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July 16, 2016

I-cord: the basics

An i-cord is a small tube of knitting, knit using two DPNs. Often used for edging, trim, or embellishment.

See also: Decorative I-Cords

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.

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