Once you’re comfortable making bowls on the wheel, the next step is learning to create cups or mugs. A mug starts as a cylinder, which means you’ll be practicing control and evenness as you pull the walls straight up instead of flaring them out like a bowl. The handle is just as important—it turns a simple cup into a functional mug. Pulling and attaching a handle takes practice and patience, but it gives your mug both comfort and character.

Steps to Throw a Basic Cup/Mug

Wedge and center the clay – Prepare your clay and center it firmly on the wheel.

Open the clay – Press into the center with your thumbs, leaving a thick base.

Pull the walls – Use steady pressure to lift the walls upward, keeping them vertical and even.

Shape the cylinder – Refine the walls to a consistent thickness, shaping the form into a straight-sided cup or slightly tapered mug.

Clean and refine – Smooth the rim and use a rib tool to even out the surface.

Trim the base – After drying to leather-hard, trim the bottom to finish the foot.

Steps to Pull and Attach a Handle

Prepare a clay piece – Roll a small lump into a carrot-shaped form.

Pull the handle – Dip it in water and gently pull with your fingers, stretching and smoothing the clay into a long, even strip.

Shape the handle – Curve it into a natural arc that feels comfortable to hold. Let it set briefly until it holds its form but is still flexible.

Score and slip – Scratch the attachment area on the mug and the ends of the handle, applying slip to both.

Attach the handle – Press the top end firmly to the upper wall of the mug and the bottom end to the lower wall, blending the joins smoothly.

Refine – Adjust the curve, smooth the connections, and clean any slip marks.