Q&A for How to Make Candle Wicks

No, Borax is the best solution to use on a cotton wick. However, you don't have to use Borax at all. Just soak the cotton twine in a saltwater mixture to stiffen it. Or, simply dip it in melted wax.

Yes, you can use toothpicks for small candles like tea candles. Just trim the toothpick so it is a bit taller than your candle container. Then, soak it in olive oil like you would with the balsa stick.

Yes. You can simply dip a string in melted wax and allow it to dry. Then you can make a candle without using borax or wood.

Yes, you can.

Yes, it will work the same, just follow the directions given in method two, substituting olive oil with avocado or coconut oil.

Yes. All you need is a cotton string, which you dip in the wax quickly, so it is covered in wax.

It depends on the perfume, but 9 times out of 10, no. Most perfumes that you buy are alcohol-based and wouldn't mix with the wax. You can get some scented wax pellets (or just shave some off a block) to mix with the wax you're using or use some essential oils. With oils or other liquid scents, you don't want to add too much; it will mess with the consistency of the wax.

No, I make candles and I just use wax and wick. I have never needed any chemicals for mine.

Yes, this will work.

You are supposed to get your string and dip it in the wax quickly, and then let it dry. You don't have to dip it at all; it's just that when it is dipped, it burns longer. So yes, you may use wax instead.

Yes, you can use bamboo dipped in olive oil.

The crystals are just crystallized borax, but they don't burn. So scrape them off.

No. Paracord is made of nylon (plastic) which quickly melts on flame contact. This is why when it is cut, people often singe the ends to get it to not unravel. Aside from that, burning plastic puts nasty stuff in the air that can give you cancer if you're exposed to enough.

Hobby Lobby has them, as should any other craft store.

Dipping twine in essential oil will not increase the scent, it will only burn off. Essential oil is most fragrant when it is warmed up and evaporated into the air instead of burned; this is best done by the essential oil being mixed into the melted candle paraffin (before pouring into your candle container).

Yes, I have tried this and they work just as well.

Yes, Cut in thin strips 1/4 inch or so and dip in wax,. Then twist on first dip (twist is not mandatory, but can help shape), then repeat dipping in wax (no twisting) 2 to 5 more times.

Yarn doesn't work. Use a cotton floor mop: cut off what you need to make the wick.

No, do not dry the candle wick in a dryer.

You can use any kind of olive oil, but they are all edible.

Yes, absolutely. I've done this before. It works a lot better if you wrap twine around a toothpick and then douse it in olive oil as a wick.

Yes, as long as it is thoroughly dipped in wax prior. It must be 100 percent cotton. Nylon would cause a fire problem.

Yes, as stated above, bamboo skewers will work as well in same regard.

You can, but it will not last very long.

It could work with seasoned wood, but it is not ideal if there are other resources available.

No. You can use regular bamboo skewers if you have those.

You can soak it longer, but it is unnecessary. After an hour, the wood will have maximized its oil capacity and will be ready for the next step.

Hot glue melts when it gets hot. When the candle is lit and burns down, it may make the wick come lose and fall down into the wax.

They would work, but it's better if you dip them in some olive oil. Since they are short (unless you mean skewers), don't use them for tall candles.

Borax is a detergent, which is a wetting agent; this means that it breaks the surface tension of liquids so that they are allowed to flow freely. The use of borax aids in soaking the candle wick fully when dipped in wax. It is not necessary, but it should improve the quality of your wicks. It is negligible on thin (normal) wicks, but on thicker wicks, it would be better to use the borax solution.