Tool Tuesday: The Loop Tool — Shape, Trim & Refine with Confidence

Whether you are new to clay classes or experienced in wheel-throwing, you will notice a loop shaped tool in ARTime BARRO's tool racks. This tool is known as the loop tool, and it is a ceramics classic.

What Is a Loop Tool?

The loop tool, also known as a ribbon tool, is a handheld tool for shaping clay. It has a handle with a metal loop at one or both ends. You can make the metal loop (or ribbon) in different sizes and shapes. It can be wide and flat or narrow and sharp, depending on its use. 

It may not look fancy, but its versatility makes it one of the most useful tools in your pottery toolkit.

How Loop Tools Are Used

Trimming and Refining

After throwing a piece on the wheel, your pot will often look better with a clean foot or thinner walls at the base. Loop tools let you remove excess clay with control, shaping your form while it’s at the right firmness (leather-hard). (Pottery Making Info)

Carving & Hollowing

Loop tools excel at hollowing out areas of clay or carving decorative lines and grooves. The sharp edge of the metal loop allows you to take clay away cleanly — superb for details, textures, or functional shaping. (Myrtle's Clayhouse)

Versatility for Hand-Building

Even if you’re not using a wheel, loop tools are invaluable in hand-building projects. They help blend coils, smooth surfaces, and refine edges on bowls, slabs, or sculptural forms. (Myrtle's Clayhouse)

Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to pottery, here’s how to start confidently with a loop tool:

• Choose the right tool size: Smaller loops are great for detail work; larger loops help with bigger trimming jobs. (Pottery Making Info)

• Work at the right stage: Use loop tools when your clay is leather-hard firm but still workable to avoid warping your piece. (Myrtle's Clayhouse)

• Steady your hands: Hold the tool like a pencil and gently guide it along the surface; let the loop do the work, don’t push too hard. (Myrtle's Clayhouse)

Why Loop Tools Matter

In ceramics, tools help turn your creative ideas into real objects. Loop tools are incredibly useful because they help with both form and function. They shape curves, clean surfaces, and add precision to your pottery work. From trimming a mug foot to carving expressive textures, a loop tool helps you add your artistic touch with confidence.