Ribs

How to choose the size of your potters rib

Our potters ribs and templates come in 5 sizes; 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 cm in height. When choosing the correct height, remember that your finished fired item is approx. 10-20% smaller than when wet, depending on the type of clay you use and its composition (mudstone, stoneware or porcelain). If you make your cup 10 cm tall when you turn, the finished cup will be approx. 8-9 cm high.

A classic European cup is approx. 9-10 cm tall, while a Japanese cup is typically 8 cm.

A bowl is typically approx. 7-8 cm tall.

You can, of course, control the width of your items as you please, regardless of which potters rib and height you choose.

Use potters ribs as a template and get the same result every time

The potters rib are the perfect ceramic tool if you want to achieve the same shape over and over again – no matter if you’re throwing bowls, cups or small vases. Under each product, you can see the silhouette that the individual rib provides.

A tip if you want to achieve complete accuracy: Weigh each lump of clay so you’re sure you have the same amount of clay in each cup – let each lump be little on the heavy side so you have more flexibility when throwing, and cut off the top of your piece with a wire if necessary.