Hand-building guides

Slab pottery template guides

Slab Marks · Updated October 2026

Everything you need to make your own templates for slab-built mugs, tumblers, tapered cups, boxes and more: the shrinkage math, the shapes, ready-made sizes, and how to roll and build with slabs. Or skip the math and use the free template maker.

Guides

How to make your own pottery templatesThe full method: finished size, shrinkage, and why tapered cups need a curved template. With worked examples.
How to calculate clay shrinkageDivide, don't multiply. Cut-size tables in inches and centimetres, and how much capacity a mug loses.
Free printable mug template, in any sizeWall, base and handle scaled for your clay, printed to size on Letter or A4. Popular sizes from 8 to 16 oz.
How big to cut a slab for a 12 oz mugReady-made wall and base sizes for every clay type and several widths, plus the handle.
How to make a mug handle from a slabStrap sizes, strip lengths for round, squared and wedge handles, and how to attach one without cracks.
How to make a slab tumbler templateSizes for 12, 16 and 20 oz tumblers, plus a half lid with a pour hole.
How to make a tapered cup templateWhy the pattern is curved, two ways to draw it by hand, and arc sizes for 8 to 16 oz cups.
How to make a slab box template with a lidThe six panels, cut sizes for every clay type, and how to join the corners.
How thick should my slabs be?A thickness chart for mugs, plates, boxes and small pieces, and how wall thickness changes what a cup holds.
What tools do I need for hand building with clay?The tools and materials list, with cheap stand-ins from your kitchen, and how to choose a clay.
How to roll a clay slabBy hand with a rolling pin and guide sticks, or with a studio slab roller. Plus fixes for cracks, sticking and warping.

Questions?

Units, printing to scale, accuracy and selling what you make are all in the FAQ.

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