Pottery Tutorial- Trimming a Pot With a Foot or Without

This video covers the basics of trimming using two different techniques. The first is a very simple method you can use as soon as you're done throwing your pot on the wheel, and the second is a bit more in depth and includes how to trim a foot on the bottom of a leather-hard piece. You will see in the intro how each technique looks after the piece is completely finished so you can decide which method will work best for you! The first piece we use as an example was made by our own host, Kara Lane, and the second was made by the wonderful and accomplished potter, Birthe Flexner. You can see more of her work at www.birtheflexnerpottery.com.
Music by Bensound.com

[@denisenoble4010]

I'm new to pottery, I've been doing 2 1/2 a hour slot once a week adult education class and love it. Your vlog was just right for me, it helped understand the why's and why not of trimming a foot in simply ordinary speak that I understand. I like trimming, it's a skill I need to master as everything I throw is bottom heavy. I am working on throwing to move more clay upwards, but it all takes time and practice but it's good knowing how to trim properly. Thank You

[@potteryplus]

You are so welcome Denise! And thank you! This is a wonderful comment, it lets me know I'm meeting one of the goals I set out with when I started my channel which is to keep the information clear and to the point. I'm so glad you are enjoying your class. Keep practicing and those thick bottom pots will lighten up before you know it!

[@tanyamccrory4310]

Amazing tutorial... so clear and precise, much appreciated! :)

[@potteryplus]

Thank you for watching Tanya!

[@vanillavinepottery]

Trimming is one of my favorite parts. It's so relaxing. I sometimes trim my tiny pottery vases and that can be really tedious and ridiculous. 😬

[@potteryplus]

I feel the same way! But when it's going well there's nothing quite like it!

[@shaw7598]

Super helpful. Thanks so much for uploading this🎉

[@potteryplus]

Thank you for watching Shaw!

[@Skam1one]

Great video! How long did you wait to trim the foot after making the pot? Do you cover the pot with a bag while you wait? Thank you?

[@potteryplus]

Hello! Thank you for watching! If I have the time to throw and trim in one day, I usually wait 2-3 hours with the pots uncovered before trying to trim. But it all depends on the humidity of the environment you're in. This can take much longer when it is damp or cold in the studio. If I only have time to throw, I cover with a bag until I can come back to trim. This all depends on your situation though! To determine if a pot is ready to trim check that you can touch it without making a dent or fingerprint and you can move the pot around without it buckling or collapsing. I hope this helps!