How to Make Your Own Pottery Cutting Wire

If you’ve ever watched a potter slice a lump of clay clean in half like some sort of calm, muddy wizard, they were probably using a cutting wire. The good news? You don’t need a fancy shop-bought one. The even better news? You can make one yourself for next to nothing with things you probably already have lying around.

Let’s get into it so you can easily learn how to make your own pottery cutting wire.

What Is a Cutting Wire (and Why Do I Need One)?

A cutting wire is used to:

• Slice clay off the block
• Cut pots off the wheel or batt
• Divide clay evenly (or unevenly—no judgement)

Basically, if you work with clay, this tool will become your quiet little sidekick.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Own Cutting Wire

You’ll Need:

• A high E or B Guitar strings: (the thinnest one) is perfect. Ask a musician friend Guitar String: for an old one; they change them all the time.  They are strong and can make very clean, smooth and precise cuts.  Downside: Can feel a bit aggressive on very soft clay—handle gently.
• Fishing Line: A heavy-duty or braided line works we and is well and is super cheap and easy to find.  It cuts through clay smoothly, particularly soft clay.   Downside:  Can snap if pulled too hard or used on dry clay.
• Pen Spring: For the adventurous potter, stretching out a spring from a clicky pen creates a “wiggle wire” that leaves a cool, wavy texture on your clay.  They create a subtle, ribbed texture and are great for slab building or decorative edges.  Downside:  Not ideal for cutting thick blocks of clay (save your wrists).
• Picture hanging wire or piano string wire:   Picture hanging wire is easy to come by and readily available.  For piano wire, chat with your local pianist, music store or piano tuner person, they may have bits and pieces you can salvage.  Both types of wire are flexible and forgiving.  Downside:  May stretch over time—like t-shirts for tools.
• Two handles – choose from:
  • Wooden beads
  • Small wooden dowel
  • Sticks
  • Old chopsticks
  • Plastic tube offcuts
  • Wine corks
  • Old paintbrush handles
  • Plastic toys, eg rubber ducks
  • Two key rings
  • Polymer clay – if you want to be extra-creative and make your own

• Scissors or wire cutters
• Optional: pliers for twisting ends

Step-by-Step Assembly:

Okay, you’ve got your bits and pieces together.  Now let’s prepare.  It’s easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, I promise.

1. Prepare Your Handles: If you’re using corks or dowel, carefully drill a small hole through the centre of each one for your wire.
2. Thread the Wire: Feed your wire or fishing line through the hole in one of your handles.
3. Secure the End: If you’re using fishing line, tie a big, sturdy knot that won’t pull through the hole.  If you’re using a wire, you can wrap it around a small washer or a piece of a stick or a bead before pulling it back into the handle to anchor it.
4. Measure and Cut: Decide how long you want your cutting wire to be. A good length is about 30 to 40cm between the handles. Cut the wire, leaving a few extra cm for securing the second handle.
5. Attach the Second Handle: Repeat the process on the other side. Thread the wire, tie your knot or create your anchor, and pull it tight.

Pro-Tip: For a stronger wire that’s less likely to kink, you can twist two strands of wire or fishing line together before attaching them to the handles.  This also adds a subtle texture to your clay cut.

Making your own tools can be fun

You’ve just saved yourself some money and created a tool that is uniquely yours.  Plus, you now have the satisfaction of knowing that if your wire ever breaks again, you can fix it in minutes with a quick trip to your junk drawer or make a few more.  So go forth, cut that clay, and make something amazing.