Cords

 

Cord  n.  long, thin, flexible string or rope made from several strands of fiber

Cords are such useful things.  Without cords, how would you …tie your shoes? … Lower the blinds?  … Hang your laundry?  This month I thought we could explore cords from a knitter’s point of view.  In other words, let’s have fun with i-cords!

Knitting i-cords has to be one of the easiest things you’ll ever knit.  You only need 4 stitches and you only need to know how to do the knit stitch.  No purls, yarn overs, cables … just plain old knit stitch.  Part of my reason for featuring i-cords comes from you, the Knitting Doodle followers.  I have had a number of requests recently for projects that kids could do other than knit a scarf.  I immediately thought of i-cords. 

To make an i-cord you will need yarn and 2 double-point needles. 

For sport-weight yarn use US size 4 or 5 needles.

For worsted weight yarn use US size 6 or 7 needles.

Cast on 4 stitches. 

Row 1:  Knit.  Without turning your work, slide all 4 stitches to the right end of the needle.

Repeat row 1.

Now keep repeating Row 1 until the cord is the desired length. 

Easy!!  Kids like making i-cords because they see progress quickly, which keeps them enthusiastic about the project.

Here are some projects to make with i-cords:

Necklaces:  knit an i-cord 20-24” long. Before you sew the two ends together slip pony beads onto the i-cord and space evenly around.  (This necklace was made with Paton’s Grace – a sport-weight mercerized cotton.)

Bracelets:  knit an i-cord 6-8” long.  Sew the two ends together, then make a “bar” by wrapping yarn over the join for about 1”.  You could also add beads to a bracelet if you wanted.  (These bracelets were made with Paton’s Grace.)

Lanyards:  Knit an i-cord approximately 30-32”.  Lay both ends side by side.  Attach a lanyard clip, then wrap yarn around the cords just above the clip for about 1”.

Headbands:  knit an i-cord approximately 18-20”” long (measure on your head for exact length.)  Join ends together.  For a braided i-cord headband, knit 3 i-cords 20-22” long.  Braid the three cords, then fasten together in a circle.

Earphones:  starting at the plug end, knit the i-cord around the earphone wire by passing the yarn under the wire before starting each row.  Knit to one ear-bud, then pick up stitches and the “Y” and knit to the other ear-bud.

I-cord projects are small, quick and easy – perfect for taking along when travelling.  And it’s never too early to start on stocking stuffers for Christmas!