Anyone who has ever worked with clay knows that moment when you become completely absorbed in the rhythm. The body becomes still, the mind switches off, the hands take over, and layer by layer something magnificent emerges. This feeling of concentration and simultaneous letting go unites ceramicists worldwide.
What surprises many is that potters find this same feeling in other crafts as well. That's why so many creative people are drawn from the potter's wheel into the world of threads, needles, fabrics, and natural materials.
If you are looking for high-quality pottery wheels, kilns or tools, we recommend you take a look at our pottery supplies page – Formwerk Berlin. – to throw.
The common denominator of all crafts: the flow.
Ceramics are tactile, sensual, and calming. But these same qualities are also found in many fiber and textile crafts. This is why ceramicists find it particularly easy to adapt to them:
- Focus and repetition
- Visible progress
- Handwork instead of screen
- Natural materials
- A calm, creative rhythm
These elements appear in many traditional hobbies, and that is precisely why a natural bridge from clay to textiles is created, which we want to explore in this article.
Below we present 5 crafts that are particularly popular with potters.
Weaving: Structure and creativity in perfect balance
Beginners usually start on a simple loom.
Weaving is a craft that comes particularly easily to ceramicists. The combination of clear structure and creative color reminds many of glazing work. Moreover, each weave is built up row by row, just like a wall being drawn up on the potter's wheel.
Recommended for getting a taste of weaving and learning about looms and accessories: https://webstuhl.shop/
Spiders: The magical moment when fiber becomes thread
Spinning wheels still possess a wonderful aesthetic today.
Spinning transforms a soft, unformed fiber into a strong thread. This process feels remarkably similar to centering clay. Many ceramic artists find spinning meditative and almost hypnotic.
Recommendation for spinning wheels & accessories: https://spinnraeder.de/
Knitting: Warm, rhythmic, calming
Knitting is enjoying renewed popularity, even among young people.
Knitting is one of the most accessible extensions for ceramic artists. The repetitive rhythm creates the same Zen-like state as the steady turning of the wheel. Furthermore, the handmade look of knitted pieces complements rustic ceramics perfectly.
Recommended for high-quality yarn, needles, and modern knitting kits: https://www.maschenfein.de
Crochet: Fast, creative and versatile
Crocheting also combines tranquility, rhythm, and creative freedom.
Crocheting fascinates ceramic artists because beautiful results can be achieved quickly with just one tool and yarn. Crocheted baskets, coasters, and plant covers are especially popular – perfect complements to ceramic vases and pots.
Sewing: Design and function combined
With every stitch, something useful and personal is created.
Sewing allows you to combine beauty with function — just like ceramics. Many ceramicists start with projects like aprons for the studio, tool bags, or fabric baskets for leftover clay.
Recommended fabrics, tools and accessories for getting started with sewing: https://www.snaply.de
Macrame: Knots as an art form
Knot by knot, an artistic piece of handiwork is created.
Few hobbies complement ceramics visually as well as macramé. The look of the woven knots harmonizes perfectly with glazed vases, hanging vessels, or wall hangings. For many ceramic artists, macramé is therefore less of an "extra hobby" and more of a natural style partner.
Recommended source for macrame yarns, rings, wooden rods and DIY kits: https://makramee-shop.com
Why ceramicists often love several hobbies at the same time
All these crafts have the same core:
- They calm
- They ground
- They connect hand and material
- They allow for mistakes and small surprises.
- They create objects that carry meaning.
Ceramicists rarely seek a completely different hobby. They are looking for the same feeling, just in a new form.
Conclusion: Ceramics are often just the beginning.
Those who begin with clay discover a world where hands, material, and tranquility work together. And this same world can also be found in weaving, spinning, sewing, knitting, crocheting, or macramé.
It's the same creative heartbeat. Just in different materials.
If you are looking for high-quality pottery wheels, kilns or tools, we recommend you take a look at our pottery supplies page – Formwerk Berlin. – to throw.