How To Make Candles Without Wax

Welcome to this DIY candle tutorial that offers an innovative approach to candle making without the use of traditional wax. You may be wondering if it’s possible to create a candle without wax, and the answer is yes! In this tutorial, we’ll be using supermarket vegetable shortening as a wax substitute to make a candle that looks and performs just like a regular candle.

Now, you may be asking yourself why anyone would choose to use vegetable shortening instead of traditional wax. While there are many reasons one might choose to use this method, such as availability or personal preference, it’s important to note that this is just one of many candle making methods available, and each candle maker may have their own reasons for choosing a particular approach.

That being said, this tutorial offers an easy and affordable way to create a one-time candle project using simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store. Whether you’re looking to make a candle as a gift or for personal use, this DIY candle making tutorial is a great way to get started! So let’s get ready to make a candle without wax, using vegetable shortening as a unique alternative.

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Scandinavia is known for its sweaters, which usually include colorwork and are worked in muted colors of wool yarn. They’re nothing if not traditional, so giving that garment a modern twist is a fun approach.

Marita Clementz said in her book Knit Modern Scandi Sweaters that she wanted bolder, more colorful designs inspired by nature.

The book opens with a brief overview of needed supplies (plus the yarn she used to make her sweaters, which may be difficult to find in other countries), a discussion of yarn weigh, increasing or decreasing evenly across a project, color dominance, sizing and ease and general sweater construction. All of the garments are worked in the round from the top down, and several include short rows at the neck. She also talks about reading and adjusting charts.

The patterns follow, with lots of pictures and a large copy of the chart. Some of my favorites include Anemone, covered all over with large flowers that remind me of the 1960s; Lofoten, which features colorwork diamonds and is shown in three different colorways with three neckline options; and the cheerful zig-zagged Svalbard, inspired by the mountains and midnight sun of the island of Spitsbergen. I’m not finding the book on Ravelry as I write this but you can see some of the patterns in the preview on Amazon, linked above or the publisher’s website, linked below.

There are lots of floral motifs and geometric designs, and the patterns don’t do a ton of hand holding, so it would be good if you’ve knit a few sweaters before you try these. The skill ratings are on a scale of one to five: six are rated three, four are four and two are level five. (None are rated one or two.)

All the designs have seven sizes, which range in chest circumference from 34 to 53 inches, or 85 to 133 cm. Garments are shown on young adults and men and women (all the author’s family I think).

This book is a lot of fun if you like bold, colorful designs and cozy sweaters with a Scandinavian flair.

About the book: 128 pages, paperback, 12 patterns. Published 2025 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99.

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