production-method for porcellan that is do-able if you get transported with modern knowledge into ancient Time??

[@Onyyyxx]

I just began my journey learning this skill and your uploads help me a lot. It is true, centering the clay is difficult at first. My gf is pretty good at it so she helps me, but these videos are invaluable as you help me learn the nuances of how to do certain things. Thank you! You earned a sub.

[@cathybriggs8725]

This video is amazingly well done and informative. I will watch it over and over again. Thank you for taking the time to share all of these crucial details. You are inspiring so many people to put their hands to clay.

[@adasiurniene1871]

Thank you so much!! I'm in my first days of throwing and it is such a relief to hear that you do not have to center perfectly. Spending 5 minutes of centering feels like it is too much, nice to hear that it really is so :) And I think you saved my little finger's skin, I was so protective of clay not to run away to sides, that I was rubbing my finger to the metal quite hard :D

[@AllanRisk]

As someone who has been working with clay once a week at a pottery class, I still struggle with centring. Part of the problem is that I have developed some sort of painful tendonitis in my left hand (possibly caused by poor technique); the other part is that my technique still needs work. This video has been very helpful ... I feel like I want to have it playing on the screen directly in front of the wheel as I'm doing it! I also appreciate where you say (I'm paraphrasing) to go ahead and just try to make a pot, even if it is wobbly; it is an encouraging message to leave with those of us who haven't yet mastered centring ...

[@marianasutube]

Best, most helpful centering video I’ve ever watched! Thank you!

[@erinwithryder]

Thank you for making this video in such details.😃 I had always wanted to ask about the side of left hand against the wheel head! I am glad to finally have the answer. 👍🏻

[@galekrcmarik2043]

Very helpful...... To the point and no waisted words or time. Great Job Thanks so much Florian !

[@Persianchica]

I’ve been following a course and i’ve learned more in this video then the course! Thanks a lot 🙏🏼🌸

[@Lacquer.]

I wish this video was out when I was first on the wheel! You talk about so many problems I encountered and how to avoid them. I'm taking another ceramic class and I'm determined to get better results this time around. Thank you for this video!

[@sacredacres]

I have been watching videos and trying to center for a week and this video touched on and explained every issue I've had and every question I've asked. Thank you SO much.

[@snkrishna1975]

Thank you for sharing so wholeheartedly. I always head to your vlogs whenever I'm struggling with my pottery.🙏

[@alahnakisebach503]

As someone who struggles with centering, this video is so helpful, thank you :)

[@oOHiggsFieldOo]

We fell in love with the work of a potter while in vacation last year, to the point we have invested in all the equipment and made room for all of that in our garage to start this adventure. All the knowledge you put out is a true treasure, i thank you deeply for sharing this! hats off :)

[@maybeafreethinker]

Thankyou for being so generous with your knowledge and time, given in your calm voice

[@marybeatty9405]

I’m starting my first ever 6 week pottery class tomorrow and found your videos in preparation :) A huge thank you on the note to not getting wrapped up in being too perfect…I can let the perfection get in the way of the learning process. Thanks for the reminder to have fun!

[@floriangadsby]

Ah what fun! Good luck, those early stages are so captivating. Thanks for watching my videos and I really hope you enjoy it!

[@ruavi]

Thank you for this video! also your editing is really good.

[@temeraire1100]

The best video I have seen on centreing. Thank you for the encouraging words at the end, that is what I need to hear, at this early stage of my potting adventure.

[@sherrycheng5936]

thank you for your video, I am a beginner potter who haven't been able to properly center a piece of clay yet, the frustration is accumulating, after watched your video, I can't wait to try it out next time when I am on wheel. also really appreciate your last part of the video, it calmed me. To start a new craft, our eyes are always "higher" than our hands, we forget that it takes lots and lots of practice to get better. thank you for reminding me that.

[@emilychung4909]

I just pottering. just completed my 4th lesson and centering is hardest but the joy when it finally comes together, was exhilarating. Thank you for the wonderful tips🎉

[@primitiveonpurpose]

Very useful, indeed! Your detailed, clear and specific technique tips are spot on; thank you for knowing not only how to throw, but how to TEACH how to throw. High school ceramics teacher here: keep up the fantastic tutorials.

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you very much Alisa - that really means a lot.Thanks for teaching the next generation 🙌🏼

[@lydiapiper4961]

One of the best videos I've seen on centering clay! So glad I saw this. Preparing to watch your other videos. Well done and Thank you!

[@skylarb.3363]

Amazing! love this in-depth tutorial. You are my pottery guide and I tell anyone at the community studio who will listen, to watch your videos. Thank you!!!

[@campbell9364C]

can we just acknowledge how calming his voice is

[@tom_norman]

Quite possibly the most informative video on this entire site; thank you for this.

[@heyjessfaye]

Thank you so much for this Florian! I've properly injured myself with my incorrect form. This is really in depth and thorough, looking forward to the next ones

[@LoveYouBeTrue]

This is an AMAZING video! You touched on basically everything I did wrong to start!! Very informative. Thank you for this.

[@gsandy6107]

This is great video for any beginner like me. You went above, & beyond into every detail. Thanks so much, truly appreciate it. ❤

[@chichipotter4487]

This is a wonderful tutorial. I know nothing about pottery other than the finished product - but now feel confident to take a class. Something I have always wanted to do. Beautifully filmed and narrated Thank you Florian.

[@laurasclayentries]

As a beginner to throwing, I still find this step difficult! It can get super frustrating, but you’re right! Just finish the piece, however wobbly or uneven, because it plants the seed and you’ll get better with practice :)

[@floriangadsby]

It comes with time really-my centring wasn't perfect before I started making any pots. But as you learn to control the walls and form the base and so on, those skills are directly transferable into centring the clay itself, so it's all helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@laurasclayentries]

@@floriangadsby Thank you! You've been an immense help on my journey! Can't wait for the following detailed guide!

[@cindylin6476]

You are so incredible. Thank you for sharing all the steps so well and I feel listening to you about this craft is so poetic and inspiring

[@Suusie823]

This is an incredibly helpful video. I am soon to take my third lesson as a beginner and centering is so challenging for me. I feel like I am better equipped to take on my next pot. Thank you!

[@Meliaison]

Thank you for making this video! I started pottery recently. Only had two classes so far. I thought I'd have fun but it's been more frustrating than anything else. I want to like it but it is so difficult for me. There were so many things in this video that I wish I knew when I started. Each time I'd do something wrong the pottery instructor would just take completely over and I never learned how to do these steps myself. Hopefully this video will help me prepare for the next class!

[@ALTOONAPPS2011]

You guys are not gonna find anyone else that is good like he is I learned a lot like I can even center air clay now look at me... Woot woot thanks to him...

[@dxstiny0015]

Wow the best explanation I’ve ever seen !!! Concise yet so informative. Thank you

[@carrascapinas2135]

Simplemente, gracias, este es el video que estaba buscando y tu consejo final ahora que llevo un tiempo haciendo cerámica en torno es perfecto

[@itsalexcolorburst]

Thank you so much! I am taking a ceramics class for school right now and I've pretty much resorted to just teaching myself. This was super informative and I will definitely be using the techniques you have shown here

[@suetilley6750]

Thank you so much!! I have been struggling with centering and my teachers never told me most of what you said. I understand so much better now. I can’t wait to try it!! You are an excellent teacher!! Thank you!

[@itziar6792]

thank you so much for this tutorial and for the way you transmit it! I’ll follow it step by step and hopefully in the same relaxing way as you do it. Gracias!!!

[@IngerWinkelmann]

Are you reading my mind!? Haha was just thinking I wish you would do some more content on centering

[@floriangadsby]

Pleased to hear so! I hope the videos useful, it's a bit sporadic perhaps but it talks about lots of little subtle things I don't often see mentioned. Thanks for watching! 🙌🏼

[@IngerWinkelmann]

@@floriangadsby That's exactly why it's actually really helpful. You're a very good teacher, thank you so much for sharing these videos :)

[@fpeantair446]

Thank you for such an informative video. I've struggled with understanding how to centre, and this has made it much clearer.

[@sanakabana]

Thank you for taking the time to show us how to centre. I especially like the part where you show us how not to do a technique as it really helps in understanding what the clay would do. Please keep these videos coming.

[@annemuldoon1159]

Thank you very much for this excellent video. Your attention to all the aspects of centering is so helpful as I have some issues but not others. I appreciate your detailed narrative. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the video about opening the center as I often throw the piece off center during that step.

[@katarinasuhajova2958]

Amazing tutorial! I just started learning pottery and this very helpful. Thank you and I’m looking forward to next video!

[@Mikedartagnan]

Very useful - making sure I brace my elbow against my body and pushing the cone forwards and down have made centering much quicker for me.

[@barryteghtmeyer5466]

Your videos are a great review! Thank you! I am currently taking a beginning wheel class. Even though I have taken one before it has been a long time. You gave some great pointers that I am looking forward to trying out on my next trip to the ceramic studio!

[@Misss_Em]

Thank you for this! I have been having difficulty centering lately. this should help me understand it better. Im excited for my next class!

[@isobellep]

Hi Florian! Marvellous and thank you. Your teaching, skills and documentary are the best. I threw my first 3 pots in a class. The pots are indeed thick walls, slightly irregular etc.. I have thrown for a couple of hours now and all your points I can understand. SO it's good to throw and then re-watch your video. I have set up a small shed studio so I can practice and do my own thing. Once I felt how the clay is living in your hands, surprise. I've been a graphic designer 35 years so this form of creativity is pleasing and satisfying. 🌟 T H A N K Y O U 🌟

[@GilTheDragon]

I've just recently started working with a pottery wheel & I can't tell you how elucidating this has been

[@Jess-zu7kv]

Thank you for sharing your tips! This video is more helpful than all the classes I’ve attended.

[@janechappell1897]

Thank you so much for this beautifully shot, clearly narrated tutorial. Thanks also for the encouragement - it was an unsuccessful day at the wheel, but I'll be back next week with your tips at my fingers...