Best Pottery Supplies for Beginners: Essential Tools to Get Started

Starting Pottery? Must-Have Supplies for Beginners

Having the right tools makes all the difference. Whether you’re handbuilding or wheel throwing, this guide covers the must-have pottery supplies for beginners—so you can start creating with confidence using quality tools from Bailey Pottery.

Why the Right Pottery Tools Matter

Pottery is an exciting and rewarding craft, but starting with quality supplies makes learning easier and more enjoyable. At Bailey Pottery, we’ve been supplying potters with the best tools for decades, and we know exactly what beginners need to get started without frustration.

Did you know? Many of the tools professional potters swear by are the same ones we recommend for beginners!

1. Choosing the Right Clay

Three Great Clay Options for Beginners

Choosing the right clay can make all the difference when starting out. Here are three excellent options that are easy to work with and fire beautifully:

#240 White Clay (Cone 5/6)
A smooth, highly plastic throwing clay that’s perfect for beginners learning to center and shape. Its bright white color enhances glazes, making colors pop—great for those who love vibrant, clean finishes.
Mid Smooth Stone (Cone 5/6)
This clay offers a balance between stoneware and porcelain, making it a great all-around choice. It’s ultra-smooth with no grog, making it ideal for throwing and handbuilding when a refined surface is needed. The addition of 5% 100-mesh Kyanite helps with drying and reduces warping. It fires to a creamy white at Cone 6, keeping glaze colors true.
Low Fire White (Cone 06-04)
For those working at lower temperatures, this talc-free clay is a fantastic option. It’s smooth, easy to shape, and works well for both throwing and handbuilding. Ideal for schools and beginners who want a forgiving clay that fires strong at Cone 04.

2. Must-Have Hand Tools for Every Beginner

Essential Tools for Getting Started

The right tools make all the difference when learning pottery. Whether you're throwing on the wheel or handbuilding, these beginner-friendly tools will help you shape, trim, and refine your work with ease:

Bailey Pottery Tool Kit
A perfect starter set, this kit includes all the basic tools needed to begin making pottery on the wheel. Ideal for beginners and schools, it provides everything necessary for shaping, trimming, and refining pieces.
Dirty Girls Trim Tools
Lightweight yet sharp, these trimming tools are great for refining forms and carving clean foot rings on wheel-thrown pieces. Their ergonomic design makes trimming more precise and comfortable.
Xiem Pottery Starter Tool Set
This 10-piece set provides a well-rounded selection of tools for beginners, including essentials for shaping, trimming, and smoothing. With high-quality materials and ergonomic designs, it ensures a strong start for those new to clay.
Mud Tools Silicone Ribs
Flexible, durable, and available in different firmness levels, these silicone ribs help shape and smooth clay effortlessly. A must-have for throwing, they make refining curves and compressing surfaces easier for beginners.

3. Work Surface & Throwing Supplies

Setting Up Your Workspace

Having a dedicated workspace and the right throwing accessories makes pottery smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few essentials to keep your studio organized and efficient:

Xiem Wedging Board
This 18” x 24” portable wedging board provides a sturdy, non-skid surface for prepping clay. The canvas top helps absorb moisture while wedging, and the galvanized steel handle makes it easy to move around your workspace.
Throwing Bats
Bats make it easier to transfer freshly thrown pieces without warping them. A variety of sizes and materials (wood, plastic, or Masonite) help accommodate different forms, from small bowls to large platters.
Extra Buckets
A simple but essential item—having multiple buckets on hand for clean water, slip, and tool rinsing keeps your workspace tidy and efficient.
Large Clean-Up Sponge
A must-have for wiping down surfaces, absorbing excess water on your wheel, and keeping your hands and tools clean while working.

4. Pottery Wheel (Optional for Beginners)

For those interested in wheel throwing, a beginner-friendly electric wheel is a great investment. The Bailey ST Potter’s Wheel is a best-seller for new potters, offering:

✅ Smooth, adjustable speed control
✅ Quiet operation (ideal for home studios!)
✅ Compact design for small workspaces

The Speedball Artista Table Top Pottery Wheel is another fantastic option for beginners, especially those with limited space. It’s portable, lightweight, and powerful enough for both small and medium-sized projects — perfect for home studios or even traveling potters.

Bailey Artist Highlight: Part-time potter Vanessa Mattsson-Boze converted her detached garage into a studio to nurture her need to work in clay.

5. Bailey Mini-Might II Table Top Slab Roller

For those interested in handbuilding, the Bailey Mini-Might II Table Top Slab Roller is a game-changer. It allows you to create even, consistent slabs without the hassle of rolling by hand, making it easier to explore techniques like slab construction and texturing.

Choosing Glazes: Exploring Color & Finish

Great Starting Glazes for Beginners

Low Fire: AMACO Teacher’s Palette
Firing Range: Cone 05-06
Finish: Glossy and opaque
Best For: Schools, beginners, and functional pottery
AMACO Underglazes layered under a Zinc Free Clear Glaze
Highly pigmented and fire true to color. Best applied to:
- Leather-hard clay: For fine detail and precision
- Bone dry: For soft blending but requires careful handling
- Bisque-fired clay: Easiest for beginners
Coyote Enduro-Color & Shino Series (Mid-Fire Cone 5/6)
Enduro-Color: Durable, brightly colored, and reliable for functional ware
Shino Series: Rich, varied glaze that creates depth and warmth