Why Throwing Off the Hump Should Be Your New Favourite Technique

Lately, things have been getting a little more adventurous over at the Queen Street West studio with our members experimenting with the unique technique of throwing off the hump! While it’s well-loved by experienced potters, some of our beginners have quickly made it their go-to method for crafting bowls and cups. Want to know what all the hype is about? Let’s take a closer look!

What is Throwing off the Hump? 

When you’re in the mood to make a lot of smaller pieces quickly, throwing off the hump is your new best friend! Imagine a big ol’ mound of clay spinning on the wheel, and from that one lump, you can easily create a bunch of little forms—think bowls, cups, and more! The trick? You center just enough clay at the top, throw your piece, cut it off, and repeat. It’s a speedy way to get tons of creative pieces made without wasting time or clay.

 

Throwing off the Hump VS Traditional Throwing

In contrast, regular throwing is a bit of a solo act. You begin with one ball of clay, center it on the wheel, and focus on making it just right. It’s all about that one piece—the love, the attention, and the finesse you pour into shaping it. If you’re after fine-tuned precision and detailed work, regular throwing is your jam!

Benefits of Throwing off the Hump 

• Better visibility: When you throw off the hump, your pots sit higher, giving you a much clearer view of your work. No more cramped pots hiding under the wheel head! 
• Save time and clay: No need to wedge up a ton of balls of clay; you work directly from a big lump and take only what you need as you go.
• More pieces, less work: You can throw several pieces in one go. It’s like working in creative overdrive, with no interruptions to slow you down!

Best Projects for This Technique

Throwing off the hump is perfect for smaller forms and production-style pottery! Here's what works best with this technique:

• Small bowls and cups 
• Extra attachments like spouts for teapots or necks for bottles
• Best for creating multiples of the same design - think production not one-of-a-kind 

Tips for Success

• Center the top, not the whole lump: No need to center the entire mass of clay. Focus on the top part – that’s all you need to get started!
• Pull those walls above the base: A classic mistake is forgetting where the base is! Remember to start pulling the walls above the base to keep your shape nice and steady.
• Cut smart, trim less: The magic of throwing off the hump? You can see where the base is, so you can cut your piece off at just the right height and avoid excessive trimming later.
• Strike a line, save time: As the wheel spins, strike a line with my needle tool and use that as a guide to wire the piece off. This little trick helps skip a lot of foot-leveling later on!

 

 

There you have it! This technique lets you work smarter, not harder, and it's perfect for everything from production pottery to experimental pieces. With these few simple tricks and some practice, you'll be throwing faster and more efficiently than ever—leaving more time to enjoy the fun part: the creative process!

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