How to Pull Up The Walls of a Pot — A Beginner's Guide

Here's the third part of my how-to throw series. This time the film focuses on how to pull up the walls of clay and distribute it evenly. There's a LOT to discussed here, so if you'd like to jump to certain points there are time stamps below. Thanks so much for watching and I hope this video is insightful, let me know what you thought in the comments.

If you'd like to watch the other parts of this series you can find them here:

Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Making sure the base is right before pulling
1:32 - Cross section of the base before it's pulled
2:02 - How to position your outer hand for lifting
2:48 - The initial pull
3:21 - A cross section of the second pull
5:15 - Cutting a thrown cylinder in half
6:35 - Discussing the pressure needed to pull
7:00 - Fighting centrifugal force
8:34 - Discussing different methods of pulling
9:37 - How to position your elbows
10:43 - Thin spots in the walls
11:33 - Pulling too quickly
12:00 - Discussing pulling up in more detail
12:55 - Cross section showing how I position my fingers
13:39 - The importance of throwing pots with even cross sections
14:02 - An example of a 'poorly' thrown pot
15:15 - How to release your fingers after a pull
15:59 - Suitable rim for a drinking vessel
16:33 - How to correct a wobbly rim
17:09 - Pulling slowly, evenly and consistently
18:21 - How to finish the walls of a pot
20:16 - Why pulling correctly is important and thoughts on the topic
22:00 - Bonus clean up
____

[juicepottery]

The quality of the video and the content you deliver is just amazing. I don't think I've learned this much from actual instructors in the studio I was learning from. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with everyone

[FrenchGuyCooking]

Besides the your talent as a thrower of course, the quality of this tutorial is bonkers. Such care went into sharing.

[nirin]

This is by far the most informative, structured and well-narrated throwing tutorial I’ve watched. Thank you Florian for your effort put into making this video and sharing your techniques with us.

[mgxa_]

I truly think you're going to go down in history as a pivotal creator and educator of pottery for this generation. You have sparked the desire of creation in thousands.

[quietlyrebelling]

It's so incredible that you managed to address every single mistake I made and question I had regarding pulling the walls. Every single thing that confused me was addressed here. Thank you thank you thank you this has helped me so much.

[ChelseaKelley-kpsh]

Dear Florian,
You are definitely one of the best teacher ever..
I feel so lucky that I can reach your videos..
I am watching the videos over and over to immerse every word you spill! Thanks a ton for your generosity.

[Alpwalker-xjdx]

What a masterclass of how to throw a pot, how to teach clearly in a way that builds technique plus understanding, and how to present visual images in an effective way. Thank you!

[ragnkja]

The cross-sections are really interesting, especially when you use them to demonstrate how the clay moves when pulled.

[HiddenBlessingsHomestead]

Some potters are very talented but cannot teach a beginner well, you have combined both an excellent talent with even more excellent teaching skills.

[Jess-zukv]

I find pulling thin, even walls to be difficult and this is motivating me to try using more force, getting the clay up in three pulls and checking the cross sections - especially since the clay can be wedged again. Thanks also for sharing that you faced problems as a beginner and are still progressing even now. This series is much appreciated!

[chrisdotdash]

I love these educational videos, they are so simple but incredibly useful and well made. A lot of tip videos skip over the small details, which are often crucial. A lot of your videos have helped me so much. For example, I used to only pull with my fingers for most of my time throwing (about 3 years), but over the past couple months I have been using my knuckle, the difference is unreal. While I was fine with my previous technique, pulling with my knuckle really helped me get so much more clay out from the bottom, and get more even walls. Pulling for me now feels incredibly natural, and I can now spend more time on refining the rest of my shaping processes. You're such a great producer and potter and I think that us potters out here watching your videos cannot thank you enough!

[Davidovichdesign]

Thank you, Florian! I’ve been throwing for a number of years and your technique of using the side of the knuckle really works for me! Along with opening the clay properly, it has truly improved my throwing. From one teacher to another, you’re doing a great job providing educational content!

[xbaczewska]

I think others here have said it all. Many potters want to share techniques online, but very few have the ability to teach and demonstrate with the clarity you do. Music, jokes, excessive enthusiasm are not what learners need. You are focused and steady and never talk down to beginners. Your videos are as relevant for potters further on or even those who are accomplished. I appreciate your cross sections; they will help us "read" our own. And the minute detail you provide is what can make the difference between an "omg, it's standing" and a successful pull.
I do like the idea of combining for a comprehensive "from scratch to finish" for the beginner.

[Be.colorFULL]

By far the most in depth and best explanation of pulling walls I have ever heard. All of your videos are wonderful but this is so well done both through the visual and the explanation. Incredible.

[robbiegeegee]

These videos are the best instructional videos for pottery I have found. I can't wait for the rest of the series. You go so in depth it really helps one understand the process

[desmond]

Just found your vids! Wish I’d seen them before. Have been trying to improve for years. Am 75! This one about lifting is the one I hope will help me to do what I’ve found-and you confirm!- is the really difficult part of throwing. Fingers crossed and thanks. Such a clear and perfect presentation!

[r.duroucher]

What a fine contribution to the world of pottery! Thank you for sharing your years of hard-won expertise. Your stress on continued practice and improvement and your comments about how one should not be precious about throwing are very valuable things for us all to learn.

[corky]

This is a really excellent instructive video! I’m currently taking an eight week beginners wheel class, and I asked asked, asked how to make a cylindrical pot, and all I get in responses is “with years and years of practice”. But just this video alone has taught me more how to do it, then in the last five weeks of class.

[anitaniven]

I truly appreciate all the time that you have put into these videos. The multiple examples through different camera angles along with the displays of cross-sections of thrown items are valuable visual aids to illustrate points . You are an effective and thoughtful teacher Florian. As I practice on the wheel I visualize your examples and mentally hear your guidance as I approach each stage of the process. It makes a difference. Thanks so much. I will also add that every time I see Ciro busily trotting by in the background it brings a smile to my face.

[niapleasants]

This was so helpful. I was applying way too much pressure with a sponge and now I know it's because I personally need that direct connection with the clay. Thank you!