Best DIY Candle Wick Methods for Clean & Long Burning

 

Ever run out of wicks mid-project or wanted something more natural? You’re in the right place! In this easy guide, I’ll show you how to make your own candle wicks using materials you probably already have at home—like cotton string, balsa wood, or hemp cord.

Whether you're working with soy, beeswax, coconut, or even gel wax, I’ll help you find the right wick material, show you how to prep it, and share how to test for a beautiful, steady burn.

Let’s dive in and light things up! 🕯️

💡 Want to Make the *Perfect* Candle?

Don't miss my full guide to choosing the best wax types, pro tips for clean burns, and creative candle ideas!

👉 Read the Candle DIY Guide

Why Make Your Own Candle Wick?

Making a DIY candle wick is easier than you might think—and there are plenty of good reasons to try it:

✨ Natural materials – No metal cores, bleaches, or synthetics
🪴 Eco-friendly – Great for zero-waste or upcycled candle projects
💰 Budget-friendly – Use what you already have at home
🎨 Customizable – Adjust size and material for each candle type

Plus, it’s honestly just fun to experiment! Whether you're going for a rustic beeswax pillar or a crackling soy wax candle in a teacup, the right homemade wick makes a huge difference.

Best Materials for DIY Candle Wicks

Here are a few natural wick materials I recommend testing, depending on your wax type and container:

🧵 Cotton String (100% Cotton)

 

• Great for soy, beeswax, coconut, and paraffin wax

• Choose natural, unbleached cotton (avoid anything dyed or treated)

• Braid 2–3 pieces together for thicker wicks

• Soak in melted wax to prime, then let dry before using

🪵 Wooden Wicks (Balsa or Craft Sticks)

 

• Ideal for soy or coconut wax

• Gives a cozy, crackling sound

• Soak in wax or olive oil, then clamp in center of jar

• Double up for wider jars

🌿 Hemp Cord

 

• Natural and strong—great for beeswax

• Needs to be wax-coated before use

• Has a slightly slower burn than cotton

📃 Paper Towel or Rolled Paper

• Emergency wick option—works for short burns

• Fold, twist, and dip in wax

• Not ideal for long burning or scented candles

🎋 Hybrid Wicks

 

• Wrap cotton twine around a thin wood skewer

• Great for gel candles or decorative jars

• Customize thickness and structure

 

Candle Wick Material Comparison Chart

 

Wick Material	Burn Quality	Scent Throw	Best Wax Types	Notes
Cotton Twine	Clean, steady	Medium	Soy, Beeswax	Most popular DIY wick
Wood Stick	Crackling sound	Strong	Soy, Coconut	Needs soaking in oil
Hemp Cord	Slow, even	Medium	Beeswax	Natural and eco-friendly
Braided Paper	Hot, quick burn	Strong	Paraffin	Test carefully, burns fast
Yarn (100% cotton)	Uneven if thick	Weak	Soy, Blends	Only safe if undyed/uncoated

Chart: Best Wick Type by Wax

Wax Type	Wick Type	Notes
Soy Wax	Braided cotton or wood	Clean burn; wood adds aesthetic crackle
Beeswax	Thick hemp or braided cotton	Needs strong flame to melt dense wax
Coconut Wax	Cotton or wood wick	Soft wax; pairs well with wide wicks
Paraffin Wax	Most types work; test size	Hot-burning; adjust wick thickness
Gel Wax	Wood or hybrid	Use with heat-safe containers only
Palm Wax	Braided cotton	Hard wax needs a stable, centered wick

Step-by-Step: How to Make a DIY Candle Wick

Here’s how to make a homemade wick in minutes:

Step 1: Cut your material

Measure your wick 2–3 cm longer than your candle jar height.

Step 2: Prime the wick

Dip the cotton/hemp/wood into melted wax (same wax you’ll use for the candle). Let it soak for 30 seconds, then lay it flat to dry completely.

 

Step 3: Braid or layer if needed

If you're using cotton for a wide jar, braid 2–3 strands together. If you’re using wood, layer two thin sticks for a stronger burn.

Step 4: Attach the wick

Use a wick tab or a dab of hot glue to secure the wick to the bottom of the jar. Hold it upright with a pencil or wick centering tool.

Step 5: Pour and set

Pour your wax, let it set fully, and trim your wick to about 1/4 inch before burning.

 Wick Thickness vs. Jar Size Guide

Jar Diameter	Suggested Wick Type or Braid	Notes
< 2 inches (5 cm)	Single strand (thin cotton)	Great for tea lights
2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)	2–3 strand braid or flat wick	Standard jar candles
3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm)	4-strand braid or thicker wood wick	For wider containers
> 4 inches (10+ cm)	Double wicks or thick braid	Helps avoid tunneling

Troubleshooting Tips 🔥

• Flickering or drowning flame? Wick may be too thin. Try braiding or doubling up.

• Soot or mushrooming? Wick might be too thick or untrimmed. Cut to 5 mm before lighting.

• Wax not fully melting? Use a wider wick or test with a softer wax blend.

Always test your wicks before gifting or selling your candles!

 

 Candle Wick Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Quick Fix
Wick goes out quickly	Wick too thin or wax too soft	Use thicker wick, trim properly
Too much soot/smoke	Wick too thick or too long	Trim to ¼ inch before lighting
Uneven burn (tunneling)	Wick too thin for jar size	Use thicker or double wick
Flame too high	Wick not primed or too thick	Trim and test again
Weak scent throw	Wax/wick mismatch or low-quality oil	Try coconut/soy + thinner wick

Fun DIY Wick Experiments

🎀 Lavender-Scented Wick: Soak cotton string in lavender essential oil before wax priming.
🌲 Crackle Wick: Layer 2 balsa sticks with twine in between for a dual-texture flame.
🔁 Spiral Wick: Twist braided wick into a flat spiral for wide candles with even melt pools.

 

Save it for Later !

 Priming Your Wick – Quick Steps Mini Chart

Step	What to Do	Why It Helps
1	Dip wick in melted wax	Makes wick stiff & burn-ready
2	Let it cool flat (on baking paper)	Prevents curling
3	Attach to sustainer or clip	Keeps wick centered
4	Trim to ¼ inch (6mm) before lighting	Safe, clean burn

Final Thoughts

Making your own DIY candle wick is a small but powerful way to personalize your candles. It saves money, reduces waste, and gives you creative freedom over every part of your candle-making process.

📸 Don’t forget to tag your creations with #anielskaanieladiy on Instagram—I’d love to see what you make!

Happy crafting and cozy burning,
Aniela 🕯️💛