Pottery Class FAQs: Answers to 15 Common Questions

Right, let's be honest – before booking a pottery class, most of us end up Googling a load of questions at 11pm. Are pottery classes expensive? Will I look stupid? Can I do this with long nails? What if I'm rubbish at it?

I've gathered the 15 most common questions people ask about pottery classes and given you proper, honest answers. No gatekeeping, no judgment – just the info you need to book with confidence.

It depends where you are. A two-hour taster session typically costs £30-£70 across the UK (£45-£70 in London, £30-£50 in smaller cities). Six-week courses range from £160-£350. Community pottery spaces are generally cheaper than boutique studios.

Most classes include clay, tools, and basic firing. Some charge extra for glazing or additional firings – always check what's included before booking. For more detailed pricing, see our pottery class costs guide.

Absolutely. Pottery is properly therapeutic – it's mindful, creative, and you end up with something tangible. It's brilliant for stress relief, and way more social than you'd expect. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of drinking your morning coffee from a mug you made yourself (even if it's a bit wonky).

Read our full breakdown on whether pottery classes are worth it.

Generally yes, but check with your studio and your GP first. Most pottery classes use non-toxic clays and glazes, and the activity itself is low-impact. The main considerations are:

• Avoid breathing in clay dust (most studios keep spaces well-ventilated)
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling clay
• Some studios prefer pregnant students avoid glazing due to chemical exposure
• Wheel throwing involves leaning forward, which might be uncomfortable in later pregnancy

Hand-building is often more comfortable than wheel work for pregnant potters. Let your instructor know you're expecting so they can adapt the class for you.

You can, but it's tricky – especially for wheel throwing. Long nails make it harder to shape clay smoothly, and you'll probably get clay stuck under them (which is annoying to clean out).

Most potters keep their nails short for this reason. If you don't want to cut yours, hand-building techniques work better than wheel throwing, as you can use tools more and direct contact less. Some people wear latex gloves, though that changes the feel of the clay.

Wear old, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting muddy. Clay splatters are inevitable. Most studios provide aprons, but they don't cover everything. Avoid:

• Dangling sleeves (roll them up or wear short sleeves)
• Rings and watches (clay gets stuck in settings and scratches watch faces)
• Open-toed shoes (wet clay on the floor can be slippery)
• Anything dry-clean only

Tie back long hair and bring a hair tie if needed. Check our detailed what to wear to pottery class guide.

Pottery has a learning curve, especially wheel throwing (centring clay is genuinely hard at first). But that's part of the fun! Everyone's first pot is wonky. Instructors expect this and are brilliant at helping you improve.

Hand-building is generally easier to pick up than wheel work. If you're nervous, start with a taster session to see how you get on. Most people find it more forgiving than they expected, and the process is meditative even when things go wonky.

Expect 3-5 weeks for a complete firing cycle. Your pieces need to dry, go through a bisque firing, be glazed, then go through a glaze firing. Studios usually email when your work is ready for collection.

If you're visiting from out of town, ask about postal delivery – many studios will pack and post finished pieces for a small fee.

Yes! Pottery classes are brilliant. They're social, creative, and there's something deeply satisfying about working with your hands. Most classes have a lovely atmosphere – people chatting, helping each other, laughing at wonky pots. It's the kind of fun that's also genuinely relaxing.

Absolutely. Many people book pottery classes with friends or partners. Some studios even specialise in couples pottery sessions – very popular for date nights or anniversaries.

Most beginner classes include: clay, use of tools, apron, instruction, and one bisque firing. Check whether glazing and glaze firing are included or charged separately (usually £3-£8 per item).

Some studios charge extra if you make more pieces than the class allows, or for premium glazes. Always read the booking details carefully.

Nope. Studios provide everything – clay, tools, wheels, aprons. Just bring yourself in old clothes, tie your hair back, and maybe bring a bottle of water. Some people bring a notebook to jot down techniques or glaze codes.

Yes! Pottery classes make brilliant gifts. Many studios sell gift vouchers or experience vouchers. Check out our pottery gift guide for tips on choosing and presenting a pottery class as a gift.

Yes – most pottery studios specialise in teaching beginners. Look for classes labeled "beginner", "taster", or "introduction". These assume zero experience and teach you from scratch. Instructors are used to nervous newbies and are brilliantly encouraging.

Wheel throwing uses a spinning potter's wheel to shape clay into symmetrical forms (bowls, mugs, vases). It's rhythmic, fast-paced, and harder to learn but very satisfying.

Hand-building uses techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab work to create pottery without a wheel. It's slower, more sculptural, and generally easier for beginners. Many potters learn both. Read our wheel throwing vs hand building guide for more details.

Yes! Most studios welcome children from age 5+ for hand-building, and 8-9+ for wheel throwing. Many run special kids' classes, family sessions, and holiday clubs. Check our pottery classes for kids guide for studio recommendations.