Ready to Collar a Pot In

This pot has been thrown as a cylinder. In finalizing the thrown form, this particular pot's form will be changed fairly radically by collaring in.

Begin by placing both hands on either side of the pot. The potter's wheel should be running a one quarter speed or a little less. Remember, the higher the wheel's speed, the more the clay wants to move outward from the center.

Begin the Collaring In

Begin collaring in by gently applying firm pressure evenly on the outside of the area of the pot you want to move inward. Keep your wheel speed fairly slow and use with smooth movements, especially when putting the pressure on at first and when releasing it later.

Support and Compress Clay After Collaring In

After you have collared in the pot a substantial amount, spend a few moments and compress the clay. Support the underside of the collared area as you compress it between the fingers of each hand. Compress the rim with a chamois as well.

If you will continue collaring the piece further, be sure to clean any liquid out of the bottom of the pot before the opening becomes too narrow.

While collaring in to a radical degree, it is a good idea to keep a finger or two or a throwing stick inside the pot. Use this to support the clay as you continue to apply gentle pressure inward with the other hand.

If the collaring has thickened the walls of the pot too much, throw just that part of the pot using your fingertips.

Finish shaping the neck and rim of the pot using a finger or two, or a throwing stick if needed. Support the clay as much as possible, and make certain your wheel speed stays at a quarter speed or below.

Clean the rim and compress it with a chamois. Trim the outside of the pot and finalize the form before cutting it from the wheel.