5 Tips for Making Functional Pottery Handles

1月 10，2025

Updated June 2025

Making pottery handles plays a key role in many of the designs you'll bring to life in your studio. From sleek, modern slab handles to the quirky charm of coil styles, the options for adding that perfect finishing touch are endless.

Whether you're looking to attach handles for function, flair, or both, here are techniques and tools to master.

1. Slab Handles

While they may seem simple at first glance, slab handles perfectly balance structure and style. This technique uses clean, straightforward forms while offering endless possibilities for creativity.

These handles for pottery are an excellent choice for modern designs since they maintain a sense of timelessness that complements most projects.

Steps to Make Slab Handles

Prepare the Clay: Roll out a slab of clay to an even thickness, typically about 1/4 inch.
Cut the Shape: Use our Bird of Paradise Pottery Multi-Tool to cut and create your desired handle shape. Rectangular strips work especially well.
Refine the Edges: Smooth any sharp edges using a damp sponge or your fingers.
Shape the Handle: Gently bend the slab into a handle form, taking the size and shape of your pottery into account.
Score and Slip: Score the part of the handle and the vessel where they will connect, then apply slip.
Attach to the Vessel: Firmly press the top of the handle onto the vessel and smooth the joints.
Let It Set: Allow the handle to firm up slightly before refining the shape further.
Dry Slowly: Let the piece dry evenly to avoid cracks at the attachment points.

2. Extruder Handles

Using a handheld extruder is an efficient and precise way to create pottery handles. This pottery handle tool helps you produce consistent forms, ideal for pull handles used in mugs, pitchers, and larger batches.

Steps to Make Extruded Handles

Prepare the Clay: Wedge thoroughly to remove air bubbles.
Glide the Extruder: Pull the tool through the clay at a low angle for a smooth extrusion.
Cut to Length: Trim the handle to the desired size using a knife, wire tool, or metal rib.
Shape the Handle: Gently bend the handle and support it with a form as it sets.
Score and Slip: Mark both surfaces where the handle will be attached and apply slip.
Attach the Handle: Firmly attach handles to the vessel.
Add Details: Customize your design with textures or carvings. The stylus end of many DiamondCore® wood tools can help with this.
Dry Evenly: Let the piece dry slowly to avoid cracking or warping.

3. Coil Handles

Coil handles bring a rustic and handmade quality to your work. These handles for pottery are formed by rolling clay into long coils and then shaping them into spirals, loops, or braids.

Steps to Make Coil Handles

Prepare the Clay: Wedge the clay to create a smooth, even texture.
Roll the Coil: Adjust thickness based on the size and style of the handle.
Shape the Handle: Form the coil into the desired shape and check for comfort and symmetry.
Score and Slip: Mark the ends of the coil and the connection points on your pottery, then apply slip.
Attach to the Vessel: Firmly press the coil ends in place.
Blend the Joins: Smooth any visible joins and soften sharp edges for a clean look.
Refine the Shape: Make sure the handle is balanced and comfortable.
Dry Slowly: Allow the handle to dry gradually to prevent cracking.

4. Knob and Loop Handles

Knob handles are commonly used on lids and provide a solid grip with a decorative touch. Loop handles are great for small vessels and offer a delicate, refined shape.

Whether you sculpt them by hand or use a pottery handle tool, these designs are both practical and stylish.

Steps to Make Knob and Loop Handles

Knob Handles

Roll a small ball of clay and shape the knob.
Score and Slip both the knob base and the lid.
Center and attach the knob securely.
Blend the connection point and allow the piece to dry evenly.

Loop Handles

Roll a coil or slab to the desired thickness.
Shape the clay into a loop that fits the vessel.
Score and Slip both ends and the connection points.
Press and attach the loop, checking that it is symmetrical.
Refine the shape and smooth the joints.
Dry the piece carefully to prevent warping.

5. Integrated Handles

Integrated handles are formed from the same clay body as the vessel, giving your piece a smooth, continuous look. These pull handles work well for contemporary pottery that focuses on clean lines and unified form.

Steps to Make Integrated Handles

Prepare the Clay: Start with a well-wedged block.
Form the Vessel: Shape the body and leave extra clay for the handle.
Plan Placement: Identify where the top of the handle and ends will sit.
Shape the Handle: Pull the handle from the body and sculpt into your desired form.
Score and Slip if needed to reinforce the joins.
Smooth the Join: Blend the part of the handle that connects to the vessel and eliminate any sharp edges.
Refine the Shape: Make adjustments for comfort and balance.
Dry Evenly: Slow drying helps prevent stress cracks and warping.