*This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn commissions.*
I recently had to figure out how to knit a narrow tube to make an i cord because a friend asked me to make her a dishcloth that she would be able to hang up.I did not want to be boring, and just make a long length of chains with my crochet hook. This new skill is so easy but clever at the same time! In case others are wanting to learn how, I thought I'd make a post about the technique.
It's a useful skill to have as it has so many applications in various projects. Not only can you make items with the cords themselves but the technique can be applied in so many other ways such as to make neat edgings on the neckline of knitted garments, edgings to scarves and many others.
In this post, you will find out how to make one of these cords in 3 different ways.
* Using double pointed needles - the easiest way
* Using straight single pointed needles
* With circular needles
Watch the video tutorial below which demonstrates it clearly.
Supplies Needed
Red Heart Soft Aran Yarn6mm Double Pointed Needles
Once you have mastered the technique of making the i cord, you might like to make some creative projects using this new skill. I found a collection of many varied items that can be made using cords.
You can make things like coasters, beautiful cowls, earmuffs, jewellery, a mug cozey, hair clips, cords to attach to glasses, colourful shoelaces, scarves, small teddy bears, picture frames, ribbons to tie gifts together, Christmas tree wreath decorations and even to cover the wires of earphones so they are not so prone to tangling.
If you are interested you will find the patterns HERE on the In The Loop Knitting website
Step by Step Instructions
1. Using Double Pointed NeedlesThe easiest method is to use double-pointed needles. Don't worry if you don't have a pair as there is a way of doing it with the more widely used single pointed needles.
A. Cast on the 4 stitches as you normally would using whatever way you like to cast on.
B. Knit those 4 stitches using the knit stitch.
C. Now slide those four stitches so that they are now sitting at the other end of the other side of the double pointed needle.
D. When you have put the stitches at the other pointed end you will notice that the working yarn end attached to the ball is now sitting at the left-hand end of the work.
E. Pull the working yarn tightly across the back of the work and now continue to knit those 4 stitches once more.
F As before slide the stitches to the opposite pointed end of the needle, and knit them.
G. Continue knitting and sliding the stitches until your cord is at the length you need it to be. Using a crochet hook pull through the end of the yarn to fasten it off.
Note - you never turn your work with this technique
2. Using straight Single Pointed Needles
If you don't have double points then you can still use your single points.
Follow the steps as for the double points but instead of sliding the stitches across to the other point you just slip them off the needle onto another so that you end up with the working yarn at the left-hand side. Now knit the stitches then slide them off onto the other needle. It takes a little bit longer this way but is still easily done.
3. Using Circular Needles
This method will be very similar to the one using double points only you will slide the stitches to the other point of the circulars over the cable in between.
Just make sure that the working yarn is at the left hand side and don't ever turn your work.
Here's a summary of the method -
1. Cast on 4 stitches
2. Knit those stitches
3. Slide the stitches to the other point of the needle (or slip them off onto another needle if not using double points)
4. Make sure that the working yarn end is on the left-hand side
5. Pull yarn tight across the back of the work and knit the four stitches again
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5
That is all there is to it.