Candle wicks are the most important part of any candle.
They are basically a bundle of fibres braided together, and when lit, will melt the neighboring wax so that it drawn up into the flame, where the wax then sustains the burn.
Without a wick, a candle is useless, and without wax, a candle wick is also useless.
Candle makers, like all crafters, enjoy making unique items.
Since the wick is so important to the candle, a candle maker who makes his own wicks will have a truly unique product.
He will be able to control the wick size, its shape, and the material it is made from.
Custom candles may require custom wicks that are not available commercially, a candle maker who makes his own wicks can then create any size of candle.
Wicks are made by braiding fibers together.
Cotton is the most commonly used fiber, but hemp and paper can also be used for natural wax candles such as soy.
Different numbers of strands braided together will create different thicknesses of wick.
Flat braids or round braids are possible to make, as each has different burn characteristics.
Flat braided wicks are generally used to make tapered candles.
Square or round braids are used in block candles or candles with the same diameter throughout their length.
Braided wicks will bend at the tip, effectively trimming themselves as they burn, so by far are more effective that simple straight or twisted fibers.
Although some commercial wicks contain a metal core for support and to burn hotter, this is not really necessary, as these wicks may be health hazards.
Instead, you can use a paper core to add stiffness and a hotter burn.
Before braiding your wick strands, soak them in a water bath that contains 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons boric acid to each cup of water.
Let them soak for 12 hours, then hang them to dry.
After the strands are dry, they can be braided in whatever pattern suits you.
The braided wicks will need to be primed before you use them.
Cut your braided wick into manageable lengths.
Holding one end of the wick with pliers or a clothes pin, dip it into hot wax, holding it there until the wax has thoroughly penetrated the wick.
You will know it is ready when the wick stops releasing bubbles.
Lift it from the wax, pull it straight, and set it on wax paper to cool and dry, or hang it to cool.
If you need stiffer wicks for container or tea light candle making, then dip them again.
Store your primed wicks in a rolled up paper or inside a paper towel core so they don't crack.
Because making your own candle wicks will give you unique wicks, you will need to test them thoroughly.
Make a single candle first, and allow it to burn for an hour.
Note the flame size, the size of the wax pool, and how the wick looks as it burns.
Use the same wick with different sized and shaped candles.
Take notes, so you will have records of how your wicks work best.
They are basically a bundle of fibres braided together, and when lit, will melt the neighboring wax so that it drawn up into the flame, where the wax then sustains the burn.
Without a wick, a candle is useless, and without wax, a candle wick is also useless.
Candle makers, like all crafters, enjoy making unique items.
Since the wick is so important to the candle, a candle maker who makes his own wicks will have a truly unique product.
He will be able to control the wick size, its shape, and the material it is made from.
Custom candles may require custom wicks that are not available commercially, a candle maker who makes his own wicks can then create any size of candle.
Wicks are made by braiding fibers together.
Cotton is the most commonly used fiber, but hemp and paper can also be used for natural wax candles such as soy.
Different numbers of strands braided together will create different thicknesses of wick.
Flat braids or round braids are possible to make, as each has different burn characteristics.
Flat braided wicks are generally used to make tapered candles.
Square or round braids are used in block candles or candles with the same diameter throughout their length.
Braided wicks will bend at the tip, effectively trimming themselves as they burn, so by far are more effective that simple straight or twisted fibers.
Although some commercial wicks contain a metal core for support and to burn hotter, this is not really necessary, as these wicks may be health hazards.
Instead, you can use a paper core to add stiffness and a hotter burn.
Before braiding your wick strands, soak them in a water bath that contains 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons boric acid to each cup of water.
Let them soak for 12 hours, then hang them to dry.
After the strands are dry, they can be braided in whatever pattern suits you.
The braided wicks will need to be primed before you use them.
Cut your braided wick into manageable lengths.
Holding one end of the wick with pliers or a clothes pin, dip it into hot wax, holding it there until the wax has thoroughly penetrated the wick.
You will know it is ready when the wick stops releasing bubbles.
Lift it from the wax, pull it straight, and set it on wax paper to cool and dry, or hang it to cool.
If you need stiffer wicks for container or tea light candle making, then dip them again.
Store your primed wicks in a rolled up paper or inside a paper towel core so they don't crack.
Because making your own candle wicks will give you unique wicks, you will need to test them thoroughly.
Make a single candle first, and allow it to burn for an hour.
Note the flame size, the size of the wax pool, and how the wick looks as it burns.
Use the same wick with different sized and shaped candles.
Take notes, so you will have records of how your wicks work best.
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