How a Pottery Handle Is Hand-Pulled

Описание: How a Pottery Handle Is Hand-Pulled (Before Attachment)

A hand-pulled handle is formed entirely by stretching and shaping clay with the fingers, using water, pressure, and gravity — not by pushing clay through an extruder. At this stage, the handle exists as its own form, independent of any mug.

1. Preparing the Clay

A small piece of well-wedged clay is rolled into a short, slightly tapered cylinder. One end is compressed and thickened — this will act as the anchor point during pulling.

2. Anchoring the Handle

The thicker end is lightly stuck to a damp board or held firmly between the fingers. This anchoring allows the rest of the clay to be pulled downward evenly.

3. Pulling the Clay

With wet fingers, gentle pressure is applied as the clay is pulled downward in smooth, controlled motions.

Each pull lengthens the clay

Pressure thins it evenly

Gravity assists in stretching


Between pulls, the clay is rotated slightly to maintain an even cross-section.

4. Refining Thickness and Shape

Multiple passes are made until the handle reaches the desired thickness and length. The potter adjusts pressure to create subtle variations — slightly thicker at the top, thinner toward the bottom.

5. Shaping the Curve

Once pulled, the handle is lifted and softly curved or left straight, depending on the intended design. This shaping is guided by hand, not forced, allowing the clay to relax into its form.

6. Setting the Handle

The finished handle is placed on a flat surface or draped over a form and left to firm up to a soft leather-hard stage. At this point, it’s ready for later use or attachment.

Why This Is Not Extrusion

No die or mechanical pressure is used

Shape is created through hand pressure and movement

Clay fibers align naturally through pulling

Each handle is unique and responsive


A hand-pulled handle is less about uniformity and more about sensitivity — it’s clay shaped by touch, timing, and intention, long before it ever meets a vessel.

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