How to Make a Clay Pot: Coil and Pinch | MetKids

Follow along to make clay pots using the coil and pinch methods.

Materials:

• clay (earthenware, stoneware, modeling clay)
• sponge and water
• scoring tools (plastic butter knife, pencil, toothpicks, or wood modeling tools)
• wire clay cutter (optional)
• hard, flat building surface, such as a cutting board

Instructions:

Knead the Clay
1. Fold the clay in half and press it with your palms using the weight of your body. Fold, press, and repeat.
2. If the clay becomes too dry, add a little water to soften it.
3. Continue to knead the clay until it feels bendy.
3. You can now make a pinch pot or coil pot.

Make a Coil Pot
1. Split the kneaded clay in half and roll one of the halves into a ball.
2. Flatten the ball to form a base for your pot. You can use a wire clay cutter to remove it and set aside.
3. Divide the remaining clay into a few small pieces. Roll one piece into a coil and score it.
4. Score the base and add some water using a sponge. Attach the coil to the base, matching up the score marks.
5. Roll another small piece of clay into a coil and attach it to the last coil, overlapping them slightly. Add as many coils as you like to build up the walls of the pot.
6. You can decorate your pot by making marks in the clay.
7. Once you finish, let your coil pot air dry.

Make a Pinch Pot
1. Roll all of the kneaded clay into a ball.
2. Use your thumb to push down into the center of the ball.
3. Use your thumb and fingers to pinch the clay from the center hole outwards, forming the walls of the pot.
4. You can decorate your pot by making marks in the clay.
5. Once you finish, let your pinch pot air dry.