Ceramics 11/12
Coil Pottery
The Coil Pottery method is often used to create large pieces of pottery. The method
basically has you roll out coils, score them, add slip, and gently pinch them together.
Moisture control is critical in this method. You build your form slowly, a few layers at a
time.
Your task is to create a clay vessel out of coils. The design must be interesting and
feature a variety of shapes and lines.
How To Make Coil Pottery
1. Start with a handful of clay.
2. Roll it into a long coil either on a table or between your hands gently stretching it
outward as you roll, until you have a coil of uniform thickness of about 1 to 1 1/2 inches.
The lengths of the coils do not need to be the same. Some can be longer and some
shorter.
3. Make the base of your pot by making a spiral from one coil, pressing the sides of the
coils closely together and smoothing inside and out to make a smooth base of uniform
thickness.
4. Continue to roll out more coils or ropes of clay for the rest of your vessel.
5. Coil the ropes around and around to create your desired shape.
6. Using your fingers or a wooden tool moistened with water, gently press each coil into
the coil below it to join them together. Note: Ensure they are well connected using SLIP
AND SCORE, or during the drying and firing process they may split or crack.
Rubric
1
2
3
4
Limited
Some
Mostly
Clearly and
Consistently
Thinking / Inquiry
Evidence of brainstorming and planning for
final piece (3 sketches)
Application / Communication
Effectively applies slip and score wherever
there is clay touching, 1 finger’s width in depth,
etc
Applies effective coil techniques to make
interesting design/pattern (Excellent use of
variety, shape and line)
Professionalism and impact of work (well
made, clear connection to project)
50-59%
60-69%
70-79%
80-100%