If you’re new to knitting and looking to expand your skills, learning how to knit an I cord is a great place to start. I cord, also known as Idiot Cord, is a simple technique that creates a narrow, tubular strip of knitting. It’s called Idiot Cord because it’s so easy that even a beginner can do it!
So why learn how to knit an I cord? Well, this versatile technique can be used in a variety of projects, such as drawstrings for bags, decorative trims, and handles for purses or even clothing. With just a few basic knitting skills, you can create an I cord that adds a polished and professional finish to your handmade items.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of knitting an I cord from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from casting on to binding off, and we’ll even show you a few variations on the basic I cord technique. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a pro at knitting I cords and ready to unleash your creativity in your next knitting project.
Before we dive into the tutorial, just a quick note: for this guide, we’ll be assuming that you already have a basic understanding of knitting terms and techniques. If you’re brand new to knitting, we recommend checking out some beginner tutorials first to get the hang of the basics.
Basic Materials for Knitting I Cord
Before you can start knitting an I cord, you will need to gather a few basic materials. Here are the items you will need:
- Yarn: Choose a yarn that is appropriate for the project you have in mind. A thinner yarn will result in a finer I cord, while a thicker yarn will create a bulkier cord.
- Knitting Needles: Select a pair of knitting needles that are suitable for the yarn you have chosen. The size of the needles will affect the size and tension of your I cord.
- Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is used for weaving in ends and seaming your finished I cord.
- Scissors: You will need a pair of scissors to cut your yarn.
Optional materials:
- Measuring Tape: If you want to be precise with the length of your I cord, a measuring tape can be helpful.
- Stitch Marker: A stitch marker can be useful for keeping track of the beginning of your row.
Once you have gathered these basic materials, you will be ready to start knitting your very own I cord.
Casting On for Knitting I Cord
Before you can start knitting I cord, you need to cast on your stitches. Casting on is the process of creating the initial row of stitches on your knitting needle. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cast on for knitting I cord:
- Hold one knitting needle in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
- Create a slipknot by making a loop with the working yarn, crossing the end that is attached to the ball over the loose end.
- Insert the knitting needle through the loop from front to back, placing it on the needle.
- Tighten the slipknot by pulling the loose end of the yarn.
- Hold the knitting needle with the slipknot in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
- Using your right hand, insert the knitting needle into the slipknot on the left needle, going from left to right.
- Wrap the working yarn clockwise around the needle in your right hand.
- Bring the right needle and the wrapped yarn back through the slipknot, pulling the loop of yarn through. You now have one stitch on the right needle.
- Slide this stitch to the right end of the needle.
- Repeat steps 6-9 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your I cord.
Once you have cast on your stitches, you can begin knitting your I cord using the desired knitting technique. Remember to keep the tension of your yarn consistent throughout the knitting process to create an even and sturdy I cord.
Knitting Techniques for I Cord
If you are new to knitting, you may be wondering what an I cord is and how to knit it. An I cord is a narrow knitted tube that is commonly used for making handles, trims, and as decorative elements in knitting projects. It is called an I cord because of the shape it forms, resembling the letter “I”.
Here are some knitting techniques for creating an I cord:
- Using two double-pointed needles: This is the traditional method for knitting an I cord. Simply cast on 3 stitches using one double-pointed needle, then knit the stitches. Instead of turning your work, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, bring the yarn to the back, and knit the stitches again. Repeat this process until your I cord reaches the desired length.
- Using a circular needle: If you don’t have double-pointed needles or prefer to use a circular needle, you can knit an I cord with it. Cast on 3 stitches onto the circular needle, then slide the stitches to the other end of the needle without turning your work. Knit the stitches, then slide them again. Keep repeating this process until your I cord reaches the desired length.
- Using a knitting spool or French knitter: A knitting spool or French knitter is a tool with pegs that allows you to easily knit an I cord. Simply wrap the yarn around the pegs, then use a small crochet hook or needle to lift the bottom loop over the top loop. Continue wrapping and lifting the loops until your I cord is the desired length.
Once you have knitted your I cord, you can use it in various ways to enhance your knitting projects. For example, you can sew it onto the edges of a hat to create a decorative trim, or use it as a handle for bags and purses. The possibilities are endless!
Remember to practice these knitting techniques and have fun experimenting with different yarns and stitch patterns to create unique I cords for your projects.
Increasing and Decreasing in Knitting I Cord
Once you have learned how to knit a basic I cord, you may want to explore different techniques to add shaping to your project. Increasing and decreasing in I cord can create interesting patterns, textures, and shapes.
Increasing in I Cord:
There are several ways to increase the number of stitches in your I cord:
- Make 1 (M1): Lift the bar between the stitch on the left needle and the stitch on the right needle with your left needle, and knit into the back of the loop.
- Knit Front and Back (KFB): Knit into the front of the stitch as usual, but before slipping it off the left needle, knit into the back of the same stitch.
- Yarn Over (YO): Bring the yarn to the front of your work and then knit the next stitch. This creates an extra stitch and a small hole.
Decreasing in I Cord:
Decreasing in I cord allows you to narrow down the number of stitches:
- K2tog (Knit 2 stitches together): Insert your right needle through the next 2 stitches on the left needle and knit them together as one stitch.
- SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): Slip 1 stitch from the left needle to the right needle knitwise, slip another stitch from the left needle to the right needle knitwise, and then knit these 2 slipped stitches together through the back loops.
- SK2P (Slip, Knit, Pass): Slip 1 stitch from the left needle to the right needle knitwise, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the right needle.
By using these increasing and decreasing techniques, you can create a variety of shapes and patterns in your I cord knitting projects. Experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired results.
Binding Off Knitting I Cord
After knitting your desired length of I cord, it’s time to bind off. Follow these steps to bind off your knitting I cord:
- Knit the first 2 stitches of the I cord.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. You now have one stitch left on the right-hand needle.
- Knit the next stitch of the I cord.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. You now have one stitch left on the right-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 4-6 until you have bound off all stitches.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in.
- Pull the tail through the last stitch to secure it.
Now you have successfully bound off your knitting I cord! You can use this technique to finish off many knitting projects and add a professional touch to your work.
Finishing Touches for Knitting I Cord
Once you have completed your knitting I cord project, there are a few finishing touches you can add to enhance the finished look:
- Blocking: After knitting your I cord, you may find that it looks a bit uneven or curled. Blocking can help to straighten and smooth out the I cord. To block your I cord, wet it with water and lay it flat on a towel, shaping it into the desired shape. Leave it to dry completely before removing it from the towel.
- Joining: If you have multiple I cord pieces that you want to connect, you can use the sewing method to join them. Thread a tapestry needle with the same yarn and sew through the first stitch of the first I cord piece, then sew through the first stitch of the second I cord piece. Continue sewing through the stitches, alternating between the two pieces, until they are securely joined.
- Adding Decorative Elements: You can personalize your I cord by adding decorative elements such as beads, buttons, or charms. Thread a piece of thread or yarn through the holes of the decorative element and sew it onto the I cord. Be sure to secure it tightly so that it doesn’t come loose.
By adding these finishing touches, you can take your knitting I cord project to the next level and create a polished, professional-looking finished piece.
Tips and Tricks for Knitting I Cord
If you’re just starting to learn how to knit I cord, here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way:
- Choose the right yarn: I cord is typically knit with a thin yarn, such as sport weight or fingering weight. Avoid using bulky or chunky yarns, as they can make it difficult to create a smooth and even cord.
- Use double-pointed needles: Double-pointed needles are ideal for knitting I cord because they allow you to knit in a continuous round. You’ll need at least two needles to hold the stitches, but using four or five needles can help distribute the stitches more evenly.
- Start with a slipknot: Begin your I cord by making a slipknot and sliding it onto one of your double-pointed needles. This will serve as your first stitch.
- Knit in the round: To create the I cord, you’ll knit each stitch in a continuous round, without turning your work. Make sure to slide the stitches to the opposite end of the needle after each row to avoid creating a twisted cord.
- Tug on the yarn: After knitting each stitch, give a gentle tug on the working yarn to tighten the stitch. This will help create a more even and consistent cord.
- Practice tension: Maintaining an even tension is key to creating a smooth and uniform I cord. Experiment with different techniques, such as holding the yarn in the front or the back of the work, to find what works best for you.
- Experiment with different stitch patterns: While the basic I cord is knit using the knit stitch, you can also incorporate other stitch patterns to create variations. Try adding in purl stitches or using different stitch combinations to add texture to your cord.
- Block your finished cord: Once you’ve completed your I cord, you can block it to give it a more polished and professional look. Wet blocking or steam blocking can help even out any uneven stitches or bumps in the cord.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful and versatile I cords for your knitting projects. Practice regularly and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and stitch patterns to expand your knitting skills.
FAQ:
What is an I cord and how is it used in knitting?
An I cord is a narrow knitted tube that is often used as a decorative element in knitting. It can be used to create handles, drawstrings, trims, or even as a stand-alone project.
Is knitting an I cord difficult for beginners?
No, knitting an I cord is actually quite simple and is a great project for beginners. It only requires a few basic knitting skills and can be completed quickly.
What materials do I need to knit an I cord?
To knit an I cord, you will need yarn, knitting needles (preferably DPNs, double-pointed needles), and a pair of scissors. The size of the needles will depend on the thickness of the yarn you are using.
Can I knit an I cord using circular needles?
While it is technically possible to knit an I cord using circular needles, it is much easier and more efficient to use double-pointed needles. The small size and pointy ends of DPNs make it easier to handle the small number of stitches required for an I cord.
What are some common uses for an I cord?
An I cord can be used in a variety of ways in knitting. Some common uses include creating bag handles, attaching loops for buttons, making decorative trims, adding drawstrings to bags or hoods, and even making jewelry.
Can I knit an I cord with different colors?
Yes, you can easily knit an I cord with different colors by simply joining a new color of yarn when you want to change. This can create a beautiful striped effect or allow you to incorporate multiple colors into your project.
Can I knit an I cord with any type of yarn?
You can knit an I cord with any type of yarn, but the thickness of the yarn will affect the size and appearance of the cord. Thicker yarn will result in a thicker, more substantial cord, while thinner yarn will create a delicate, dainty cord.