How to Knit an I-Cord and The I-Cord Cast-On Method

In this post, I’m sharing how to knit an i-cord, and how to use it to do the i-cord cast-on method.

Actually, in a previous tutorial, I shared how to knit an I-Cord Edge as you go, for the sides of a garment.

The i-cord is a tube made out of three stitches, which can be used to make ties for booties, and hats, or for example to make the handles of a bag.

In addition, an i-cord can be used to make the stems or stalks of a pumpkin or pumpkin hat.

Besides, you can use it to make the cast-on edge, to create a pretty, steady, and round side at the beginning of your projects.

However, take into account that you’ll need pointy and smooth double-pointed or circular needles #ad

Why?

Although we won’t be knitting in the round, we’ll need both ends or tips of the needle.

Firstly, we’ll see how to knit an i-cord, and then how to pick up and knit stitches to create the cast-on edge.

Without further ado, grab your needles and some yarn, and let’s get busy!

Abbreviations

St. Stitch

RS: Right side of the work

K: Knit

P: Purl

BO: Bind off

How to knit an I-Cord

With the double-pointed or circular needles, CO 3 st, using the long-tail cast-on method.

1º and every row: K3, *slide the 3 stitches to the other end of your needle, give it a nice tug, K3*.

Repeat from * to *, until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO knitwise (you’ll finish with a tube).

Nevertheless, if you want to do the cast-on, don’t BO and keep reading 🙂

I-Cord Cast On Method

To do the i-cord cast-on, you need to knit an i-cord first.

Once it measures the width required for your cast-on edge, do a double decrease, as follows:

K1, put that st back onto the left-hand needle, and pass the first and the second sts (from left to right), over the first one (do it one by one if it’s too tight to do it at once).

There is one st left on your left-hand needle. Pass it onto the right-hand needle.

Now, we’ll pick up and knit stitches from the top v-chain (RS):

*Place your right-hand needle under the first “v”, pull the yarn, and put this new loop/stitch onto the right-hand needle*. 

You have cast on one st (there are two sts on your right-hand needle.

Repeat from * to *, to the end of the v-chain.

Turn the work (you’re facing the WS), and start knitting as your pattern calls for.

This is the right side of the work:

And this is the other side of the work:

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:

How to Knit an I-Cord and The I-Cord Cast-On Method

I hope you like it! If so, don’t forget to spread the love 😉

Hugs, and happy knitting,

Carolina – So Woolly

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