# Making the Hole: Opening the Clay

Unit: Conquering the Wheel
Topic: Opening the Center
URL: https://claybook.studio/learn/making-the-hole-opening-the-clay/

# From Solid to Vessel

Your clay is centered. Now it's time to transform that solid mound into the beginning of a pot. This step is called **opening**, and it is where your vessel is born.

## What Opening Does

Opening creates the interior of your pot. You push down through the top of the centered clay to create the floor and the beginning of the walls. Everything that follows (pulling the walls up) depends on this step being done correctly.

## Hand Position

Lower the wheel speed to medium before opening.

1.  Place the fingers of both hands on top of the clay, side by side.
2.  Your thumbs should be resting lightly on the outside of the clay for stability.
3.  Alternatively, use one hand and brace the other against it.

## The Opening Move

1.  Find the center of the clay by eye or by feel: it should be where the clay looks most still.
2.  Press straight down with your fingers, slowly and steadily, into the center of the clay.
3.  Stop about half an inch from the bottom: this will become your floor.
4.  Begin moving your fingers outward (away from center) while maintaining downward pressure.

This combined downward-and-outward motion widens the opening.

## The Key Mistake

**Do not open too fast.** If you rush the outward motion, you will dig a groove into the floor instead of gliding across it. Slow, smooth, and deliberate.

## Opening Control Drill
For your next two forms:
* Count to four while pressing down
* Count to four while moving outward
* Pause and check floor before widening again

Rhythm reduces overcutting and floor gouges.

## Did You Know?

Opening the clay is the moment a solid centered mound becomes a hollow vessel on the [potter's wheel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potter%27s_wheel). The downward-and-outward motion works because clay exhibits [plasticity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasticity_%28physics%29), allowing it to deform permanently under steady pressure without springing back or fracturing.

## Check your understanding

### Question 1: What combined motion do you use to open the clay?

- [ ] A. Straight down only
- [x] B. Down and then outward
- [ ] C. Outward only
- [ ] D. Upward and then outward

Tip: You press downward and then move outward simultaneously, creating both the floor and the beginning of the walls.

### Question 2: How far from the bottom should you stop pushing when opening?

- [ ] A. All the way to the bat
- [x] B. About half an inch from the bottom
- [ ] C. Halfway down the clay
- [ ] D. One inch from the top

Tip: Stop about half an inch (roughly 12mm) from the bottom. That remaining clay becomes your floor.