Intertwisted – Part 2

 

I hope you enjoyed the “Go-To” pattern in Part One.  This first piece should be resting on a stitch holder anxiously awaiting its next assignment as we work on Part Two.

Have you ever wished that you could knit in your sleep?  I have often longed for that ability when trying to meet a knitting deadline.  I haven’t quite mastered sleep-knitting, but Part Two brings you a pattern so utterly simple that you only need to be partially awake!

Part Two brings us the I-cord.  The I-cord was given its name by Elizabeth Zimmerman who referred to it as an “Idiot-Cord”.  I imagine she coined the phrase to emphasize its easy construction.  The name has been shortened over the years to its friendlier moniker, I-cord.  Yes the I-cord is simple, but smart knitters use it in many clever and ingenious ways.

  • Ties – thread it through a row of eyelet to cinch a waist, bonnet or bag.
  • Cords – excellent as purse straps, especially when felted.
  • Button Loops – a short, thin I-cord makes a great loop for a toggle button and eliminates the need for a buttonhole.
  • Embellishments – appliqué onto finished pieces to create intricate patterns.
  • Bind Offs and Borders – the technique is used to create sturdy, decorative and defined edges to garments.

Because of its many applications, the humble I-cord is really a great little workhorse of knitting.  While it’s not obvious to you yet, our I-cord serves a purpose to be revealed in the finishing.

To make an I-cord, cast on the required number of stitches onto a double pointed needle.  Knit across the row.  DO NOT TURN!  Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle.  Pull the yarn firmly across the back of the stitches and knit across the row.  This is repeated until the I-cord reaches the desired length.  See I-cord Video

An I-cord may also be worked with a circular needle but it does slow the process down with the added length.  This version is demonstrated at the end of the I-cord video.  Keep those double points handy as we have a future use for them.

When knitting an I-cord, be sure to pull the yarn firmly across the back of the row just knit to prevent a ladder, or gap, up the back of your cord.  Should this happen, try this tip:  Use a crochet hook to pick up an extra stitch inside the “ladder” and work it up from the bottom to the top in the same manner as a dropped stitch.  See Dropped Stitch Video

Enjoy this quick section of knitting and use the extra time to catch up on your other projects.  Next week brings us a beauty of a pattern that will require your FULL attention – no more “sleep knitting”!

Part Two – Knit In Your Sleep

Click here to download printable version

I-cord – Cast on required number of stitches onto a double pointed needle.  *Knit across the row.  DO NOT TURN!  Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle pulling the yarn firmly across the back of the stitches.  Repeat from *.  See I-cord Video

With waste yarn, cast on 7 stitches using Provisional Cast On.  See Provisional Cast On Video

With working yarn, work an I-cord until piece measures 27”.

DO NOT BIND OFF!  Place stitches on a stitch holder.