Candle Wicks
The composition of the candle wicks is an important aspect in the selection of the wick and its placement in the
candle wax. Currently there are in excess of one hundred varieties of candle wicks on the market on offer.
Basically candle wicks can be categorized as either: flat, square or cored wicks. From a safety point of view is
also advisable to ensure that your choice of wick are not hazardous to your health and thus you should check
that the candle wicks that you buy to make your candles is lead-free so as to avoid lead poisoning.
Square Candle Wicks
The square, braided candles wicks are rounded and robust. It is not difficult to see why these are preferred over
flat candle wicks for pillar candles and tapers with beeswax, soy or other vegetable based waxes. The design of
square candle wicks has one major advantage – it aids in inhibiting clogging.
Flat Candle Wicks
One will most often find that pillar candles and tapers are constructed with the flat candle wicks. The rationale
behind this is quite simple: The flat- and the square candle wicks are designed to curl in the flame for
self-trimming.
Cored Candle Wicks
The smaller candles like gel candles, jar candles and votive candles usually require cored candle wicks due to
them being less rigid than pillar candles. These types of candle wicks are plaited or braided around a core of
cotton, zinc or tin. The choice of core depends on the degree of stiffness required for the candle wick to
remain upright and straight while burning.
Buying in Bulk
Whether you need square, flat or cored candle wicks, you can purchase them in bulk. Bulk candle wicks are
available in spools by the yard. A ten-yard spool retails at around $3 to $4 dollars and you will be able to
wick a lot of candles in your candle making endeavors depending on their size.
A Candle Wick Accessory
The use of wick tabs and clips help to hold the wick straight and centre it within the holder. This
greatly enhances the experiences of candle making. Wick tabs and clips can also be purchased in bulk and
they are also available in various sizes.
By investing a little more when purchasing pre-tabbed or clipped wicks you will save yourself the
hassle of threading the candle wicks, which, depending on the size of the wick, requires some dexterity and
fiddling!