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Candle Making

Hand-Poured Soy Candles: A Beginner's Tutorial

With The Handcrafted Co. Studio

Beginner About 1 hour (plus overnight curing)
Hand-Poured Soy Candles: A Beginner's Tutorial

About this class

Learn to pour your own clean-burning soy candle from start to finish. This beginner-friendly class walks you through every step — from gathering materials to a finished candle ready to light. We'll cover wax temperature, wick centering, fragrance load, and the patience required for a beautiful, even burn.

What you'll learn

How to melt and temper soy wax safely Choosing and securing the right wick for your vessel Measuring fragrance oil for a balanced scent throw Pouring at the correct temperature for a smooth finish Curing and trimming your finished candle

Materials you'll need

Soy wax flakes (approx. 8 oz per vessel) Pre-tabbed cotton wicks A heat-safe pouring vessel or ceramic A double boiler or heat-proof bowl over a saucepan Thermometer Fragrance or essential oil (approx. 1 oz per 8 oz wax) Wick stickers or a dab of hot glue A wick holder or two chopsticks to keep the wick centered

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1: Gather your materials1

Gather your materials

Lay out your wax flakes, wicks, fragrance, vessel, and tools on a clean work surface. Having everything within reach keeps the pour smooth and stress-free — once the wax is melted, you'll want to move quickly.

Step 2: Secure the wick2

Secure the wick

Use a wick sticker or a small dab of hot glue to fix the metal tab of your wick to the center of the vessel's base. Keep the wick upright by resting it between two chopsticks laid across the rim. A centered wick means an even, clean burn.

Step 3: Melt the wax3

Melt the wax

Add your soy wax flakes to a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (a double boiler). Stir occasionally and monitor the temperature with your thermometer. Heat until the wax reaches about 170–185°F (77–85°C), fully melted and clear.

Step 4: Add the fragrance4

Add the fragrance

Remove the melted wax from heat and let it cool to around 160°F (71°C). Add your fragrance or essential oil — roughly 1 oz per pound of wax (about 10% by weight). Stir gently and steadily for two full minutes so the oil binds evenly with the wax.

Step 5: Pour the candle5

Pour the candle

Slowly pour the wax into your prepared vessel in a steady, gentle stream to avoid air bubbles. Leave about half an inch of space below the rim. Keep the wick centered and taut. Let the candle rest undisturbed on a flat surface away from drafts.

Step 6: Cure and trim6

Cure and trim

Allow your candle to cure at room temperature for at least 24 hours (overnight is ideal) for the best scent throw. Once set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. Your hand-poured candle is ready to light — enjoy the warm glow you made by hand.