The RibIt

DIY POTTERY –

The RibIt

This patent-pending system is a rib tool you can fully customize. Make your rib, your way. Check out how it works!

Time

Skill

Age

Build Your RibIt

➊ Pick Your RibBits and Foot RibBit

Select blue RibBits for the main design and a pink RibBit foot (meant to go at the bottom peg).

➋ Attach the RibBits to RibIt

For right-handed potters, the peg side should be on the right; for left-handed potters, rotate RibIt so the side with the pegs is on the left. This keeps the opening tab away from the clay while you throw.
Place the pink RibBit Foot onto the bottom peg (closest to you) and the blue RibBits onto the remaining pegs.
Align the holes in the RibBits with the pegs, ensuring the straight edge of the RibBit lines up with the small ridge. Place your thumb just past the pegs on the design side and press down.

When placing or removing RibBits, hold them closer to the holes/middle instead of gripping at the profile edge. This helps keep the pressure even and prevents any unwanted stress on the RibBit.

➌ Close RibIt

Ensure all RibBits are fully seated. Small gaps between RibBits are normal and necessary for them to fit together.
Some wiggle is normal; the rotational force of the clay will keep everything from wiggling.

Ready to Throw!

Left-handed potters: Flip RibIt over to move the opening tab away from the clay, the pink RibBit Foot should be at the bottom.

➊ After Pulling Walls

Hold RibIt flat against the wheelhead or bat for stability.
With your non-dominant hand, place your fingers inside the wall at the bottom. Your fingers should follow the RibIt edge inside the wall, ensuring consistent pressure and shape. Stabilize your hands by placing your non-dominant thumb on top of RibIt. Maintain a smooth, controlled motion from bottom to top to refine the curve and ensure an even result.

➋ Remove RibIt from the Clay

When finished, slowly pull RibIt toward yourself.

➌ Finishing Touches

If needed, use a sponge to lightly refine the surface between RibBits for a smooth, polished finish.

For Best Results

Positioning RibIt:

Keep RibIt at a 90-degree angle to the wheelhead or bat, keeping it completely vertical. You’ll know it’s positioned correctly when the bottom sits flat against the wheel. The base of the RibIt is designed to help maintain this angle.
Hold RibIt at about a 45-degree angle to the clay surface.

Design Depth:

Holding RibIt at less than 45 degrees to the clay will create shallower designs.
Increasing the angle above 45 degrees will deepen the design, but be cautious—if the angle is too steep, it may catch on the clay.

Playing with Angles:

Keep RibIt flat against the wheelhead to create a consistent width from the base of your piece to the top.
Tilting the top of RibIt toward the clay will narrow the top of your piece, while angling it away will make the top wider than the base.

Shape in Stages:

For deep profiles, work gradually and clear any excess clay buildup off RibIt. Add water when necessary to keep the clay smooth and workable.

For Best Results

Positioning RibIt:

Hold RibIt 90 degrees from the wheelhead or bat (completely vertical).
Hold RibIt at about a 45-degree angle to the clay surface.

Angle Control:

Holding RibIt at less than 45 degrees to the clay will create shallower designs.
Increasing the angle above 45 degrees will deepen the design, but be cautious—if the angle is too steep, it may catch on the clay.

Shape in Stages:

For deep profiles, work gradually and clear any excess clay buildup off RibIt. Add water when necessary to keep the clay smooth and workable.

Keep it Level:

Ensure RibIt remains flat against the wheelhead to keep the base of your piece consistent with the top.

Love your new RibIt? Share what you made on Instagram or Facebook and tag us to get some free RibBits!

1. Pick Your RibBits

Watch Video

2. Attach the RibBits

Watch Video