How to Center Clay Without Losing Your Mind

Let’s talk about the #1 frustration point for new potters: centering clay. If you’ve ever spent 30 minutes wrestling a lump of spinning mud while questioning every life decision, this one’s for you.

Step 1: Embrace the Struggle

First of all—centering is hard. No one just "gets it" on day one. If your clay is wobbling like a toddler on roller skates, you’re doing it right. That’s how it starts.

Step 2: Get in Position

• Sit up straight. Lean slightly forward.
• Brace your elbows on your thighs.
• Let your whole upper body—not just your hands—do the work.

Step 3: Cone It Up & Down

Do the “cone up, cone down” technique:

• Use both hands to push the clay upward into a cone shape.
• Then press it down with the side of your palms into a dome.
• Repeat 3–4 times. This aligns all the particles and preps the clay.

Step 4: Find the Force

To actually center:

• Cup your hands around the clay like a gentle hug.
• Push forward with your left hand, down with your right.
• Keep the wheel fast and your touch steady.

Step 5: When in Doubt, Add Water (But Just a Bit)

Clay too dry? Add a splash. Just don’t drown it. Think moist, not mudslide.

Final Words of Wisdom

• Centering is a dance, not a fight.
• You’ll know it’s centered when it stops fighting back.
• And when you finally get it… you’ll want to center everything. (Bananas, pillows, small pets…)

Keep spinning. You’ve got this.