Things You'll Need
Beeswax
Small saucepan
Stove
Thread
Craft sticks or skewers
Newspaper
Scissors
Waxed thread is commonly used for friendship bracelets and hand weaving projects, particularly those involving hemp string. Waxing smooths the fibers, making the hemp thread smoother and easier to manipulate. Waxed thread is also ideal for friendship bracelet projects, as the wax makes the thread colors more vibrant and the threads easier to grasp. Pre-waxed thread is available, but the selection is limited. Make your own waxed string at home using embroidery floss, hemp or any other thread type.
Step 1
Melt a block of uncolored, unscented beeswax in a small saucepan over low heat.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Tie lengths of string to a craft stick or skewer.
Step 3
Grasp the untied end of the craft stick or skewer and dip the threads into the beeswax. Pull the threads out of the wax and allow the excess wax to drip off into the saucepan.
Step 4
Lay the waxed threads atop a section of newspaper and allow the wax to cool and harden.
Step 5
Cut the thread just below the point where it's knotted to the craft stick or skewer.
Step 6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the wax to harden. Once cooled, the wax will slide out of the saucepan in one large block.
Tip
Use a potpourri burner to melt a small batch of wax. Use a small tealight to heat the cup area that holds the wax.
Apply wax to sewing thread by sliding it through a wax block. These wax blocks are sold in the sewing notions section of the craft store.
If you encounter difficulties when attempting to remove the cooled wax from the saucepan, slide a butter knife between the wax and the edge of the saucepan. Tilt the knife toward the edge of the saucepan to pop out the wax block.
You can dip individual pieces of thread or a long, single thread in sections.
Warning
Do not apply more than one coat of wax. A thick coat of wax will crumble off of the thread, resulting in a sticky, unsightly mess.
Video of the Day