Wheel Throwing vs Handbuilding: Guide and Pros & Cons [2025]

Wheel throwing and handbuilding are two of the most common pottery methods. Aspiring potters often choose between these two methods to create their work, but what exactly is the difference, what are their pros and cons, and which should you choose?

This beginner’s guide will help you choose the best method for creating your pottery piece, based on your style and goals, whether you’re aiming for functional or artistic results.

 

What is Wheel Throwing?

Wheel throwing is the shaping of clay with the use of the potter’s wheel for creating pottery. This technique has reportedly been used since 3500 BC in the Near East, and the first pottery wheel is said to have been developed in Ancient Sumer.

The rotating wheel helps create more uniformed, rounded, cylindrical forms thus commonly used to make functional wares such as plates, cups, bowls, and vases. 

However, people generally find wheel throwing to be an intermediate-level pottery skill that is more complex and challenging to learn than handbuilding.

 

Pros of Wheel Throwing

• Ability to create symmetrical pieces quickly

The spinning wheel’s fast, constant circular motion helps you make symmetrical forms quickly, perfect for pieces like dishware, vases, and pots.

• Easier to achieve a consistent circular form 

One of the main advantages of wheel throwing is its ability to maintain a consistent circular shape throughout the process. This makes it much easier to create pieces that require consistency, like vases and bowls.

• Efficient replication

With wheel throwing, you can easily replicate your own work or easily recreate a form you like. This allows for easier mass production.

 

Cons of Wheel Throwing

• Faster pace

While the rotating wheel helps speed up progress, beginners often struggle initially, especially with centering, which is the most crucial first step. This can make it a more challenging and intimidating method to learn compared to handbuilding.

• More equipment required

Wheel throwing requires a potter’s wheel, a large and specialised piece of equipment that can also be expensive. Because of this, many wheel throwers choose to visit open studios rather than invest in and maintain their own equipment. 

• Steeper learning curve

Often considered the more difficult of the two to master, wheel throwing techniques like centering and pulling up the walls require patience and practice as it takes time to develop control and the necessary skill. Mistakes can happen quickly, derailing your progress but these are part of the learning process.

 

What is Handbuilding?

Handbuilding involves creating objects or pieces with your hands using techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab building. Handbuilding is the oldest clay forming technique, predating the potter’s wheel by thousands of years, with its origins dating back as far as 10,000 BCE. 

This method offers the freedom to create one-of-a-kind pieces, as it opens up a world of creative possibilities that can be difficult, or even impossible, to achieve with the wheel. However, handbuilding does come with its challenges, including being more time-consuming and sometimes resulting in less consistent textures compared to wheel-thrown pottery. 

Handbuilding Techniques

• Pinching:  With your thumb, begin in the centre of the clay ball, and use your fingers to pinch the clay to form a shape.
• Coil building: Stacking and joining cylindrical coils of clay to create larger, more complex or irregular shaped creations. Can be used in conjunction with the pinching method.
• Slab building: Involves joining together flat sheets of clay cut to specific shapes and sizes.

Pros of Handbuilding

• Flexibility of functional and sculptural pieces

Handbuilding gives you the freedom to create both beautiful and functional pieces in a way that feels personal. Unlike wheel throwing, which tends to focus on symmetrical, cylindrical shapes, handbuilding lets you experiment with different forms and styles. It's a great way to bring your creative vision to life.

• Excellent for beginners

Of the two, handbuilding is the easier craft to learn. Its tactile and hands-on process helps beginners develop an understanding of clay that would be useful if they ever decide to pick up wheel throwing.

• Inexpensive equipment required

Handbuilding requires minimal equipment, as much of the work is done using just your hands. However, you can enhance your process with basic tools, such as a needle, ribs, and a wire tool, to help refine and shape your pieces.

 

Cons of Handbuilding

• Time-consuming

Handbuilding does require a significant time commitment, as each piece needs to be molded and carefully shaped throughout the process. While the slow, thoughtful pace can be relaxing for many, others might prefer a quicker approach. It’s all about finding enjoyment in the journey!

• Textured surfaces

One drawback of handbuilding is that the textured surfaces it creates may not have the smooth finish achieved through wheel throwing.

• Structural challenges

Handbuilding involves assembling multiple pieces of clay, which can sometimes lead to issues like cracking or warping. These problems can be minimized by ensuring the seams between pieces are securely attached.

 

How to Use Both Wheel Throwing and Handbuilding

Although they are two different, distinct disciplines, many potters have used a combination of both wheel throwing and handbuilding in creating their work, taking advantage of each method’s strength to make up for their respective limitations.

For example, you can create a cylindrical vase on the wheel and then add unique carved details and handles using handbuilding techniques. 

Through using both methods, you open yourself to a world of endless possibilities!

Wheel Throwing vs Handbuilding: Which is Right for Me?

If you’re still unsure whether to pick up wheel throwing or handbuilding, let’s take a closer look at specific instances that may be applicable to you:

Experience Level and Skill Acquisition

Wheel throwing has a steeper learning curve and requires more practice to master. For beginners new to pottery, handbuilding can be a more approachable starting point. Not only is it easier to pick up initially, but it also provides a solid foundation for understanding how clay works and how to shape it effectively.

Project Type and Artistic Style

If you're aiming to create symmetrical and functional pieces like mugs, bowls, and vases, or want to produce multiple identical items, wheel throwing may be the better choice for its ability to make refined, uniform pieces.

However, if you’re drawn to creating unique, organic forms or enjoy experimenting with different styles, handbuilding offers greater flexibility and might be the perfect fit for your creative process.

Equipment and Space

If space is a concern, handbuilding just might be the right fit for you to start on your pottery journey. On the other hand, wheel throwing requires more space and an investment in a pottery wheel.  If you’re interested in practising wheel throwing without the investment and maintenance of your own equipment, sign up for wheel throwing classes or open studio practice sessions at our studio and get access to all the equipment and materials you will need! 

Time Commitment

Potters who prefer to create their pieces quickly should consider wheel throwing. The speed of an electric wheel allows for faster production of your creations. While handbuilding offers more creative freedom, it tends to be more time-consuming, especially for complex pieces.

Physical/Age Considerations 

Wheel throwing can be physically demanding (especially on the wrists, hands and back) and may require a fair amount of endurance and strength. For people with physical limitations or injuries, handbuilding is less strenuous and may be a more comfortable option.

For children starting their pottery journey, handbuilding is a safer and more accessible option compared to wheel throwing. The potter’s wheel may be challenging for children due to their height and strength, and there's a risk of them accidentally injuring themselves.

Want to try your hand at Wheel Throwing or Handbuilding?

If you're struggling to choose between wheel throwing and handbuilding (or maybe you've already made up your mind), we’re here to help! We currently offer pottery classes for both, including short, one-afternoon taster sessions for those eager to try the craft.

In our classes, you’ll learn from experienced potters, get hands-on guidance, practice beginner and advanced level pottery techniques, and have access to a wide range of tools and materials in our fully equipped studio!

FREE POTTERY: After crafting your ceramic pieces in our class, you’ll be able to take them home once they’ve been fired!

Here are some of the classes we offer:

Our Wheel Throwing Classes

• Wheel Throwing Trial Class
• 6-Week Wheel Throwing Beginner Course  

Our Hand Building Classes

• Handbuilding Trial Class
• 4-Week Handbuilding Beginner Course

Your Ceramics Journey Starts Here!

Located in the heart of Singapore, our pottery studio aspires to bring beginners and experienced potters looking to start or continue their journey into the craft of clay together. We offer both handbuilding and wheel throwing classes, and our studio is equipped with all the equipment, tools, and materials you will need.