Gather supplies: granulated sugar, water, saucepan, thermometer (optional), clean glass jar or container, wooden stick or skewer, string or paper clip (optional), pencil, parchment paper, spoon, heat-safe measuring tools
Choose a clean container and set up a hanging stick: tie string to a small weight or attach to a pencil; suspend in the jar so it does not touch the bottom or sides
Prepare a saturated sugar solution: combine sugar and water (start with about 2 cups sugar per 1 cup water)
Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until all sugar dissolves
Continue simmering briefly until the solution is fully clear (no sugar crystals on the bottom)
Remove from heat and let bubbles settle; allow solution to cool slightly (warm, not hot)
Pour the warm solution into the jar
If using a seed crystal: dip the stick in the solution, roll in sugar, let dry, then place in the jar
Suspend the stick so it hangs in the center and does not touch the container
Let the jar sit undisturbed in a cool, draft-free place
After several hours to a day, crystals should form and grow
For larger, faster growth: start with a hotter/more concentrated solution and keep it warm during early growth
If crystals form on the sides: gently remove the stick, pour off the solution through a strainer, re-dissolve any loose crystals, cool slightly, and restart with a seed
When the crystals reach the desired size, remove the stick and let excess syrup drip off
Dry on parchment paper until surface is no longer sticky
Store in an airtight container to reduce dissolving from humidity