Throw two sections and join them

Beyond a certain size, you can't throw a pot in one piece: the clay slumps under its own weight. Sectional throwing solves this.

The exercise

1. Throw a wide lower section (base/belly): thick rim, stable form
2. Throw a matching upper section (collar/rim), with a base that matches the lower rim diameter
3. Let both reach leather hard
4. Score, slip, and join them carefully
5. Smooth and blend the seam inside and out

The join must be

• Invisible from the outside after blending
• Structurally sound (it must survive drying, bisque, and glaze firing without cracking)
• The form should read as one cohesive piece, not two halves

Key measurement

The top of the lower section and the bottom of the upper section must be the same diameter. Use calipers.