How to Do Candlewicking

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: January 11, 2023

Candlewicking is a form of embroidery done with heavy thread on muslin. It is considered "traditional" because it uses an old technique called the "colonial knot".

Steps

1
Cut a piece of the muslin large enough for your selected design.
2
Lay the muslin on top of the pattern.

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3
Lightly trace the pattern onto your muslin. A light box can make this faster and easier.
4
Pin the fabric to the pattern to keep it from sliding as you trace.
5
Use a washable marker to make small dots to indicate the placement of the colonial knots and any other embroidery stitches used in the design.
6
Check to be certain that you have transferred the entire Candlewicking pattern to the muslin and haven't missed anything.
7
Remove the pins and set the pattern aside.
8
Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop.
9
Thread the embroidery needle with 4 strands of Candlewicking thread or 6-12 strands of embroidery floss. The amount of floss you use will determine how large your colonial knots will be.^{[1]
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10
Tie a knot in the thread or floss and stitch your first colonial knot. If this is your first Candlewicking design, practice making colonial knots on a small piece of muslin before you begin.^{[2]
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11
Systematically work the design - left to right, top to bottom, or whatever to prevent soiling finished areas.^{[3]
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12
Launder when finished to remove the marker.
13
Size the finished piece by laying the piece face down on a clean, prewashed white towel and iron it from the back.
14
"Pat" the fabric with the iron when ironing to avoid damaging the colonial knots.
15
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Is there a backing I could place behind the stitching to protect it and cover the appearence?

Community Answer

I iron a Pellon type fabric onto the back of my work. This keeps threads in place and makes for a more finished piece.
Question

What size thread is candlewicking thread?

Community Answer

The size of the thread is usually 3.541 mm.
Question

How do I do the knots? Is there a specific way?

BellaLovesToBake1122

Community Answer

There is not a specific way. One way is to go back to your previous stitch and go underneath it. You made a loop; go under the loop and you've got a knot. To double knot just repeat this process.

Things You'll Need

Medium to heavy weight unbleached cotton muslin
Candlewicking thread (substitute cream colored six-strand embroidery thread if need be.)
A large sharp embroidery needle
Washable fabric marker
Straight pins
A pattern