How to Make Handles for Pottery

Pulled Handles

Many potters prefer pulled handles to strap handles. Pulled handles have a more organic quality to them and usually have a more fluid line. Another advantage is that the action of pulling the handle aligns the clay particles, this strengthening the clay. As with other handles made from clay, they should be made from the same clay body as the pot they will be attached to.

But what exactly does pulling a handle mean? It’s exactly what it says, and involves some very gentle pulling to create a smooth shape that will look perfect on your pot. When pulling your handle you must use the same type of clay that you used to make your ware, so it will attach perfectly. You’ll also need to wedge it to make sure all of the air bubbles have been pushed out. The next part is key, as you have to form a sort of carrot shape with your clay, to form the body of the handle. Then you take the clay in one hand and (making sure you have a bucket of water to hand) smooth down the clay pulling it out as you go, with your fingers and thumb. You can always pull it just that little bit longer than you need to make sure that you have enough when it comes to attaching it to your ware. A good tip, once you’ve made your handle, is to hang it over the edge of a wooden bat, so the air can get to both sides and dry it a little before you attach it. 

Then you’ll need to use your tools to cut the handle to the exact right length and then score the pot where you want to put it. Roughly speaking, the pot should be leather hard and the handle should be dry enough to form a gentle curve when it’s held. You’ll need to score the handle (at the point it will be attached) as well as the pot. Use a little slip on your scored points and then carefully attach the handle, applying gentle pressure at the parts it joins. Then just carefully let the pot dry completely, and it’ll be ready for firing.