An i-cord is a small tube of knitting, knit using two DPNs. Often used for edging, trim, or embellishment.
2 Stitch I-cord
Cast on 2 stitches onto dpns. *Without turning needles, push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit. Repeat from * for desired length. To bind off: k2tog. Cut yarn and pull tail through.
3 Stitch I-cord
Phrasing Version One: Cast on 3 stitches onto dpns. *Without turning needles, push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit. Repeat from * until desired length. To bind off: slip 1 stitch, k2tog, use tip of left needle to pull slipped stitch over k2tog and off the needle. Cut yarn and pull tail through.
Phrasing Version Two: Begin with 3 stitches on a dpn. *Without turning needle, push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit. Repeat from * until desired length. To bind off: SK2P. Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.
4 Stitch I-cord
Phrasing Version One: Cast on 4 stitches onto dpns. *Without turning needles, push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit. Repeat from * until desired length. To bind off: Slip 1 stitch, k3tog, use tip of left needle to pull slipped stitch over k3tog and off the needle. Cut yarn and pull tail through.
Phrasing Version Two: Begin with 4 stitches on a double-point needle. *Without turning needle, push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit. Repeat from * until desired length. To bind off: SK2P, k1, BO. Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.
6 Stitch I-cord
Cast on 6 stitches onto dpns. *Without turning needles, push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit. Repeat from * to desired length. (k2tog) 3 times. Push stitches to right end of needle, slip 1 stitch, k2tog. Use tip of left needle to pull slipped stitch over k2tog and off the needle.
I wrote some more tips and tricks for knitting I-cords here.
Pattern Specific Variations to I-cord
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.
I-cord Variation for Firenze
Use remaining stitches. *Without turning needles, push stitches to the right end of the needle and knit. Repeat from * until desired length. To bind off: slip 1 stitch, k2tog, use tip of left needle to pull slipped stitch over k2tog and off the needle. Cut yarn and pull tail through.
