Kneading or wedging
Kneading is one of the most important processes in the preparation of ceramic clay. It consists of working the clay by hand or with a machine to eliminate air bubbles and evenly distribute the moisture within the mass.
The kneading process has several important purposes: to eliminate air bubbles that could cause the piece to break in the kiln when expanded by heat, to homogenize the texture of the clay, and to improve plasticity. By eliminating air bubbles, it also prevents them from generating cracks during drying or deformations during firing. Kneading also improves the consistency and plasticity of the clay, facilitating its modeling on the pottery wheel or by hand.
There are different kneading techniques: spiral kneading, ram's head kneading, stack and slam kneading, and reverse spiral kneading.Interesting Fact
In some indigenous cultures, the kneading of clay was not only a technical process, but also a communal and spiritual practice. For example, in certain Latin American traditions, kneading was performed collectively by the women of the group before creating ceremonial pieces, such as vessels or ritual figures. During this process, chants were often recited or stories were told, infusing the clay with a symbolic and cultural meaning that transcended its functional use.Helpful Tip
To find out if you have removed all the air bubbles, you can cut the clay in half after kneading. If you see small holes or voids in the clay, this indicates that air bubbles are still trapped. Continue kneading until the clay has a smooth texture with no visible imperfections.
