How to Make a Candle Wick

Candle makers are always looking for ways to save a little money, and learning how to make a candle wick can help save some pennies. Making your own wicks can be a good way to keep a handle on quality control as well, but the process can be time consuming. Most professionals still purchase pre-made wicks, but knowing how to make your own is still a handy skill to have.

Candle wicks can be tricky.

A wick is essential for any candle, as it acts as the conduit between the flame and the candle wax. Wicks are made up of bundles of fibers, usually made of cotton or other natural materials. The most common type of candle wick is braided, combining three or more strands tightly braided together to increase burn time.

Candle wicks come in many different types and sizes. Different types of candles, depending on size and type of wax being used, will use different wicks. Generally speaking, larger candles will need thicker and sturdier wicks to ensure that the candle will burn evenly.

There are several reasons why you might want to make your own candle wicks, including:

• Ensuring complete control over what materials are used in your handmade candles.
• To save money on supplies.
• To have extra wicks on hand in case you run out at a crucial time.
• For spells and magic, which require that the candles used are completely homemade.

Ready to learn how to make a candle wick? It's easy to create basic braided candle wicks at home. These wicks will work for simple candles, including tapers, votive candles, and even tea lights. Here's how you do it.

• Heavy, untreated cotton yarn or string, cut into uniform strands
• Salt
• Boric acid (see note)
• Water
• Uncolored, unscented wax
• Waxed paper

Note: Boric acid is commonly available at pharmacies and mass merchandisers (such as Wal-Mart), in the first aid section. It is a poison, however, so store and use this product carefully.

You'll also need a mixing bowl, measuring spoons, a double boiler, scissors, and mixing spoons.

• In a large, non-reactive bowl (glass is best), combine one cup water, two tablespoons boric acid, and one tablespoon salt. Mix well.
• Soak three strands of cotton string in this mixture for 10-12 hours, storing the bowl in a safe place where it won't get tipped over.
• Drain and discard liquid; hang the cotton in a cool dry place to dry out.
• Once the fibers are completely dried, braid them together as tightly as possible. If necessary, you can secure the ends with a bit of melted wax.
• Melt a small amount of wax in a double boiler.
• Place the braided wick into the wax, pushing it down with a spoon or other utensil to coat. *Allow the wick to sit in the wax for a few minutes until saturated.
• Remove wick from wax. Allow to cool for a few moments, until cool enough to handle but still soft.
• Pull the wick tight and straight, and hold under cold running water for a few seconds.
• Pat dry with paper towels, and set the wick on waxed paper to cool completely.

• Dipping the braided wick into melted wax is called "priming" the wick, and is done to make it stronger and burn more slowly. For sturdier wicks, this procedure can be repeated several times before cooling the wick under water.
• Before using your handmade wicks in candle projects, make sure that the wicks you created are appropriate for the project itself.
• Trim your wicks to about four to six inches longer than the finished candle will be, leaving room for tabbing or securing the wick at the bottom, as well as overhang at the top.

Once you've made your own candle wicks, test them out on a few different sizes of candles to see how well they burn. If you notice any problems, try different types of cotton string, or prime your wicks a few more times before using them.

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