If you’ve just started making candles, one of the most important things you’ll need to know is how to choose the right candle wick. Many beginners focus on picking the perfect fragrance, wax, or jar and that’s great! But even if everything else is perfect, your candle won’t burn properly if the wick isn’t the right one.
Choosing the best wick can take time. It’s not always easy. You’ll probably have to try out a few different types and sizes before you find what works best. Sometimes, it can take a few weeks or even months of testing to get it right. But don’t worry. With some patience, you’ll get there!
In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of candle wicks and which ones are best for different candles. If you’re using more than one kind of jar or container, you may need different wicks for each one. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” wick.
So, let’s just get into it!
1. Wooden Wicks (Our Top Pick!)
Wooden wicks are loved by many candle makers and candle lovers. Why? Because they’re simple, stylish. When burning, they give off a soft crackling sound, kind of like a mini fireplace. It creates a cosy feeling that’s hard to beat.
These wicks are made from real wood or a mix of wood and cotton. They burn in a straight line and give off a steady flame. They’re also eco-friendly, which means they’re better for the planet.
Many candle makers say wooden wicks are easier to work with once you get the hang of them. They don’t “mushroom” as much as other wicks (that’s when the tip of the wick gets a black, bumpy end), and they create a nice, even melt pool, which helps the candle burn clean and smell stronger.
Best for: Container candles, soy wax, or blended wax
You can get high-quality wooden wicks at great prices from Budget Depot. Made from natural wood, our wood wicks provides a clean and consistent flame, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to any candle.
2. Flat Wicks
Flat wicks are some of the most common wicks used in candle making. They’re made by braiding three pieces of fiber together. As they burn, the wick curls a little, which helps keep the flame small and steady. This curl also helps the wick trim itself, so you don’t have to cut it as often.
These wicks are simple, reliable, and great for candles that don’t need a super strong flame.
Best for: Taper candles and pillar candles
3. Square Wicks
Square wicks are also braided, but they are stronger and thicker than flat wicks. They are rounder in shape, and they work well in candles that have a thicker wax, like beeswax. If you use strong scents or add a lot of color to your wax, square wicks are a good choice because they can handle the extra load.
They also burn a bit slower, which can help your candle last longer.
Best for: Beeswax candles, highly scented or colored candles
4. Cored Wicks
Cored wicks have a material in the center to help them stay straight as they burn. This center is usually made of cotton, paper, zinc, or tin. The outer part of the wick is made of braided or twisted fibers.
Because they stay firm and straight, cored wicks are great for jar candles and other candles where you want the wick to stay upright. These wicks give off a steady flame and are easy to light.
Best for: Jar candles, votives, and pillar candles
5. ECO, CD, CDN, LX, and HTP Wicks
These are all different types of wicks that are used a lot in candle making. They are usually made from cotton or other natural materials and are braided or flat. Each one has its own style and works best with certain waxes and jars.
- ECO wicks: Made with cotton and paper. They help reduce soot and smoke.
- CD and CDN wicks: Work well with soy wax and give a strong, steady flame.
- LX wicks: Help control carbon buildup (mushrooming).
- HTP wicks: Flat braided and good for vegetable-based waxes like soy.
These wicks are great if you want to test different types before deciding on your favorite.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Wick
Picking the right wick is one of the most important parts of making candles. It might take a few tries before you find the perfect one. That’s normal! Don’t feel bad if your first candle doesn’t burn perfectly. Every candle maker goes through testing.
Here are a few quick tips:
- Test different wicks with the same wax and container to see what works best.
- Keep notes on what you try (wax type, wick size, fragrance load, etc.).
- Don’t skip testing. Even if you think it looks good, always test before making a big batch.
- If your candle is tunneling (burning only in the middle), try a larger wick.
- If your candle is smoking or burning too fast, try a smaller wick.
And remember, wooden wicks are not only beautiful and modern, but they’re also easier to work with than you might think. If you haven’t tried them yet, Budget Depot has great options to help you get started without spending too much.
Wrapping It Up
Candle making is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it does take a little time to learn. One of the biggest parts of that learning process is picking the right candle wick.
Start small, test often, and don’t give up. Once you find the right wick and get that perfect burn, it all becomes worth it. Whether you go with a simple flat wick, a sturdy square wick, or a cosy wooden wick, the right choice makes all the difference.
Happy candle making!
FAQs
A good wick gives a steady flame, no smoke, and melts the wax evenly across the top. If your candle tunnels or flickers too much, it’s time to try a different wick.
No, not always. Different wax types, jar sizes, and scents can all affect how a wick burns, so each setup may need its own wick.
That’s called tunneling and usually means the wick is too small. Try a wider wick or let the candle burn long enough to melt the full surface.
This is called mushrooming and often means your wick is too big. Try trimming the wick before lighting, or switch to a smaller size.
Yes, wooden wicks should be trimmed to about 1/8 inch before each burn. This helps the candle burn evenly and prevents it from going out.
