The I-cord cast on creates a beautiful, rounded, and stretchy edge that resembles a knitted cord, providing a professional and polished finish to your projects.
Understanding the I-Cord Cast On
The I-cord cast on is a versatile technique used to create a decorative and durable edge for various knitted items like blankets, scarves, or sweater edgings. It's essentially an attached I-cord, where each stitch of the I-cord is created and simultaneously joined to the main fabric edge. This method offers excellent elasticity and a clean, non-rolling finish.
Benefits of the I-Cord Cast On
- Decorative Edge: Provides a neat, cord-like border.
- Elasticity: Offers good stretch, ideal for garments that need flexibility.
- Durability: Creates a sturdy and resilient edge that resists curling.
- Professional Finish: Adds a refined touch to your knitted pieces.
Step-by-Step Guide: I-Cord Cast On
Performing an I-cord cast on involves a sequence of creating a small I-cord and then periodically picking up stitches along its edge to form the new cast-on row.
Materials Needed
- Yarn suitable for your project.
- Knitting needles (double-pointed needles or a circular needle are ideal, as you'll be sliding stitches without turning your work).
The Process
Follow these steps to successfully execute the I-cord cast on:
- Initial Cast-On: Begin by casting on a small number of stitches, typically 3 or 4, onto one of your knitting needles using your preferred method (e.g., long-tail cast-on or knitted cast-on). These stitches will form the core of your I-cord.
- Example: Cast on 3 stitches.
- Work the First Row of I-Cord: Knit across these initial 3 (or 4) stitches. This forms the very first segment of your I-cord.
- Slide Stitches: Without turning your work, slide the stitches from the right end of your needle to the left end. This is crucial for maintaining the I-cord structure.
- Knit I-Cord Stitches (Except Last): Knit the first few stitches of your I-cord (e.g., 2 out of 3, or 3 out of 4 stitches).
- Pick Up and Knit First Edge Stitch: Now, you're ready to join the I-cord to the 'cast-on' edge. Identify the first "strand" or stitch to pick up along the edge where your new fabric will begin.
- Once identified, pick up this strand with your needle.
- The reference states: "And we're going to knit. Through that first picked up strand." Knit through this picked-up strand. This stitch is now part of your working needle. You will typically have your initial I-cord stitches plus this new stitch on your needle.
- Slide Stitches Again: Without turning your work, slide all stitches on your needle (your I-cord stitches plus the newly picked-up and knitted stitch) back to the left end of your needle.
- Knit I-Cord Stitches (Except Last): Knit the first few stitches of your I-cord again (e.g., 2 out of 3, or 3 out of 4 stitches).
- Pick Up and Knit Subsequent Edge Stitches: Locate the next "strand of yarn" along the edge where you want your cast on to continue.
- The reference advises: "Now let's pick up a second strand of yarn. It can be any strand of yarn along that cast on edge knit through it." Insert your needle into this strand and knit through it. This adds another stitch to your working needle.
- Repeat Steps 6-8: Continue this process:
- Slide all stitches to the other end of the needle.
- Knit the first few I-cord stitches (all but the last one).
- Pick up the next strand along the intended cast-on edge and knit through it.
Repeat these steps until you have created the desired number of cast-on stitches for your project.
- Finishing the Cast On: Once you have cast on the required number of stitches, simply knit across the stitches on your needle for the next row of your pattern, treating the newly formed I-cord stitches as part of your main fabric.
Tips for Success
- Needle Type: Circular needles or double-pointed needles are highly recommended as they allow you to slide stitches without turning your work, which is essential for I-cord formation.
- Tension: Maintain consistent tension, especially when picking up strands, to ensure an even and attractive edge.
- Practice: The I-cord cast on can take a bit of practice to master, especially the rhythm of sliding stitches and picking up strands. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't look perfect initially!
- Counting Stitches: Keep track of the number of picked-up strands, as each one represents a new cast-on stitch.
When to Use the I-Cord Cast On
- Garment Edges: Ideal for sweater edgings, cardigan bands, or necklines.
- Accessories: Perfect for scarves, blankets, or shawls where a beautiful, finished edge is desired.
- Non-Rolling Borders: Excellent for preventing stockinette stitch from curling.
