From Coils to Walls
Stacking coils is only half the job. Blending them together is what creates real, strong walls.
Blending Inside First
After you place a coil, always blend the inside first. Push the clay from the coil downward and inward with your finger or a wooden tool, smearing it into the previous coil or base.
- Blend in one direction for consistency.
- Work all the way around the inside before touching the outside.
- Blending inside before outside prevents the coil from popping off.
Blending Outside
Once the inside is secured, blend the outside too. This creates a smooth, strong wall. You do not have to blend the outside completely smooth if you want the coil texture to show as decoration, that is a valid artistic choice!
Controlling the Shape
This is where coil building gets exciting. You control the shape by where you place each coil.
- To splay outward: Place each new coil slightly toward the outside edge of the previous one.
- To go straight up: Stack coils directly on top of each other.
- To curve inward: Place each coil slightly toward the inside edge.
Keep It Wet
Coil building takes time, and lower sections can dry while you work. Cover finished sections with plastic to keep the moisture even.
Build Sequence for Taller Forms
For cleaner vertical builds:
- Add one coil.
- Blend inside completely.
- Blend outside enough to secure.
- Pause and check wall angle before adding the next coil.
This prevents slow drift that can tilt the whole form.
Pro Tip
Do not try to blend more than 2–3 coils at a time. Add a coil, blend it in, then add the next. Rushing ahead and stacking many coils before blending causes the walls to bulge or collapse.
Keep Exploring
The principle of placing coils inward or outward to control shape is the same geometry used in coil spring design, where the pitch angle determines the spring's behavior. Native American potters of the Pueblo peoples are renowned for their coil-built pottery, creating intricate forms without a wheel for over a thousand years.
