How to throw a cylinder on the potters wheel

This video was created to help high school students who are new to the potters wheel learn how to create cylinders on the wheel.
See my new video "How to Throw a Bowl on the Wheel" to see the difference between throwing a bowl vs. a cylinder.
• How to Make a Bowl on ...

[@jennym5332]

you should be a pottery teacher! My current teacher is pretty horrible at explaining things and I've watched about 20 videos already and this is by far the best for me as a complete beginner! Thanks so much and hope to see more!

[@pfinn80808]

I agree! I feel like you explain things so clearly! I can't wait to head into my studio and try some of your techniques!

[@grrarg9319]

I think that was the clearest explanation of the steps involved in throwing a simple pot that I have ever seen. Thank you!

[@ande4455]

I have to agree-very good! Very clear!

[@YoToberLoL]

I’m here because my pottery teacher is terrible at demonstrating things. Thank you for this, I have confidence now.

[@christinecaswell2740]

Glad this was helpful! Working on some new videos- check back soon!

[@alwaysannoyedforever518]

LOL same

[@Makemenewagain]

Lmao me too

[@tangerinejukebox]

A few things really clicked for me after watching your videos; The way you make much less contact with the walls and therefore need less water, and create less mess, and the tidy way you get the top rim sooo nice and even. Really helpful tips, thank you so much :)

[@arcticbear9619]

This was so easy to understand! I’ve been having trouble with my cylinders. I’m gonna try this way as soon as I get to my studio. Thank you for such an easy to understand video!

[@summerlovedyou8466]

I am taking a pottery class and honestly nothing there made sense and It made me hate pottery, but after watching this I know what to do! Thank you so much.

[@d.jensen5153]

If there's a reason this throwing video has 286,000 views it has to be because it's so marvelously definitive. It took the mystery right out of the whole business. If I can't throw a cylinder now, I don't belong behind the wheel of a car either.

[@chrispya1]

Uh-oh! If I don't manage a cylinder soon, I might have to turn in my driver's license!

[@d.jensen5153]

@@chrispya1 lol!

[@greyarea779]

Christine...I am a beginner and let me tell you that you are the best potter I've ever seen. I now feel like I going to be able to make beautiful pots thanks to your wonderful teachings. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@christinecaswell2740]

I'd love to see them!

[@Thunderbird_Acres]

The most I have learned about pottery and I'm going on class 3, so thank you!!! I'm excited to try the wheel again tomorrow :)

[@tiffanyeatworld]

Your video helped me so much! Went in to the studio last night and threw a cylinder! :)

[@scrappysf]

This video was so helpful. It 100% changed the way I pull walls.

[@susyfrench2970]

Christine - thank you for making this video. It helped me so much and your step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. You're an excellent teacher and you understand that beginners need the sort of detail you give. Excellent!!

[@Eldeque]

Omg, this is great! I was having a tough time in ceramic class on the wheel because it kept collapsing. This REALLY helped me get the shape I wanted, Thanks!

[@christinecaswell2740]

That's great! I'm planning on adding new videos soon, stay tuned!

[@chrispya1]

I took my second class today. After four tries and some 1-1 with the instructor, I almost got a cylinder, but my walls collapsed at the end. I would like a video that shows how to avoid that. They weren't super thin or tall, so I don't understand what made them go wonky as I tried to raise the sides.

[@hankkingsley9183]

Very helpful video. I found I was doing too much touching when removing and this helped me realize that.

[@sianreese-williams5328]

Thank you THANK YOU! This is the video that has saved me from months of frustration trying to make a cylinder. I haven’t managed it at all but then I watched your video today and I threw 3 lovely, wonky cylinders in a row. Great video!

[@christinecaswell2740]

That's great!

[@acethereactor6170]

Thanks a lot! This will help me with my ceramics class in College! Appreciate it!

[@noellehaland2781]

This video is terrific - thanks! Your step-by-step explanations are super helpful as is the videography, especially for this beginner. :) I've seen your other videos -- will you be making any more instructional videos?? Please do!

[@christinecaswell2740]

Hi Noelle, Thanks! Trying to make time to make more. Hopefully soon!!!

[@sandicowles8165]

Wish I'd seen this video first. It's the best.

[@drumcdoo9050]

Superb video Christine, very clear and concise. Learning ten times more watching KZbin videos than I did at evening classes. Watched another video by someone else on how to centre pots and although it was good, the guy kept saying silly little annoying jokes which made it unpleasant learning. I can now centre and will save your video to go over and over until I crack it. Was told that it takes two years to learn to use a wheel properly and now realise this is correct if you never aquire the correct tecniques in the first place. With your video I will learn in a day. Thank you so much for your invaluable advice. One thing I've learnt is that back ache can occur when throwing. I use a posture corrector which is a combined lower back and shoulder support. It draws your lower back in and helps push shoulders back so you don't stoop. The result is no more back pain. Wear one over a T-shirt. It's very comfortable to wear and no longer get back ache. Just thought I'd pass this info on to help anyone who has had this problem...

[@christinecaswell2740]

Back and shoulder pain is common when using the wheel- pottery can put a lot of wear and tear on the body. I typically throw with my wheel raised up on cinder blocks so I am less scrunched over. Many potters throw standing up to decrease the strain. There is a bit of a learning curve with standing- you need to learn to brace your body properly.

[@levistokes3960]

I am taking a pottery class this semester and I absolutely love it. I am not an art major at all and haven’t had any art experience. But it’s a non major class. But you explained it so much better than my teacher. He wanted us to make like a weird volcano looking thing then push the clay up and it was confusing. I also have trouble centering clay sometimes too. But I’m starting to get it. I really enjoy pottery though and want to keep doing it.

[@PaulaJoW]

Very thorough and straight forward. Good job.

[@jellyboy123]

awesome clearest explanation

[@christinecaswell2740]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matthewsturman2151]

Thank you so much! My teacher doesn't throw much and recommended watching videos to gain a better understanding of what he was trying to teach me! Glad I found this tutorial, really great explanations!!!

[@vivophonepm640]

Wonderful instructions nobody teaches like you do.

[@annpes3143]

Your "making L"with your hands it's exactly how italians says "i'll break your a$$" with hand gesture 😂😂😂 i couldn't help myself to laugh 😅 your video is very useful and you explain well..

[@cathybriggs8725]

This video is full of helpful hints. It will definitely prove helpful as I teach myself to throw pottery. Thank you for taking the time to share this video .

[@possummanrld]

This is an awesome instructional video! So, what kind of a moron would give this video a "thumbs down"? Personally I could wish for a little less dwelling on some of the details. But that is because I do have more experience in various art forms, etc than a beginner would. So thanks a lot for this great, very professionally done, instruction tutorial!

[@michaelroberts4748]

Seems like everyone's having the same issues as me, Ooft. Thank you for clearly explaining things, you can explain and show what to do much better than my teacher!!!

[@potterydayz6565]

Cylinders are the basis of good throwing. Great video. Thanks.

[@raviathreya5357]

Excellent guiding tips....thank you!

[@sons_of_durin3329]

This video really helped me! Thank you so much! I had missed a lot of my ceramics class due to illness and had very little idea as to how to make a cylinder... I kept making bowls instead! Thanks for this!!

[@pbunt58]

I've seen a lot of how to videos and this is the best sofar. Well explained!

[@yazmoz9863]

True, this is the best tutorial for beginner.. Thank you so much. Such an honest generous soul.

[@mekailafrajman]

Are outside and inside finger tips in line with each other? Or is there one higher than the other

[@christinecaswell2740]

My inside fingertips are slightly above the outside fingertips.

[@rickyanthony]

I love the way you talk. Thanks!

[@rebeccasuper2309]

I’m new to pottery. I’m having trouble with how much pressure to use when pulling. This video is the very best video I’ve watched! The way you hold your hands are very similar to the way I hold mine but I’ve never tried connecting my hands. Maybe that will help. Thank you for this video! 14:21

[@rosenvitae]

Thank you, Christine, fine instruction video. I'm hoping to try throwing for the first time next week - wanting to see what happens when I try for a coffee cup.

[@scorpisces182]

fantastic video! excellent explanation on creating a cylinder on the wheel. I'm super new to pottery ( so far Ive only used the wheel twice) and watching your video has definitely helped me see the light :-D

[@christinecaswell2740]

Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@christinewrestsmith6957]

Great tutorial, one of the best I’ve seen...clear, concise instructions and good sound. Thanks so much, I’m subscribing..!

[@blancawyatt3092]

Thank you for your tutorial. you explain very well, My daughter just got a pottery wheel and I really wanna learn how to use it and make beautiful pottery.

[@TheMarnaiz]

Wonderfully, clear instructions. Thank you.

[@kristennewton222]

What a GREAT instructor!

[@cariadwales1979]

Thank you, your advice is the best Ive seen so far. It is really really helpful for beginners like me!

[@syna05]

Thank you very much....very thorough and clear explanation. Went for my first ever wheel throw session this morning... wish I had seen your video before I went...but made a few good pieces (for a novice) nonetheless....looking forward to more..gonna take some learning from your video to apply! Can't wait.... :D

[@epsileo_]

Thanks for this video!!! I tried making several cylinders and i can just never get it right, hopefully this video will help me! im heading to the pottery studio rn

[@katherineguest9872]

The best video I watch thanks a bunch

[@mirabelng37]

The Best tutorial video I have viewed so far. Thank you for your detailed explanation. 💕

[@christinecaswell2740]

Wow, thank you!

[@sammattson3971]

A good habit to get into is instead of making that link with the tips of your thumbs, make it further down your thumb so your fingers are close to you, this will make you fingers sturdier

[@cantish1]

Excellent teacher! I thought my teacher was good and I was a horrible student but after watching this video, I can see that my teacher is not good at all and I understand why I was not able to make anything. I was thinking about quitting but I love pottery and I have confirmed one more time about trusting yourself.

[@Kleshtrem]

fantastic explanation! thank you so much :)

[@pho14]

As a beginner, centring was my main challenge.

[@goodhope1111]

Love your step by step explanation!! Really helpful.. please make more such videos :) Thanks a ton

[@christinecaswell2740]

Glad you liked it!

[@clairebradbury11]

Thank you for a very clear and helpful video

[@alichouchane9516]

Hi Christine. Thank you for a great lesson and a great video. Amazing skills.

[@carolp5830]

Good demonstration for a beginner. TY

[@ayselozal5567]

Thankyou for the very good explanation. İt was soo usefull bor the beginers.

[@deirdreregnier5053]

This absolutely excellent thank you for this you are a gifted teacher 👍

[@janicebynem5625]

Thank you for your videos,Christine. You explain the steps so clearly, it makes it so easy to follow you and you include tips that are so helpful. Please do more, if you can. I'm subscribed to your page and am looking forward to more. Thank you!

[@annewatkis5824]

Wonderful teaching, thank you xx

[@RubinaMerchant]

Wow! No one has explained it so well!

[@afranda]

This is an excellent video, thank you!

[@megandixon3058]

Wow!! Very very helpful! Especially for a beginner. Thank You please keep the videos coming!!😃😃

[@liztucci]

Amazing video and technique! Thank you so much this helped me so much!

[@prernasingh8649]

What is the ideal height to reach for a 1 kg clay lump? I can pull till 7 inches (in 5 pulls) but can't go beyond. Please suggest.

[@ramiyanovsky8777]

Thanks, very useful will try it this week

[@virginiahendriks8078]

Very clear. Thanks so much.

[@paulynt1794]

Thank you for this video! I hope you continue to make more :)

[@christinecaswell2740]

I am working on making more very soon!

[@sammattson3971]

another tip is when youre cutting the bottom go down to the wheel and pull towards you as the wheels still turning

[@Strength4BodyandMind]

Awesome video! I do have a question though. I've been to one 3 hour class and worked with the wheel the whole time. My instructor had me throw on the bat. I was wondering why you did yours directly on the wheel?

[@d.jensen5153]

In my high school, all Ceramics students threw on plaster bats so that they could put their work aside when the period was over, freeing up the wheels for the next class coming in. It was quite a luxury when I bought my first wheel because I could finally do whatever I wanted, including leaving a piece on the wheel forever!

[@christinecaswell2740]

I made this video for my high school students and we didn't have the funds for as many bats as we would need for them to all have every piece on a bat. So in this case I needed to make sure they knew what to do to take pieces off the wheel head. I personally throw on a bat most of the time- it does help prevent warping since it is easy to slightly squish things when you are removing them from the wheel.

[@delphinny]

what pottery wheel you using? where did you buy it? thanks!

[@kellyli8014]

have everything i want to know! Great video👍👍

[@ruchikavarma1892]

Hi, this video is very helpful for beginners. You are the best teacher. I'll share this perfect video for sure. Best wishes to you From Bharat.

[@manissceramic1261]

Thank you for this Video 👍🌼

[@carlemblidge4474]

Thanks! CV 19 has the ceramic kids watching videos since we cant be there!

[@christinecaswell2740]

That is awesome!

[@mermaidlalala]

Could you please tell me what kind of pottery wheel this is?

[@christinecaswell2740]

This is a Pacifica- not sure if it is a GT-400 or GT-800. Both are great, there are some of each in my classroom and I can't remember which I used in the video. The main difference is power- you wouldn't notice a difference between them until you start putting huge amounts of clay on them. The GT-400 can center 80lbs of clay and the 800 can do 100lbs.

[@1pvlover]

Great video

[@TippyMueller]

HELP! I keep getting sides that are thicker on one side. I expect because of the clay getting off center. But am I getting lumps and thick and thin places on the sides, too? WHY? Is it because I am spinning the wheel too slow or fast in relation to the speed of lifting up the hands doing the squeezing motion? Once a lump on the sides develop, is there any way to smooth it out? By my questions you can see that I've been throwing for just a short few weeks, my first semester of a community college course. Everyone here says I am catching on fast. Great to hear, but I am asking questions about the nuances of feeling the clay that is hard for them to answer. HELP!

[@yaelgarcia7018]

so I’m just beginning but from what I know if you’re getting lumps on the side it may be from air bubbles. before you even start putting the clay on the wheel you need to work it so that there won’t be as many (or any at all). Also I’m pretty sure that if one side is taller or thicker it means that you are a little off center.

[@TippyMueller]

Thank you@@yaelgarcia7018 for your thoughts. Centering is the main thing I'm getting the feel of. But, really, I believe it is more that I am working with fresh clay out of the bag and not taking the time to soften it properly on the wedging table. It's not so much air bubbles since it is fresh clay, but that it is a little stiff and not so even in its distribution of hard/soft texture. My instructor drops the clay bag on the floor to wake up a new bag of clay. But I believe if I take the time to cone up and down a few times as I am centering that it will help. It just seems to take time and experience behind the wheel to get the feel. One of the first instructions on the wall of our pottery lab is "DON'T GIVE UP!" Throwing can be a challenge that's for sure. Encouragement is needed and appreciated!

[@christinecaswell2740]

Hi Tippy, sorry for the long delay in my response! It sounds like you don't have the clay completely centered before you open up. If the lumps are air bubbles you can gently pop them with a needle tool and squeeze the air out and keep going. If they are not air bubbles it is possible that you did properly center the clay but it isn't wedged properly. If the moisture content in your ball of clay isn't consistent throughout there will be harder and softer spots in the clay that can cause uneven walls and lumps. Make sure that you always thoroughly wedge the clay, and if you aren't using that ball immediately put it in plastic so it won't start to dry out. Hope this helps!

[@bm4541]

Very nice!

[@applestairs6960]

which kind of clay do you use?

[@sheilamulcahy2781]

It would help if "you" could address the speed of the wheel. As a learner this is something I have trouble with.

[@christinecaswell2740]

sheila mulcahy That is a great idea. I should make a separate video addressing that alone. In the meantime the general rule is to work from fast to slow. Fastest when you are centering, this could be the top speed of the wheel but may be a bit slower than top speed- that depends on your preference snd on the power of the wheel. Medium speed as you begin to pull up the walls. Slow way down as the pot get thinner and more fragile- and when you are shaping it. As the wheel slows down so do all of your have movements. Make sure you move your hands once the wheel had made at least one or two full rotations.

[@ceramicfrog1]

Bruh. I always make my pots butt deeper when trimmimg i add a clay loop, benefits: -elevates you pot -you can make you pot much prettier by giving it a better shape -over all better But i get it, for begginers its easier to trim down

[@christinecaswell2740]

Szántó, that's awesome! I do that on some pieces as well if I want a really tall dramatic pedestal base. There are so many techniques and approaches. There isn't really a "wrong way" or "best way" as long as you are mindful of safety (clay dust etc) and its working for you! Happy throwing!

[@anahitaharp]

So wonderful🙏 thanks

[@sonnigeshaus]

so jealous of all those students who have pottery class in their school..

[@johnonorgan]

i have attached new bottoms while the pot is still almost leather successfully

[@Nautical_Parsnip]

My experience today on the potter’s wheel was pretty traumatic because of my teacher’s horrible explanation.

[@sons_of_durin3329]

A fellow Nightingale, I see.

[@kdeuler]

Thanks Christine for his video. One thing I noticed that you don’t make a cone before you pull. You pull starting with vertical inside and outside walls. This is unusual. Are there times when you start pulling from a cone? Thanks!

[@havetohavehoya4598]

Fabulous!

[@deletebang]

gracias!

[@user-nw5vy6gp9e]

Epic

[@doroangel1]

Thank you i try it today

[@parrisstraub547]

I see this is years old,but the info is not. I wish you were still making videos because this was wonderful!

[@whitneymiller7190]

it will help when i get one

[@jaylenodom9985]

Thank you

[@shoyaa9719]

I never seem to be able to pull up the wall.

[@megandixon3058]

Remember squeeze and the clay pull you up. SLOWLY.

[@mariellewarren8523]

What was beginning weight of the amount of clay you used?

[@christinecaswell2740]

I'm not sure, I didn't weigh it. But it was probably about a pound and a half. Two at most.

[@ava1351]

having trouble remembering this I have an art class tomorrow and I had to memorize it, can you write down the instructions and show pictures for me?

[@johnonorgan]

i have attached bottoms with a flat piece successfully a few times

[@delphinny]

what pottery wheel is this? and where can I get a good deal on one? thanks

[@christinecaswell2740]

This is a Pacifica wheel, I think that one was a GT400. They are around $800 new. Used wheels can sometimes be found on Craigslist but they get snapped up quickly and are still often quite expensive if they are in good shape. A Shimpo or Creative Industries tabletop wheel is a good alternative- they have plenty of power for most projects and are around $500. New wheels that cost less than that are usually not powerful enough- they lack the torque needed to prevent the wheel from stopping when you place your hands on the clay. Hope that helps!

[@delphinny]

@@christinecaswell2740 thanks! I just bought me a Brent CXC model with the nice extended warranty, if I recall it can handle 150 lbs of clay haha but ya I doubt I'll ever need to use that much

[@christinecaswell2740]

@@delphinny That's awesome! I hope you ate having lots of fun and making great pots!

[@sahakghoukasian5849]

I am looking for a potter to make clay pots for me with the size and shape I have in mind with Yixing clay that I can supply. I will pay for making the pots in volume as we agree. Please let me know if you would do this or you know someone who can do.

[@soverignbeing8]

You did not say how to keep the form straight. I have problem pulling the cylinder shape as the form seem to get wider as I pull up.

[@drewyboy5015]

good job please by my potters wheel teacher lol

[@BBQCUCUMBER]

❤️