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Whether you're interested in making vases or boxes, using patterns is an easy way to take slab building to the next level. While most people stop at pinch pots and at basic plates, you can change your pottery style by creating patterns. And since these patterns aren't difficult to create, you will be able to easily make a pattern for anything your heart might desire.

What You Need to Make a Pattern

While you might end up having another preference when it comes to patterns, many pottery teachers enjoy using file folders or think cardboard for patterns. These materials are thin enough to be portable, but also durable enough to withstand more than one use. You will want to have a scissors as well as a rule to help you with straight lines. If you need to create the pattern first and then cut, it's helpful to use a pencil to draw your outline.

Making Your Patterns

Here's what your imagination is able to come out and play. Take the papers and try to create patterns that will turn into vases. For example, take a piece of your cardboard of file folder and draw a straight line at the bottom for at least one foot in length. Then draw the same line about 10 inches above that line. Connect the sides of the lines with a slightly angled line on the left and the right. Then, at the top of this box, pick two places where you will draw in a 'v' shape that will then be cut out of the clay when you place this pattern on top of the clay. When you use this pattern, you will create a vase that has a slightly curved angle to the top. But see what other patterns you might be able to make. Cut out other pieces of cardboard and try to see how they fit together. This way, you can easily create any project you can think of – with the help of a pattern.

Find Patterns from Others

If you can't seem to make patterns on your own, there a number of free any pay options. Try searching online to see what kinds of patterns you might be able to find and then copy them onto your own piece of material. This way, you can test them out for yourself and make any changes you might think are necessary. Or you might want to take a piece of a file folder and wrap it around a piece you might want to make out of clay. Shape the paper around the shape and then draw lines to show where the pattern needs to begin and where it needs to end. This way, you will be able to already see what the end result will be when you turn the form into a clay model. Patterns can come from any piece you might have sitting around your house. Just take an ordinary piece of paper, wrap it around an item and then turn it into a pattern by cutting it into the shape of the item. This way, you can replicate items as often as you like – just keep the pattern and repeat.