How to knit: I-Cord

 

How to knit: I-Cord

Step by step tutorial

Do you want to knit handles for a bag, a cord for a hood, ties for a hat, or straps for a tank top? All of this can be made using the I-cord method.

An I-cord is a small tube knitted in the round using two double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle. DPNs are preferable due to the small number of stitches and the method of knitting.

An I-cord can be created with 3, 4, 5, or a few more stitches. Using too many stitches can make the knitting difficult and the result may not form a proper tube.

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • Two double-pointed needles

  • Yarn

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Cast on the desired number of stitches with a Long Tail Cast On method.

2.  Now, without turning your work like you normally would, slide the stitches to the right end of the needle (that's why it is better to use DPNs).

3.  Keep the working yarn in the back and knit across all stitches. Keep a high tension for the first two stitches so you close the gap on the back.

4.  Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach the desired length.

Tips:

  • Maintain consistent tension, especially on the first stitch, for a smooth and even I-Cord.

  • If using a circular needle, treat it as if using two DPNs, sliding stitches to one end and knitting with the other.

This is a very easy and  fun technique. Are you ready to try the I-cord on a project?

My suggestion is Albena Top Tank where the straps are knitted using this method.

If you find this tutorial useful, I would appreciate your support by shopping from my carefully designed patterns.