Texturing soils by the "Feel Method" takes practice with soil texture samples of known composition. The more practice the better you will be.
Before you get started you may want to look at these slides that show how the soil when in the proper moisture condition will behave for various textures when forming a "ribbon". A ribbon is a good clue to use in determining the amount of clay in a sample.
Sandy Soils (Loamy Sand and Sand)
Loamy Textured Soils (Loam, Silt Loam, & Sandy Loam)
Clay Loam, Silty Clay Loam, & Sandy Clay Loam Textures
Clay Textured Soils (Clay, Sandy Clay, & Silty Clay)
Remember - Texturing by feel takes lots of practice....& more practice.....
Return to Soil Texture by Feel
Return to Soil Texture Chapters
Prepared by terry.cooper@soils.umn.edu