Handbuilding Basics · Coil Building: Creating Height

Medium

Build a coil cylinder (15 cm tall)

Time to stack. Start with a pinched or slab base, then build straight up using coils.

Specifications

  • Target height: ~15 cm
  • Straight walls (not leaning in or flaring out)
  • Score and slip every single join
  • Smooth the interior completely with a rib or your thumb

Layer by layer

  • Place coil → score & slip → press firmly → smooth inside
  • Let each 3–4 rows firm up slightly before adding more (prevents slumping)
  • Keep walls roughly even thickness throughout

The outside can show the coil texture or be smoothed: your choice.