An i-cord is a small tube of knitting, knit using two DPNs. I-cords are often used for edging, trim, or embellishment. I wrote the basics of how to knit an i-cord in a variety of sizes here. Though the basic i-cords is knit in stockinette stitch, there are a variety of decorative I-cords you can knit.
Note: All I-cords must be knit using DPNs or circular needles.
Decorative I-cords, like the Ridged I-cord and the Seed Stitch I-cord, can be used in place of standard I-cords. The I-cord Button can be used to create buttons for any knitting project, and the Applied I-cord can be used to add a decorative I-cord edging to your knitting.
Garter Decorative I-cords
Cast on 2 stitches onto dpns.
Row 1: Push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit.
Row 2: Push stitches to the right end of the needle and purl.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until desired length.
To bind off: k2tog. Cut yarn and pull tail through.
Ridged Decorative I-cords
Row 1: Push stitches to right end of needle. wyib, bring yarn to front to purl, then purl all stitches.
Row 2: Push stitches to right end of needle. wyib, knit all stitches.
Rep Rows 1 and 2. Each repeat creates a ridge.
Seed Stitch Decorative I-cords
Row 1: Push stitches to right end of needle. *k1, p1, rep from *.
Row 2: Push stitches to right end of needle. *p1, k1, rep from *.
Rep Rows 1 and 2.
I-cord Button
Casting on: Cast on four stitches.
Creating I-cord:*Without turning needle, push stitches to the right end of the needle, knit. Continue from * for 3.5″.
Binding off: slip 1 stitch, k2tog, use tip of left needle to pull second stitch over k2tog and off the needle. Cut yarn and pull tail through.
Finishing: Tie I-cord in a knot. Thread yarn tail onto a tapestry needle and secure ends into knot.
Applied I-cord
Casting on: With RS facing you, cast 3 stitches onto a dpn or circular needle.
Creating I-cord:*With yarn in back, pick up a stitch at edge of piece being trimmed. 4 sts. Push the 4 stitches to the right end of the needle and k2, k2tog-b; repeat from *.
Note: Keep tension loose enough and the number of stitches picked up appropriate so your edge lies flat.
Pattern Specific Variations to Decorative I-Cords
Sometimes, I include technique variations that are for specific patterns. I always include directions for specific techniques in the pattern itself, so be sure to also read any patterns you’re working on closely.
Applied I-cord Variation for Jupiter’s Rings Merino Ribbon
Casting on: With RS facing you, cast 2 stitches onto a dpn or circular needle.
Creating I-cord: *With yarn in back, pick up a stitch at edge of piece being trimmed. 3 sts. Push the 3 stitches to the right end of the needle and k2, k2tog-b; repeat from *.
Note: Keep tension loose enough and the number of stitches picked up appropriate so that your edge lies flat.
Applied I-cord Variation for Jupiter’s Rings Euroflax
Casting on: With RS facing you, cast 2 stitches onto a dpn or circular needle.
Creating I-cord: *With yarn in back, pick up a stitch at edge of piece being trimmed. 3 sts. Push the 3 stitches to the right end of the needle and k2, k2tog-b; repeat from *.
Note: Keep tension loose enough and the number of stitches picked up appropriate so that your edge lies flat.
Applied I-cord & Button Loop Variation for Tangier
Keep the tension of the i-cord loose enough and the number of stitches picked up appropriate so your edge lies flat. Do not turn your work and keep the yarn in back.
Setup: Working with the cast on edge upward and the RS of the scarf facing, beginning at the right edge CO3 stitches onto a dpn or circular needle.
Applied i-cord: With yarn in back the cast on stitches on the right needle, *pick up a stitch in the cast on loops. 4 sts.
Push the 4 stitches to the right end of the needle and k2, k2tog-b; repeat from * to across the cast on edge.
Use left needle to (pull second stitch over first) 2 times. Cut the yarn and pull through the last stitch.
Button Loop: Pick up 2 (3) stitches inside the 2 Stockinette stitches and work 2 (3)-stitch i-cord for desired length or to to inside of opposite 2 Stockinette stitches. Before ending the button loop, be sure your button will fit through. Anchor bound off button loop to the opposite side. Keep the button loop as short as possible to prevent pulling.
