introduction: why does wedging clay matter, and what makes it essential for every potter - beginner or pro?
people new to pottery often compare wedging clay to kneading dough. they look similar - both involve pressing and folding - but they serve completely different purposes. kneading dough adds air. wedging clay removes it. removing air bubbles is crucial to avoid cracks or explosions in the kiln. wedging also helps even out the moisture and texture of the clay, giving you a consistent, workable body.
potters around the world approach wedging differently. in Korea, some artists even wedge using their feet. it’s one of many variations that show how physical and personal this part of the process is. in this post, I’ll walk through three common methods: ram’s head, spiral, and stack-and-slam. each one has its pros, and which you choose depends on your body, your project, and your clay.
in some parts of the world, the art of wedging takes on a unique form. for example, in Korea, some potters use their feet for wedging, embodying a unique and intimate interaction with the clay. this is just one of the many diverse pottery techniques found around the globe. in this post, we'll explore three popular wedging techniques: rams head, spiral, and stack-and-slam. each method has its unique benefits and can be chosen based on the potter's preference and the project's requirements.
a guide to ram's head, spiral, and stack-and-slam wedging techniques
1. ram's head wedging: traditional and reliable
this is my go-to. it’s named for the shape the clay takes as you wedge - like a ram’s head with two little “horns.” it’s less stressful on the wrists than some other methods and uses your body weight instead of just your arms.
how to do it:
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wire off your clay into a piece that fits in your hands
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push and roll with your palms, using your body weight to press forward
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turn and repeat about a quarter turn each time
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look for consistency - I wedge fresh clay about 25 to 50 times, reclaimed clay closer to 100
the best way to learn is by doing, and this video is a great visual aid.
2. spiral wedging: efficient but high effort
also known as Japanese wedging, this method creates a swirling spiral shape in the clay. it’s great for evenly distributing moisture and air - but it takes a lot of practice and can be tough on your wrists over time.
how to do it:
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start with a round shape of clay on your wedging surface
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gently toss and rotate into a log
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apply forward and downward pressure while twisting the clay counterclockwise, forming the spiral
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repeat while keeping the motion consistent
this one looks cool and feels rhythmic once you get it - but be mindful of the wrist strain if you’re doing it often.
3. stack-and-slam wedging: quick and powerful
this method is great for tough clay or small reclaimed chunks. it’s not as precise, but it works fast and gets the job done.
how to do it:
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slice the clay into slabs and stack them
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slam the stack onto your wedging surface
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repeat until the clay is soft and evenly mixed
this is especially helpful when you’re working with really dry clay or don’t have the strength to wedge large amounts by hand. I’ll often combine this with ram’s head when working with reclaimed clay.
wedging surfaces matter
the surface you wedge on affects the results. plaster wedging tables, canvas-covered wood, or portable wedging boards all work well. even a marble pastry board with no-slip feet can do the job. the goal is to have a surface that grips the clay without sucking too much moisture out of it.
creative add-on: using mason stains
wedging isn’t just about conditioning clay - it’s also the perfect time to mix in color. mason stains are a way to tint the clay body itself. I cover mason stains in this post.
here’s a video showing how mason stains can be mixed into clay for beautiful, colored work:
wedging is more than just prep - it’s the foundation of every piece you make. whether you choose ram’s head, spiral, or stack-and-slam, the goal is the same: get the clay consistent and ready to work. try them all and see what feels right in your body and your routine. it’s one of the first steps in learning how to listen to your clay - and that’s where real progress begins.
properly wedged clay makes for fewer headaches during firing and more time at the wheel or table. so take the time. it’ll pay off in every piece.
