I-cord: how to knit a cord
An i-cord is a small knitted tube made on two double-pointed needles: knit, slide, do not turn. Learn the technique and its uses, from drawstrings to edgings.
By Julia WallinKnyt Co-founder and editor
An i-cord is a narrow knitted tube, made by knitting a short row, sliding the stitches back to the other end of the needle, and knitting again without turning. It is knitting in the round on just a few stitches. The yarn pulled across the back closes the tube. Elizabeth Zimmermann named it the "idiot cord" because it is so simple. It is used for drawstrings, ties, handles and edgings.
How to knit an i-cord
You need a double-pointed needle or a short circular, so that the stitches can slide out of both ends.
- Cast on 3 to 5 stitches. 3 or 4 gives the standard slim cord. 5 is the practical maximum before the tube stops closing.
- Knit across all stitches.
- Do not turn. Slide the stitches back to the other end of the needle.
- Bring the working yarn firmly across the back of the stitches and knit across again. Give the first stitch or two an extra tug. This closes the gap where the yarn travelled.
- Repeat steps 3 to 4 until the cord is the length you need. Give the cord a gentle lengthwise pull every few rows to even it out.
- Bind off and thread the tail down through the centre of the tube.
Slide, do not turn. Turning out of habit is the most common error. You get a small flat strip instead of a tube.
What i-cords are for
Drawstrings and hood ties, bag handles, hat cords and top-knots, shoelace-style ties on baby garments, and decorative loops. The same mechanic also underlies applied i-cord edgings, the i-cord cast on and the i-cord bind off: a rounded border knitted directly onto an edge.
Common mistakes
- Turning the work. Slide, do not turn.
- A ladder up the back. The travelling yarn was not snugged. Tug the first stitch or two of every row.
- Wrapping the yarn around the work instead of stranding it straight across the back.
- Too many stitches. Past five, the gap will not close. A baggy 5-stitch cord usually works better as a 4-stitch cord.
- A limp cord. Go down a needle size or two. Cords need firm tension.
Frequently asked questions
What does i-cord stand for?
"Idiot cord", Elizabeth Zimmermann's own name for it. The technique is almost impossible to get wrong once you know not to turn.
How many stitches do I cast on for an i-cord?
Three or four for a standard slim cord, and five at most. With more than five, the tube will not close at the back.
Can I knit an i-cord without double-pointed needles?
Yes. Use a circular needle and slide the stitches along the cable back to the other tip. On straight needles, slip all stitches purlwise back to the left needle after each row.
Why does my i-cord have a loose ladder running up it?
The yarn carried across the back is too slack. Pull it firm and give the first stitches of each row an extra tug. A gentle lengthwise stretch every few rows evens the rest.
Co-founder and editor of Knyt. Avid knitter!
