Knit an I Cord
I-cord is a simple knitting technique that creates a very narrow tube of knitting that looks a bit like French knitting. This is a stitch used for creating knitting bag handles, adding as edging on a project or applying as a specific cord in various craft projects. Following these simple steps will result in knitting an I-cord.
Contents
Steps
Double Pointed Needles
- Cast on the number of stitches desired or called for by a pattern with double pointed needles. Between three and five is normal - any more might require an extra double-pointed needle.
- Knit one row. Do not turn the work.
- Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle.
- Knit a second row by bringing the yarn behind the work and starting with the first stitch. Tug the work from the bottom after each first stitch to help it to take shape and to even out the tension.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until desired length is achieved. It'll start to take shape after 3/4 rows.
Single Pointed Needles
The above method can be easily adapted if you don't have double-pointed needles.
- Cast on three to five stitches depending on the thickness of i-cord you want.
- Knit one row. Do not turn your work.
- Slide the stitches from the tip of the needle directly onto the tip of the other needle. (If you are a right handed knitter, you will slip the stitches off the right needle and onto the left needle.)
- Repeat step two until the i-cord is the desired length.
- Cast off.
Circular Needle
I-cords can also be created with a circular needle.
- Cast on three to five stitches depending on the thickness of i-cord you want.
- Knit one row.
- Like in the double-pointed method, slide the stitches from one end of the circular needle to the other. Instead of using a second double pointed needle to create your stitches, you'll simply use the other end of your circular needle.
- Repeat step two until the i-cord is the desired length.
- Cast off.
Tips
- If you cast on using the Long Tail cast on method, your first row will already be knit. Simply slide to other end of needle and then begin knitting.
Warnings
Things You'll Need
- Two double pointed needles
- Yarn
