I-Cord
![knitted i-cord](ic/icphoto.jpg)
I-cord is an easy to knit string made on 2 double ended needles.
The i-cord was rediscovered (or "unvented") by Elizabeth Zimmermann. She named it the i-cord because she believed it was so simple even an idiot could do it!
You will need:
- yarn leftovers
- 2 x double ended knitting needles
Technique
Cast on a small number of stitches (between 2 and 5 works best).
Hold the needle so that the yarn is coming from the left most stitch.
![Diagram showing set up for i-cord](ic/ic1.gif)
Take the yarn across the back of the knitting.
![Diagram showing set up for i-cord](ic/ic2.gif)
Knit the right most stitch and pull the yarn tight. Knit across the rest of the row as normal.
Repeat until a knitted tube starts to form.
Variations
Once you have the hang of basic i-cord it's time to play. Below are some variations of i-cord that can be made by varying the number/pattern of stitches.
![Diagram showing some variations of i-cord](ic/variations.jpg)
- Plain – Cast on 2, knit i-cord
- Plain – Cast on 3, knit i-cord
- Plain – Cast on 4, knit i-cord
- Knobbly – Cast on 2, purl i-cord
- Knobbly – Cast on 3, purl i-cord
- Spiral – Cast on 3, k3, p1 i-cord*
- Spiral – Cast on 4, k3, p2 i-cord*
- Curly – Cast on 3, k4, sl1, k2, sl1, k1 i-cord*^
* The instructions are worked over more than one row of i-cord. Keep repeating the pattern of stitches maintaining the count when the yarn is taken around the back.
^ The spiral is much less pronounced if a smooth, non-elastic yarn is used.
Links:
Lots of websites have guides to making i-cord.
For a step-by-step guide with lots of photos try:
Stitch Diva's How to Knit I-Cord.
For a video tutorial try:
Judy Graham's Making an I-Cord.
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