Start with Basic Cotton Thread or Twine
The easiest way to make a candle wick is to use plain cotton thread or twine. Choose a thickness based on the diameter of your candle container. Cotton string is accessible and highly absorbent, making it ideal for drawing wax upward while burning. If you’re planning a fun DIY candle project, this method works great and costs very little to experiment with.
Soak the Thread in Salt and Borax Solution
To improve how your wick burns, soak the cotton thread in a mix of water, salt, and borax. This combination helps the wick burn slower and with less soot, making it more suitable for eco-friendly candles. After soaking for 24 hours, remove the thread and let it dry completely. This treatment is key for achieving a clean, steady flame—something we emphasize in our hand poured candles at Karessa Candles.
Coat with Wax for Stability
Once the thread is fully dry, dip it into melted wax (like leftover soy wax candles or beeswax). This helps your wick stand firm when placed in the candle mold and adds burn time stability. Make sure to straighten the wick while it cools, and let it harden fully before use. This step is essential in candle crafting to create a reliable wick that performs well when lit.
Customize for Container Size and Burn Time
Your homemade wick can be customized for different candle types and jars. For example, thinner wicks work well for tealights or smaller candle accessories, while thicker ones are needed for large jars or multi-wick designs. Just like the thoughtful selection in our Karessa Candles line, the right wick ensures your candle burns evenly, lasts longer, and fills the space with fragrance.
