Turning Round Into Many-Sided

Faceting is the process of cutting flat planes into the side of a thrown pot, transforming a smooth round form into a geometric one: a hexagon, octagon, or any multi-sided shape. It is one of the most dramatic surface treatments available to a potter.

How Faceting Works

You use a thin, taut wire (a cheese wire works perfectly) or a thin, sharp blade to slice flat planes off the side of the pot. Each slice removes a curved section and leaves a flat facet. Repeat around the circumference for a fully faceted form.

• A simple square requires 4 cuts, 90 degrees apart.
• A hexagon requires 6 cuts, 60 degrees apart.
• An octagon requires 8 cuts, 45 degrees apart.

The Technique

1. Mark the pot first. Use a pencil or pin tool to lightly score vertical guide lines at equal intervals around the circumference while the wheel spins slowly.
2. Hold the wire taut between both hands (or use a faceting tool). Place it against the pot at the first guide line.
3. Press the wire firmly into the clay and drag it downward in one controlled motion, from just below the rim to just above the foot ring.
4. Rotate the pot to the next guide line and repeat.

Getting Even Facets

The biggest challenge is keeping each facet the same width. Your guide lines are essential; do not skip them.

The Best Clay Stage

Faceting works best at soft leather hard: just past the point where the clay holds its shape. Too soft and the facets sag back into curves. Too hard and the wire tears the clay surface rather than slicing cleanly.

Pro Tip

After faceting, let the pot firm slightly, then use a metal rib to lightly compress and refine each facet face. This removes any wire marks and sharpens the ridges between facets.

Facet Consistency Checklist

After all cuts:

• Facet widths are visually even
• Ridge lines remain clean and unbroken
• No area has cut too deep near foot or rim

A clean geometry pass gives the premium faceted look.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Faceted pottery shares a geometric sensibility with many ceramic traditions worldwide. The Wikipedia article on stoneware explores the clay bodies most commonly used for faceted forms, while earthenware covers the softer, lower-fired clays where faceting requires an especially careful touch due to their greater fragility.