Making a Neat Edge on a Hand-Thrown Pot

Even if a vessel fits the palm and looks balanced, it can feel incomplete because of the way the rim sits. The edge is visible and it’s where the lips meet. If the edge is lopsided, curved, or sharp, it draws attention. It’s common to spend a lot of effort correcting the shape of the pot while neglecting the rim. Spending a brief moment to even out the edge can improve the whole object.

Experiment by throwing a few simple pinch bowls and work only on the upper edge. Hold the exterior steady with your left hand while lightly pinching the rim between your right thumb and forefinger. Turn the pot as you adjust, rather than concentrating on fixing one area before moving on. When you have done a full rotation, check the rim at eye level. It’s easier to spot bumps and hollows from the side than from directly above.

Because the rim is often the thinnest and most exposed portion of the vessel, compression is key. Pulling up too many times without compressing can leave the rim weak, warped, and uneven. By pinching inward and slightly down, you’ll reduce the chances of creating an uneven surface. Using a damp sponge will help remove any marks or smudges, but take care not to add too much moisture. An overly wet rim will be harder to shape and a minor adjustment can turn into a major issue.

There are instances, however, when the pot walls directly under the rim are uneven. A thicker section will leave a bulging rim, whereas a thinner section will fall in while you’re attempting to make it the same height as the rest of the rim. Rather than trying to force the whole rim to be the same height all at once, examine the walls directly below it. If there’s a concentration of clay, gradually work on it until it’s evened out using your fingers or a rib. If one area is already thin, don’t repeatedly compress it. Instead, focus on narrowing the distance to that point.

Also consider whether the clay is firm enough to allow for changes. While the cup is turning, fresh, moist clay will sag and lose its shape, while clay that has dried out too much may split when you bend the edge. If the pot continues to slip out of alignment, set it aside for a few minutes and let the clay absorb some moisture. Once the vessel has firmed up a little, you can return to making adjustments. It’s often better to do small corrections when the clay is stiff rather than trying to straighten a soft rim.

A refined rim doesn’t have to be flawless. Aim for an edge that is comfortable to touch, flows with the shape of the pot, and isn’t noticeably thick, thin, or sharp at one point. For the next pot, take a moment to inspect the rim before smoothing it out. Turn the pot, measure the height and width, then apply only the necessary adjustments. You can avoid having to do a lot of extra work to the rim of a fully-formed vessel.