Course: How to Center Clay — A Beginner's Guide, Topic: Step 2: Proper Sitting Position

Topic outline

Introduction
- Select activity Centering the clay is the cornerstone of throwing ...
  
  Centering the clay is the cornerstone of throwing on the wheel. It's the process that must be done before any pot can be formed, and the aim of this tutorial is to go over that process in exact detail, alongside discussing many of the tips and tricks learned over the years.

Step 2: Proper Sitting Position
- Select activity 2.1 The first thing you want to consider is how yo...
  
  2.1
  The first thing you want to consider is how you sit at the wheel. You don't want to be too far away from the tray or the metal wheel head. Instead, you want to scoot your legs forward so they're around it, and so your head, when lent over a little bit, is more or less directly over the top of the lump of clay.
- Select activity 2.2 Take your left arm and shove your elbow into y...
  
  2.2
  Take your left arm and shove your elbow into your torso, and then lean your upper body weight forward slightly onto that arm to stabilize it. What you don't want is both of your elbows up in the air as you're trying to center, as they aren't braced against anything. So instead, tuck your elbows into your waist and lean your upper body weight forwards onto them.