Trimming away the excess clay from the pot requires a sharp-edged loop tool. Firmly hold the loop tool in your right hand, bracing it with your left. You may also want to place a finger of your left hand on the top of the pot to help keep it steady.
The loop tool should be held parallel to the clay surface. Changing the angle will change the depth of clay that is cut away; too much of an angle and the clay will catch the loop, creating a gouge.
Begin by defining the outside of the foot ring. Cut away the excess clay from the outside of the foot, then trim the outside of the pot's wall as needed. Work the transition area from untrimmed to trimmed wall so that the transition is smooth and not disruptive to the form.
Now trim the interior area of the foot ring. The foot ring's thickness from outer to inner surface should ideally match the pot's wall thickness.
