Most pottery wheels spin counter-clockwise by default, which suits right-handed potters. Left-handed throwers can either reverse the wheel direction or adapt their hand positions. Both approaches work, and the right choice depends on your studio setup.
Reverse the Wheel
Most modern pottery wheels — including the Shimpo wheels at our studio — have a reverse switch. Set it clockwise and you can mirror standard right-handed instruction. Your dominant hand does the same work, just on the opposite side of the clay.
This is what we recommend for serious lefties. The hand strength and motor control of your dominant hand will give you better results.
Adapt to Right-Handed Wheel
Some studios don't allow reversing wheels, or the lefties prefer to learn the dominant convention to make group instruction easier. In this case, you adapt: use your right hand as the "outside hand" and left hand as the "inside hand."
It feels weird at first. Most left-handed throwers report it takes 3-4 sessions to feel natural.
What Doesn't Change
- Centering: works the same regardless of dominance
- Compression of the base: same technique
- Glazing: no dominance issue
- Handbuilding: completely ambidextrous
What to Watch For
If you're learning from videos, almost all of them assume right-handed throwing. You'll need to mentally mirror what you see. Some left-handed potters find Florian Gadsby's videos confusing for this reason.
In-person classes are easier — your instructor can adapt instructions to whichever side you're working from.
Tools and Setup
Most pottery tools are ambidextrous. A few exceptions:
- Right-handed scoring tools have the handle angled for righties — but they work fine for lefties too
- Some trimming tools are sided — buy ambidextrous versions
- Wheels with foot pedals on the right side can be awkward — most modern wheels let you move the pedal
Our Studio
Charlotte Pottery Studio's wheels can be reversed for left-handed students. Wheel throwing classes accommodate both right and left-handed throwers, and our instructors are comfortable teaching either way. Join the waitlist.
Join the Charlotte Pottery Community
Charlotte Pottery Studio is opening in 2026. Sign up for our waitlist to get founding member pricing, priority class registration, and studio updates.