15 Beginner Pottery Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Starting pottery is exciting, but every beginner makes a few mistakes along the way, and that’s completely normal. At Sunnyside Clay, we’ve helped thousands of first time potters create their very first ceramic pieces. Most problems have simple solutions once you know what to look for.

Whether you’re making a mug, bowl, vase or sculpture, these tips will help you avoid common frustrations and create pottery you’re proud of.

1. Using Clay That Is Too Dry

Dry clay cracks easily and is much harder to shape.

If your clay starts feeling stiff, lightly dampen your hands or wrap the clay in a damp cloth for a few minutes before continuing.

2. Making Walls Too Thin

Thin walls may look elegant, but beginners often make them so thin that they collapse or crack during drying.

A good rule is to aim for walls around 6–8 mm thick for mugs and bowls.

3. Making Walls Too Thick

Very thick pottery takes much longer to dry and is much more likely to crack during firing.

Try to keep the thickness consistent throughout your piece.

4. Forgetting to Compress the Base

One of the biggest causes of cracks is an uncompressed base.

After forming your bowl or mug, gently smooth and compress the bottom using a rib or your fingers.

5. Joining Pieces Without Scoring and Slipping

Adding a handle or decorative piece without proper joining almost always causes it to fall off.

Always:

• Scratch both surfaces.
• Apply slip or vinegar 
• Press firmly together.
• Blend the join smoothly.

6. Rushing the Drying Process

Many beginners place pottery in the sun or use a heater.

This causes uneven drying and often leads to cracks.

Instead, allow your pottery to dry slowly at room temperature.

7. Adding Handles Too Late

Handles should be attached when both the mug and handle are at a similar leather-hard stage.

If one piece is much drier than the other, the join becomes weak.

8. Trapping Air Inside Your Pottery

Completely enclosed air pockets can expand during firing and damage your pottery.

If you’re making hollow sculptures, always include a small vent hole.

9. Using Too Much Water

Water makes clay slippery, but too much weakens the structure.

Use just enough to smooth the surface without turning the clay into mud.

10. Ignoring Fingerprints

Tiny fingerprints become surprisingly noticeable after glazing.

Spend a few extra minutes smoothing your work before it dries.

11. Painting Before the Clay Is Ready

Underglaze is designed for pottery before glazing, while acrylic paint is suitable for air-dry clay.

Using the wrong paint can affect the final result

12. Expecting Perfection

Every potter, no matter how experienced creates pieces that don’t turn out as planned.

Pottery is about learning through making.

13. Making the Base Uneven

An uneven base causes bowls and mugs to wobble.

Before your clay firms up, gently flatten the base on a smooth surface.

14. Not Cleaning Up Edges

Clean edges give your pottery a much more professional appearance.

Use a damp sponge to soften sharp corners and remove rough areas.

15. Giving Up Too Soon

Your first piece probably won’t look like something from a pottery shop and that’s okay.

The joy of pottery comes from improving with each project. Many of our students are surprised by how much their skills develop after just one workshop.

Final Thoughts

Pottery is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, and every mistake is part of the learning process. By slowing down, keeping your clay at the right consistency, and paying attention to simple techniques like scoring, slipping and even drying, you’ll create stronger, more beautiful ceramics.

If you’re looking for a fun introduction to pottery, our beginner friendly workshops at Sunnyside Clay in Ponsonby include all materials, tools, underglazes and kiln firing. No previous experience is required we’ll guide you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can complete beginners do pottery?

Absolutely. Most people attending our workshops have never worked with clay before.

Why did my pottery crack?

The most common causes are uneven drying, walls that are too thick/ too thin, or joining pieces without scoring and slipping.

How long does pottery take to dry?

Most hand built pottery takes around one week to dry completely before its first kiln firing, depending on thickness and weather conditions.

What should I make for my first pottery project?

Small bowls, mugs, jewellery dishes and pinch pots are excellent beginner projects because they teach the core hand building techniques.