Wedging is kneading clay by hand on a bench to remove air pockets, even out its moisture and align its particles before you throw or build. Ram’s head and spiral wedging are the two most common methods.
What Is Wedging?
Clay straight from the bag is usually fine to use, but it often has soft and firm spots, and reclaimed clay can be full of air and uneven. Wedging blends it into a consistent, smooth mass that centres more easily on the wheel and is less likely to crack or blow out in the kiln.
Ram’s head wedging rocks the clay forward and back in a shape that looks like a ram’s head, and suits smaller amounts and beginners. Spiral, or cone, wedging rotates the clay in a spiral and works well for larger amounts. Cutting and slamming, where you slice the clay with a wire and stack the halves, is useful for mixing two clays.
Wedge on a canvas-covered board or plaster slab, which absorbs a little moisture without sticking. Twenty to fifty pushes is typical; cutting the lump with a wire shows whether any air pockets remain.
Good wedging also warms the clay and makes it more responsive, and it is a useful way to get your hands ready before a throwing session.
This pottery glossary entry from Le Studio Art Space is general educational content. Always follow the clay, glaze and kiln makers’ data for your own materials and equipment.