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Production throwing with Sofie Goethals

Production throwing with Sofie Goethals

In this course, you’ll learn how to efficiently and consistently throw functional pottery in series. You’ll develop muscle memory, perform only the essential movements, and build speed while throwing sets of cups, bowls, plates, and mugs. Through weighing, measuring, precise throwing and plenty of practice, you’ll soon be creating beautiful sets of functional ware.

Price: €

350

Level:

Intermediate

9 modules, 59 lessons

Dutch spoken, English subtitles

Master the art of production throwing on the potter’s wheel

Zelf servies maken: een tas afdraaien op de draaischijf

Ready to elevate your pottery skills and learn how to throw identical pieces in series? Perhaps you dream of creating a beautiful, uniform dinnerware set – plates, bowls, mugs and cups that complement each other perfectly – but you’re unsure how to achieve this efficiently and consistently. You have some throwing experience, but creating identical forms still feels out of reach.

The challenge? Traditional lessons often don’t focus on refining techniques like throwing in series. You spend plenty of time on basic skills but miss the depth needed to develop precision and speed. Online tutorials often fall short: they offer fragments of methodology without a clear structure. The result? You lose focus and feel frustrated. What you need is a comprehensive approach to master the art of throwing in series.

Serie maken: een serie kommetjes van klei voor in de oven te laden

Serie draaien: pastaborden draaien op de draaischijf met Sofie Goethals

With proper instruction and a structured learning method, you can make rapid progress. Production throwing is all about repetition and building muscle memory. The process requires practice and patience, but the result – a table full of uniform handmade pottery – is worth every effort.

Fortunately, your search ends here. With the course ‘Production throwing with Sofie Goethals‘, you’ll learn how to throw identical pieces step by step. Sofie shows you how to develop muscle memory, perfect your movements, and work efficiently to achieve consistent results. Through professionally recorded videos, diagrams, and practical tips, you’ll get all the tools you need. It’s like having a front-row seat, with crystal-clear views of the techniques.

Seriedraaien: tas afdraaien op de draaischijf

Eigen servies maken: demo draaien op de draaischijf door Sofie Goethals

Sofie Goethals is the perfect person to teach you the intricacies of throwing in series. She has thrown thousands of plates, cups, and bowls that are used daily in restaurants, bars, and homes. Step by step, she explains how to make the clay do exactly what you want, and how to efficiently throw uniform series. With practical tips, detailed visuals, and step-by-step instructions to help you create your dream dinnerware set.

And the best part? You learn at your own pace. No fixed lessons, no strict deadlines – you have lifetime access to the course. Repeat techniques as often as you like, practice when it suits you, and watch yourself progress faster than ever.

Start today with ‘Production throwing with Sofie Goethals’ and turn your dinnerware dreams into reality!

What's included in the course package?

Immediate and lifetime access: Get instant access to all lessons upon purchase. Learn at your own pace with lifetime access to the material, just like our 500+ satisfied students.
Clear learning method:The course consists of 9 modules with 59 video lessons that guide you step by step through the process. Bowls, plates, dishes, cups and mugs - we cover everything you need to know to create beautiful sets of tableware.
Professional instructional videos: Each technique is filmed in detail, showing you exactly how to move your hands and work with the clay. Learn efficiently and effectively, without missing important details.
Complete lesson notes and summaries : Each module comes with comprehensive notes summarising the key points. Perfect for quick reference or refreshing your memory.
Practical worksheets: Download and print handy PDFs with materials lists and step-by-step guides. These documents are designed for easy use in your studio, without worrying about electronic devices.
Personal support Stuck somewhere? Ask your question and get a quick answer. We add relevant questions and answers to the course so everyone can learn from them.
Learn with others: Become part of an active community of potters. Share your work, ask for feedback and find inspiration from fellow students who share the same passion.

Who is the instructor?

Sofie Goethals

Sofie is een gepassioneerde keramist die sinds 2021 fulltime haar ambacht beoefent. Haar expertise ligt in het creëren van unieke serviezen, zowel voor particulieren als bedrijven, waarbij elk stuk met precisie en liefde wordt vervaardigd. Naast haar passie voor seriedraaien en glazuurchemie, geniet ze ervan om haar uitgebreide kennis te delen via workshops. Of je nu een beginner bent of een gevorderde pottenbakker, Sofie's inspirerende aanpak en heldere lestechniek maken haar tot een gewaardeerde en veelgevraagde keramiekdocent.

What our students say

"Everything is explained very clearly and simply! I wish I had taken my first throwing course with Sofie, it would have saved me a lot of struggle..."

Hannelore B.

"This is an excellent course with very clear visuals and lots of new information! Like chuck throwing, small tools for throwing foot rings, etc... Sofie explains everything thoroughly and it's well-structured. I gained most of my ceramics knowledge through the Cursist's online courses, each one a true gem. This one is also of very high quality!"

Karen R.

"Since taking the course, I can finally make identical pots. I can also create variations on the demonstrated pieces. I now have a much better understanding of throwing in series. My plates are now uniform too. It's also great that I can keep coming back to the lessons. You continue to learn new things when you rewatch."

Véronique D.

"A very interesting course that has helped me throw series more efficiently and effectively. Sofie's explanations are incredibly pleasant, well-filmed, and she clearly explains why you should or shouldn't do certain things."

Angelique V.

What do you need to take this course?

To learn throwing in series on the potter’s wheel, you’ll need your standard throwing equipment. We also throw on bats. The size of the bats and bat system depends on the size of the pots you want to make. Besides the throwing equipment, you’ll need a measuring gauge. You can buy one at a pottery supply store, or you can opt for a DIY version with skewers and a ball of clay.

Here you’ll find a list of ceramics shops. If you have any questions about materials or shops, we’re happy to help.

Free information session about this course

Curious about what an online course looks like? How a video lesson works? How Sofie teaches? Sign up for one of our free information sessions and get answers to all your questions.

What will you make after completing this course?

What is covered in the course?

Module 1: Preparation

In the first module, we dive straight in with Sofie’s ten golden tips for throwing in series. She shows you how to speed up your work using the spiral wedging technique and explains what materials you need for throwing and trimming.
Module 2: A series of cups

You’ll learn to throw your first form in series: sleek, tapered mugs (or cups, beakers). Sofie shows you how to centre efficiently, pull up and open, finish, and how to set up your measuring gauge to begin your series. Finally, you’ll learn how to trim on a chuck.
Module 3: A series of small bowls

Module 3 is dedicated to creating a series of small bowls with foot rings. Sofie demonstrates how to throw the bowls, achieve a beautiful consistent curve, and create uniform foot rings on all your bowls. Each module includes a real-time demonstration.
Module 4: A series of breakfast bowls

For throwing a series of breakfast bowls, Sofie shows how she uses bats and secures them with clay to the wheel head. In this module, we work with 750 grams of clay and throw a uniform, elegant set of breakfast bowls.
Module 5: A series of dessert plates

In this module, we focus on plates. Sofie uses her own unique technique to form and finish the rim of the plates. She also provides plenty of tips on making plates without straining your back and shoulders, and how to create beautiful foot rings on your plates. Absolutely fascinating!
Module 6: A series of large plates

The large plates are the real challenge. In this module, we work on large bats with 1300 grams of clay per plate. Sofie shows you how measuring and continuous checking are crucial for achieving a uniform series. She also demonstrates a different approach to centring larger amounts of clay.
Module 7: A series of pasta plates

In the seventh module, we tackle pasta plates. The more weight you work with, the slower your wheel needs to turn. Sofie demonstrates the entire process, sharing numerous tips along the way.
Module 8: A series of espresso cups off the hump

Throwing espresso cups is best done off the hump. The amount of clay is too small to centre effectively. Sofie shows how you can throw in series off the hump and how to ensure your espresso cups are nearly identical.
Module 9: Final steps

In the final module, you’ll learn how to be more efficient when stacking your work in the kiln. Sofie shows you how she fires cups and plates, and how she attaches handles to her mugs.

How does it work?

The course is conducted entirely online. After purchase you will receive an automatic confirmation email with your personal login details within 15 minutes. With that, you can log in to our course platform. That’s the place where you can find all your purchased online courses.
On the course platform you will find all video lessons, accompanying texts and pdf documents with overviews, step-by-step plans and lists. That way you can start learning right away. You don’t have to be at your computer at a specific time, all material is continuously available.
You take classes from home, with your own tools, at your own pace, when it suits you.. No spare time for a while? Or would you like to revisit the lessons again (and again) at a later time? No problem! The course remains available for life. You can read about the benefits of an online course here.
Don’t have all the materials at home? Each course includes a detailed materials list of things you will use during the course. You’ll find a list of ceramic stores here.
No ceramic oven? No problem. Here you will find an extensive list of addresses in Belgium and the Netherlands of ceramic studios and individuals who bake work for third parties for a fee. You can probably find an address near you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take this course as a beginner?
This course is designed for potters who have moved beyond the beginner stage. You should already have a good grasp of basic techniques like centring, pulling up, opening and shaping the clay, but want to refine these skills further. Mastering large weights isn’t essential – tableware is typically thrown with a maximum of 1.3 kg of clay, and most pieces use much less. The course is perfect for intermediate and advanced potters. Even experienced ceramicists will gain new insights.

If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with our beginner’s throwing course with Aster Caemaert.
What do I need for this course?
To learn throwing in series on the potter’s wheel, you’ll need your standard throwing equipment. We also throw on bats. The size of the bats and bat system depends on the size of the pots you want to make. Besides the throwing equipment, you’ll need a measuring gauge. You can buy one at a pottery supply store, or you can opt for a DIY version with skewers and a ball of clay.

Here you’ll find a list of ceramics shops. If you have any questions about materials or shops, we’re happy to help.
Do I need a kiln to take the course?
To preserve your thrown pieces, they need to be fired in a kiln. However, a kiln is a significant investment, and you don’t need to purchase one straight away. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of ceramic studios and individuals who fire work for others for a fee. You’re sure to find somewhere near you!
When does the course start, and how long do I have access?
As soon as you purchase the course, you can log in and begin. You have lifetime access and can set your own pace — the course adapts to your schedule.
How does an online course work in practice?
The course is entirely online. After registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email within thirty minutes with your personal login details for the course platform. There, you’ll find all video lessons, accompanying texts, and PDF documents with overviews, step-by-step plans, and lists. You can start learning immediately, from home, with your own materials and at your own pace. Whenever it suits you! Need a break? Or want to review the lessons later? No worries – the course remains available for life. Read about the benefits of an online course here.
I'm not very good with computers, will I manage?
The online learning platform is user-friendly and intuitive. You’ll receive clear emails with practical instructions on how to use the platform. Having trouble? Don’t worry! We’re always here to help with technical questions. Just send us an email!
What if I don't have enough time to watch the lessons?
Don’t worry! You have lifetime access to the complete online course. Plus, you automatically get access to all future updates and additions to the course.
Where can I go if I have questions about the course?
You can ask questions with every course from the Cursist. We believe it’s important that you receive good guidance during your online course so that you can progress smoothly. You can ask questions via our online question form or via email. We add the questions and answers to the course so other students can learn from them too. Additionally, you’re always welcome to join the Facebook group for ideas and feedback from fellow students.
Can you really learn ceramics online?
I had my doubts at first too. The Cursist started as an experiment. During a workshop in 2019, the idea emerged to create an online video course about ceramics. Quite daring, as nothing like it existed yet. I often saw students filming during workshops with their phones: shaky footage, poor audio…

As a professional videographer, I thought: we can do better! A few months later, we launched the first Dutch-language online video course in pottery throwing. For the first edition, 95 enthusiastic students enrolled, from complete beginners to people with throwing experience.

After our focus on throwing courses for beginners and advanced students, we’ve expanded our offering with more courses on various themes with different instructors. By now, more than 1,500 students have taken one of our online courses. The feedback is overwhelmingly clear: learning ceramics online works!

On this page you will find all frequently asked questions