How to Make Candle Wicks at Home
Learn how to make candle wicks at home with this easy DIY candle guide. Make your own wicks using simple materials for the perfect homemade candle!
The first time I learned how to make candle wicks, it was out of frustration. My candles kept burning unevenly, and I couldn’t figure out why. Then I learned that the wick also matters as much as the wax! So, I grabbed some string, dipped it in wax, and made my own. And guess what? My candles burned perfectly!
If you love making candles, learning how to make a candle wick at home is a simple step that makes a big difference. You only need a few basic supplies, and it’s easier than you think. Let me show you how!
Can You Make Candle Wicks at Home?
Yes! Learning how to make candle wicks at home is simple and just a few materials.
You can use plain cotton string for DIY wicks, but soaking them in wax gives the wick structure, making it easier to work with and improving performance. Let the string dry, then dip it in melted beeswax or paraffin wax. Once it gets hard, your wick is ready
Why Wick Size Matters
Picking the right wick thickness helps your candle burn well. If the wick is too thin, it may go out. If it’s too thick, it can make smoke and flicker.
The type of wax and the size of your container help determine the best wick. Smaller candles need thin wicks, while larger ones require thicker wicks or multiple smaller ones. You can check out the wick guide from Village Craft and Candle to find the best wick size for your candle.
Check out this wick guide from Village Craft and Candle to find the perfect wick size.
FAQ
What Are Candle Wicks Made Of?
Candle wicks are usually made from braided cotton, wood, or paper. Some wicks also have a metal core, like zinc or tin, to help them stand upright.
Ways to Make Candle Wicks Last Longer
If you want to make your candle burn last long, it is important to know which size of wick you use and also the coating on the wax. Read the steps below to make your candle burn longer.
Wind or air from fans makes the flame flicker, which causes uneven burning in a candle because of this, the wick burns fast. Keep your candle away from fans, open windows, and air vents. A calm spot helps it last longer. A calm spot helps it last longer.
How to Make Candle Wicks Stand-Up
Coating your wick in wax helps it stand upright. However, this alone won’t keep it in place when pouring melted wax. To secure it, start by gluing the wick sustainer (the metal base) to the bottom of your jar using hot glue wax. This prevents the wick from shifting when you pour.
Next, rest a pencil, chopstick, or wick holder across the top of the jar and bend the wick over it. This keeps the wick straight and centered while the wax sets. If the wick still moves, then try pouring a small amount of wax first and let it harden slightly before adding the rest. This helps hold the wick in place, ensuring an even burn when you light your candle.
Materials And Tools Making Candle Wick
Materials:
- Cotton string (butcher’s twine or braided cotton works well)
- Wax (beeswax or paraffin)
- screw or nut bolt for weight down the string (optional)
Tools:
- Scissors (to cut the wick to size)
- Small pot or double boiler (for melting wax)
- Tongs or tweezers (to dip the wick)
- Parchment paper or wax paper (for drying the wicks)
Step-by-Step Guide On How to Make Candle Wicks
Step 1: Cut the Cotton String
Your first step is to measure and cut your cotton string to the length you need, and always remember that you should in cut a cotton string little longer than your candle jar or mold. A longer wick allows you to make adjustments later. And always, while making candle wicks make a few extra wicks so you have backups in case one doesn’t burn well.
Step 2: Melt the Wax
Melt a small amount of beeswax or paraffin wax( I recommend working with beeswax) using a double boiler or a small pot on low heat. Be careful not to overheat the wax. Stir occasionally to make sure the wax melts perfectly and be careful not to overheat the wax. If you use beeswax as I recommended you will get a lovely, calm honey scent as it melts!
Step 3: Dip the String in Wax
Now your wax is melted perfectly, it is time to dip your string in melted wax using tongs or tweezers dip the cotton string into the melted wax until it is fully coated. Let it soak for a few seconds so the wax fully absorbs into the fibers. This helps the wick hold its shape and burn properly when lit. Dip the string in wax 2–3 times to make the wick stronger.
Step 4: Let the Wick Dry
Carefully pull out one string and quickly hang it on the drying rack. For dipped candle wicks, hang them in the middle so both sides are equal. For regular wicks, hang them by the very end so most of the string hangs on one side of the bar.
If you’re not using a drying rack then lay the wax-coated string flat on parchment paper (Butter paper). Make sure it stays straight as it hardens. If the wick curls or bends, gently straighten it before it fully dries. Once hardened, your wick will be firm and ready to use in your candles.
Step 5: Trim and Use Your Wick
Once the wick is fully dry, cut to the desired length. If you are making a container candle, leave about half an inch above the wax for easy lighting. You can now insert the wick into your candle mold or jar and start making your homemade candles!
How to store homemade candle wicks
All right, so you have made some wicks for candles in DIY style. Now, let’s talk about how to store your candle wick properly so it can last long. Storing your candle wicks properly is key to their longevity. Here is what I do:
- Cool and Dry: Store them in a cool, dry place. Humidity is the enemy here. Trust me, I once left mine in the bathroom, and they turned into a mushy mess.
- Seal Them Up: You can use airtight containers. Mason jars work great, and they look pretty too.
- Labeling: Keeping your candle wicks labeled by type and size makes it so much easier when you are making candles. No more guessing or testing multiple wicks to find the right one. You could use small stickers or even a simple marker on the packaging.
How To Make Candle Wicks
Materials
- Cotton string (butcher’s twine or braided cotton works well)
- Wax (beeswax or paraffin)
- Screw or nut bolt (optional, to weigh down the wick)
Tools
- Scissors (to cut the wick to size)
- Small pot or double boiler (for melting wax)
- Tongs or tweezers (to dip the wick)
- Parchment paper or wax paper (for drying the wicks)
