Quick Answer
To make a simple wick from natural materials, you can use plant fibers like cattail or milkweed. Simply harvest the pithy center of the plant, dry it, and twist the fibers to form a wick.
Harvesting and Preparing Natural Fibers
To begin, select a plant with a pithy center like cattail or milkweed. Harvest the plant during the late summer or early fall months when the plant is mature but still green. Remove the outer leaves and cut off the top of the plant, leaving about 6 inches of the pithy center. Tie the harvested plant in small bunches and hang them upside down to dry in a warm, dry place. This can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks, depending on the humidity.
Creating the Wick
Once the plant is dry, separate the individual fibers and strip them from the rest of the plant material. You should be left with a bundle of long, thin fibers. To create the wick, twist the fibers together in a clockwise direction. The number of twists will depend on the desired thickness of the wick. For a standard candle wick, aim for 10-20 twists. Secure the twisted fibers by tying a small knot at the end.
Testing the Wick
Before using your natural wick, test it by dipping it into melted wax and allowing it to cool. If the wick is evenly sized and holds its shape, it’s ready for use. If not, adjust the number of twists or try using a different type of plant fiber.
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