What to Expect at Your First Pottery Class
Pottery
Beginners
Ceramics
Wheel Throwing 
Walking into a pottery studio for the first time can feel intimidating—wheels spinning, clay flying, everyone else seemingly knowing what they're doing. Here's the truth: every single person in that room was once exactly where you are now.
This guide covers everything you need to know before your first pottery class, so you can walk in feeling prepared instead of anxious.
What Actually Happens in a Beginner Pottery Class
Most beginner pottery classes run 2 to 2.5 hours. Here's the typical flow:
The First 15-20 Minutes: Orientation
Your instructor will welcome the group, explain studio rules, and give an overview of what you'll be doing. You'll learn about:
- How the pottery wheel works
- Basic hand positions
- What "centering" means (and why it matters)
- Safety basics around the equipment
The Main Session: Hands-On Practice
For wheel throwing classes, you'll spend most of your time at the wheel. The instructor will demonstrate each step, then you'll try it yourself.
Centering the clay takes up a surprising amount of time for beginners. This is the process of getting your lump of clay perfectly centered on the spinning wheel. It looks easy when the instructor does it. It's not.
Don't get discouraged—centering is genuinely difficult. Most people need 3-4 sessions before it clicks.
Pulling up walls comes next. Once your clay is centered, you'll learn to open it up and pull the walls upward to form a cylinder. Your first cylinder probably won't look like much. That's completely normal.
The Last 15-20 Minutes: Cleanup and Next Steps
Class ends with cleanup—washing tools, wiping down wheels, and learning what happens to your piece next. Most studios will:
- Keep your piece to dry slowly (this prevents cracking)
- Fire it in the kiln once dry (takes about a week)
- Let you come back to glaze it
- Fire it again after glazing
Your finished piece is usually ready 2-4 weeks after your class.
What to Wear to Pottery Class
This is the most common question first-timers have, and for good reason. Pottery is messy.
The Short Version
Wear clothes you don't mind ruining. Not "getting a little dirty"—actually ruining.
The Detailed Version
Tops: Wear something fitted or easily rolled up. Long, flowy sleeves will drag through wet clay. T-shirts, fitted long sleeves, or tank tops work well.
Bottoms: Clay splatters. Jeans are fine, but avoid anything you love. Some people wear old leggings or yoga pants. Skip anything white or dry-clean-only.
Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are usually required. Clay and water end up on the floor. Slip-on shoes you don't care about are ideal.
Jewelry: Leave rings at home. They get caked with clay and can scratch your work. Remove bracelets and watches too.
Hair: If your hair is long, tie it back. You don't want to push hair out of your face with clay-covered hands.
Apron: Most studios provide aprons, but you can bring your own if you prefer. A split-leg apron works best for wheel throwing since you'll be straddling the wheel.
What to Bring to Pottery Class
Most beginner classes include everything you need. But here's what's worth bringing:
Essentials
- Towel - A small hand towel for drying your hands
- Hair tie - If you have long hair
- Change of clothes - Optional, but nice if you're going somewhere after
What the Studio Provides
- Clay
- Tools (ribs, wire cutters, sponges, etc.)
- Apron
- Wheel access
- Glazes (for your return visit)
Nice to Have
- Water bottle - You might get thirsty
- Snack - Some longer classes have breaks
How Much Does a Pottery Class Cost?
Prices vary by location and class type, but here are typical ranges:
| Class Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| One-time intro class | $40-80 | Materials, firing, usually glazing |
| Multi-week series (6-8 weeks) | $200-400 | All materials, studio time, multiple firings |
| Date night / social pottery | $60-100 per person | Materials, often includes drinks |
| Private lesson | $75-150/hour | Personalized instruction |
Most studios include clay, tools, and at least one firing in the price. Some charge extra for glazing or additional firings.
Types of Pottery Classes
Not all pottery classes involve the wheel. Here's what you might encounter:
Wheel Throwing
What most people picture when they think "pottery class." You sit at a spinning wheel and shape clay with your hands. Steeper learning curve, but very satisfying once it clicks.
Best for: People who enjoy a challenge and don't mind practicing a skill.
Hand Building
Creating pottery without a wheel—using techniques like:
- Pinch pots - Shaping clay by pinching it
- Coil building - Building up walls with rope-like coils of clay
- Slab construction - Working with flat sheets of clay
Best for: Beginners who want immediate results, or anyone interested in sculptural work.
Paint Your Own Pottery
Not technically "pottery class"—you're painting pre-made ceramic pieces (called bisqueware). No clay work involved.
Best for: Kids, groups wanting a casual activity, or anyone who wants a finished piece quickly.
Will I Actually Make Something?
Yes, but set realistic expectations.
Your first piece probably won't look like something from a home decor catalog. Most beginners need 3-4 sessions before they make something they want to keep. And that's okay.
The goal of a first class isn't perfection—it's experiencing the medium and deciding if you want to continue.
What you might make in your first class:
- A small bowl or cup (might be wobbly)
- A cylinder (the basic form you learn first)
- Something you'll charitably call "abstract art"
What you won't make in your first class:
- A perfectly symmetrical vase
- A matching set of anything
- Something Instagram-worthy (unless your Instagram celebrates beautiful failures)
Choosing the Right Studio for Your First Class
Not all pottery studios are the same. Here's what to look for:
Class Size
Smaller is better for beginners. Look for classes with 8 or fewer students per instructor. More students means less individual attention when you're struggling to center.
Beginner-Friendly
Some studios cater to experienced potters and may not have the patience for true beginners. Look for classes specifically labeled "beginner," "intro," or "first-time."
What's Included
Make sure the price covers:
- Clay
- Tool use
- At least one firing
- Glazing opportunity
Some studios charge extra for these, which adds up quickly.
Studio Vibe
Studios have different personalities. Some are quiet and focused. Others blast music and encourage chatting. Some emphasize technique; others prioritize fun. Browse reviews and descriptions to find one that matches your style.
Common First-Timer Concerns
"What if I'm terrible at it?"
You will be. Everyone is. That's the point of taking a class.
"What if I can't center the clay?"
Most people can't center on their first try. Your instructor knows this. They'll help you.
"Will I be the oldest/youngest person there?"
Pottery attracts all ages. You'll likely see a mix of 20-somethings, parents, and retirees. Nobody cares how old you are.
"Is it weird to go alone?"
Not at all. Many people take pottery classes solo. You'll be focused on your own wheel anyway.
"What if I hate it?"
Then you've learned something about yourself and had an interesting experience. One class isn't a huge commitment.
What Happens After Class
After your first class, your piece will go through a drying and firing process:
- Drying (1-2 weeks) - Your piece dries slowly to prevent cracking
- Bisque firing (1 week) - First kiln firing at lower temperature
- Glazing (you come back) - Apply color and surface finish
- Glaze firing (1 week) - Second kiln firing to set the glaze
- Pickup - Your finished piece is ready
Most studios will contact you when your piece is ready for glazing, then again when it's finished.
Ready to Try It?
Now you know what to expect. The only thing left is to book a class.
Look for beginner-friendly pottery studios in your area that offer small class sizes and include materials in the price. Read a few reviews to get a sense of the instructor's teaching style.
And remember: everyone's first pot is terrible. That's part of the fun.
FAQ
Do I need any experience to take a pottery class?
No. Beginner classes assume you've never touched clay before. The instructor will teach you everything from scratch.
How long until my finished piece is ready?
Usually 2-4 weeks. The clay needs to dry completely before the first firing, then you'll glaze it, and it needs another firing after that.
Can I take a pottery class if I have long nails?
Short nails work better for wheel throwing—long nails can dig into the clay and create marks. You can still take a class with long nails, but you might find it awkward.
What if I have mobility issues?
Many studios can accommodate various mobility needs. Contact the studio ahead of time to discuss accessibility. Some offer hand-building classes that don't require sitting at a wheel.
Can I bring my own clay?
Most studios require you to use their clay because different clay types need different firing temperatures. Using outside clay can damage the kiln.