Big HandRoller

The Big Hand Roller (BHR) is our 12 cm clay texture roller, and it’s the one most potters start with. It’s carved deeply into solid hardwood, so a single pass presses a continuous, repeating pattern into a slab or on the wall of a freshly thrown pot. It’s an easy, versatile starter roller for beginners but sturdy enough for production potters texturing their work all day, and classrooms where it gets passed through lots of hands.

We designed it to fit comfortably in one hand and to be light enough to roll up the side of a thrown cylinder. At 12 cm long, a single roll creates a pattern wide enough for mugs or a row of tiles, and the rounded ends make it easy to smooth the clay around the edges of the design.

Patterns and Designs

There’s a lot to choose from, everything from clean geometric repeats to leaves and botanical textures. Every roller is designed in Wisconsin by our team. Browse the full collection and see which one fits your pots and your style.

Built to Last

Every Big Hand Roller is CNC-carved from solid hardwood blanks. We never laser cut our patterns. Laser carving would be faster but it burns a straight, sharp wall into the wood that doesn’t release easily from the clay, tugging up the edges of the design. Our deep carving creates a beveled edge on the roller that compresses the clay as it rolls, so the pattern presses in boldly and the roller lifts away cleanly, with no dragged or torn edges. The wood is finished to protect it from water and allow it to withstand years of studio work.

FAQs

What size is the Big Hand Roller?

It is the 12 cm roller, our most popular length and a comfortable fit for most slab, panel, and thrown work.

How do I use it on a thrown pot?

Throw a straight cylinder and use a flat-edge rib to clear away the extra slip. Dip the roller in water before you start, and again whenever the clay begins to stick. Support the wall from inside and roll with firm, even pressure. Just trim it level with a needle tool and smooth it with your fingers. Depending on the pattern, you can roll vertically up the pot or horizontally around it. If you roll vertically, expect the rim to stretch or wobble a bit. That’s normal. Trim it level with a needle tool and smooth it again with your fingers.

How do I use it on slab?

For slab work, keep your roller dry. If the clay sticks, let your slab sit out for 20 minutes and dry before trying again. With the beveled edge and oil finish, slabs shouldn’t stick to the roller.

After rolling your texture but before cutting your pattern, pick up your slab and move it to a dry area of the table.