How to Knit an I-Cord Edge 3 Ways!

Today, you’ll learn how to knit an i-cord (not an Apple product… yet ; ) edge 3 ways…

It’s a super easy yet useful technique, which will give a special finish to our projects.

The good news is that an i-cord edge has different uses:

Firstly, it’s especially helpful, when knitting a piece in Stockinette stitch, to prevent it from curling (in the video tutorial I’m showing how to do it for both, at the beginning and at the end of a row).

Secondly, it’s perfect for the front pieces of a cardigan; it will give more firmness to the button band.

Thirdly, the i-cord edge is also suitable when knitting a more sporty jacket, and we want to add a zipper!

In addition, the I-Cord Edge could be worked no matter the pattern you’ve chosen as your main stitch.

It’s formed using three stitches; these are extra stitches, and you need to add them to your stitch count.

Therefore, if you need the i-cord on each side of a blanket, for example, add six stitches.

Without further ado, grab your needles and a bit of yarn, and let’s get busy 🙂

Abbreviations

St. Stitch

RS: Right side of the work

P: Purl

wyib: With yarn in back

sl3pw: Slip three stitches purlwise (pass three stitches as if to purl onto the right-hand needle)

BO: Bind off

This swatch was knitted using a chunky yarn (a blend of wool and Alpaca, perfect for Winter garments) #ad

How to knit an i-cord edge to prevent your project from curling. So Woolly.

And thick wooden knitting needles (US 17 – 12 mm) #ad

If you use smaller needles and finer yarn, the i-cord will be more firm 😉

How to knit an I-Cord Edge at the beginning of the row

This will work when knitting the right front of a cardigan, for example.

1º and every odd row (RS): Give a firm to the working yarn, and sl3pw wyib. Give another firm tug, and work in pattern to the end of the row.

2º and every even row: Work in pattern to end, to last 3 st, P3.

These two rows create the i-cord edge. Repeat them, until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO the first 3 stitches knitwise (RS), and follow your pattern for the rest.

How to knit an I-Cord Edge at the end of the row

This will work when knitting the left front of a cardigan, for example.

1º and every odd row (RS): Work in pattern to last 3 st, ending the row with sl3pw wyib.

2º and every even row: P3, work in pattern to end.

These two rows create the i-cord edge. Repeat them, until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO as your pattern calls for, and BO the last 3 stitches knitwise (RS).

I-Cord Edge on each side

This will work when knitting a blanket, a scarf, etc.

1º and every odd row (RS): Give a firm tug to the working yarn and sl3pw wyib. Give another firm tug, and work in pattern to the last 3 st, ending the row with sl3pw wyib.

2º and every even row: P3, work in pattern to last 3 st, P3.

These two rows create the i-cord edge. Repeat them, until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO the first 3 st knitwise, continue as your pattern calls for, and BO the last 3 stitches knitwise (RS).