If you’ve ever made candles at home, you know the wick plays a major role in how well it burns. Instead of relying on store-bought options, learning how to make candle wicks gives you full control over the burn quality, saves money, and adds a personal touch to your candles. It’s easier than you might think—all you need are a few basic supplies, some wax, and a bit of technique. This guide covers everything you need to make clean-burning, reliable wicks from scratch.
Materials You’ll Need To Make Candle Wicks
Before you begin making your own wicks, it’s important to gather the right materials. These simple items are easy to find and play a key role in how well your homemade wick performs. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Cotton String
This is the base of your wick. Use natural, unbleached cotton twine. Avoid any string that contains synthetic fibers or has a shiny coating. Braided cotton or butcher’s twine works best.
Synthetic materials don’t burn cleanly and can create toxic fumes. Stick with organic cotton for safe and steady flames.
Wax
Wax helps stiffen the wick and controls how it burns. Use the same wax you’ll use in your candle for best results.
- Beeswax – Clean, natural, and long-burning
- Paraffin Wax – Affordable and widely available
- Soy Wax – Plant-based and ideal for eco-conscious candle makers
The wax coating improves lighting, slows burn rate, and prevents the wick from soaking up too much wax while the candle is burning.
Optional: Borax and Salt
Soaking the cotton string in a borax and salt solution can help make your wick burn brighter and longer. Here’s the mix:
- 1 tablespoon borax
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1.5 cups warm water
Soak the string overnight, then let it dry completely. While optional, this step improves the wick’s performance.
How to Make Candle Wicks: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your own wicks isn’t complicated, but following each step carefully ensures the best results. Here’s how to make candle wicks from start to finish.
Step 1: Cut and Soak the Cotton String
Cut the string about 2–3 inches longer than your candle height. If you’re using the borax solution, soak the string overnight and let it dry fully. This treatment strengthens the wick and improves flame quality.
Step 2: Melt the Wax
Use a double boiler to melt your wax safely. Don’t heat it directly on the stove. Keep the temperature between 150°F to 180°F. Stir occasionally until it becomes fully liquid.
Step 3: Dip the String
Once the wax is melted and the string is dry:
- Dip the cotton string completely in the wax
- Remove with tongs and let it cool
- Repeat 2–3 times for a thicker wick
- Let each coat cool before re-dipping
This layering helps the wick burn slower and stay rigid inside the candle.
Step 4: Straighten and Dry
Lay the waxed wick on parchment paper or hang it vertically to cool. While it’s still warm, gently pull it straight with your fingers. This helps the wick stay upright when you set it in the candle.
Step 5: Add Wick Sustainer Tabs (Optional)
If you’re making jar candles or container candles, attach a metal sustainer tab at one end of the wick. Thread it through the hole, crimp it with pliers, and glue or press it to the bottom of the container. This keeps your wick centered and prevents it from floating during the pour.
Tips for Better Wicks and Safer Candles
- Choose the Right Thickness: Match your wick’s thickness to the candle size. Thicker candles need thicker or braided wicks. For smaller candles, a single cotton strand is usually enough.
- Always Test Burn: Once your candle is finished, burn it for at least 1–2 hours to see how it behaves. Watch for smoke, flickering, or uneven melting. These signs may mean the wick is too thin, too thick, or not centered.
- Trim Before Lighting: Always trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting the candle. This helps prevent soot and ensures a stable flame.
- Store Wicks Properly: Keep your finished wicks in a dry place away from moisture. This helps preserve the wax coating and burn quality.
- Use Natural Materials: For clean burning and safety, always use cotton and natural waxes. Avoid dyed, coated, or synthetic strings.
Wrapping Up
Now that you’ve learned how to make candle wicks, you’re ready to take your candle-making game to the next level. Making your own wicks gives you total control over how your candles perform, burn, and last. With the right materials and simple steps, you can craft wicks that outperform many store-bought options.
Start with a few test wicks, adjust the thickness based on your candle size, and always test before making a full batch. Whether you’re making soy candles, beeswax candles, or paraffin blends, your homemade wicks will make all the difference.
If you want clean-burning, reliable, and customizable candles, making your own wicks is the smartest place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What’s the best string to use for candle wicks?
Always use 100% cotton string without synthetic materials. Braided cotton or butcher’s twine are ideal choices.
Q2. Why won’t my candle wick stay lit?
Common reasons include a wick that’s too thin, not enough wax coating, or flooding from melted wax. Try a thicker wick or coat it with more wax.
Q3. Is borax required to make candle wicks?
No, it’s optional. Borax and salt improve burn performance but aren’t necessary for a working wick.
Q4. How long should the wick be?
Cut the wick 2–3 inches longer than your candle’s height. This gives you room to secure and trim it after pouring the wax.
Q5. Can I make a wick without wax?
You can, but it won’t burn properly. The wax coating helps the flame catch and keeps the wick stiff inside the candle.