How To Knit I Cord Bind Off

The i cord bind off is a neat and decorative way to finish your knitting projects with style. If you want to add a polished edge to your work, this technique is perfect for you. Unlike regular bind-offs, the i-cord creates a smooth, rounded, rope-like finish that looks beautiful on any project. Whether you’re working on a scarf, sweater, or blanket, the i-cord bind off enhances the overall appearance.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to knit i cord bind off step by step. Plus, I’ll cover common mistakes to avoid and tips for customizing your edge.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your knitting game, grab your yarn and needles. Let’s dive into this fun and easy technique that can transform your projects! With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

What Is an I-Cord Bind Off?

An i cord bind off is a unique technique that creates a decorative, rounded edge on your knitting. It differs from traditional bind-off methods, which often result in flat, straight edges. Instead, the i cord bind off produces a tubular, rope-like finish that adds both style and durability to your project.

The term “i-cord” refers to the process of knitting a small cord, typically using just a few stitches. This cord is then used to bind off the stitches of your project in a way that results in a smooth, seamless transition from the fabric to the edge. The i cord bind off not only looks great but also provides additional stability, making it less likely to stretch or sag over time. In addition, the i-cord bind-off is relatively stretchy making it perfect for garment edges.

A knitted piece with an i cord bind off edge with wooden knitting needles next to it — An i cord bind off creates a beautiful, rounded edge.

One of the great things about the i cord bind off is its versatility. It’s especially great for projects where you want a clean, rounded edge, such as the borders of shawls, sweaters, or blankets. Plus, it can be customized by adjusting the number of stitches used or experimenting with different yarn colors, giving you plenty of creative options.

Overall, the i cord bind off is a fantastic finishing technique that can elevate your knitting projects and give them a professional touch. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, learning how to execute this technique will enhance your skills and the quality of your work.

Steps for I-Cord Bind Off

Let’s break down the process of knitting an i cord bind ff into easy, manageable steps:

Step 1: Cast On Additional Stitches

To start, you need to add three more stitches to your needle. These extra stitches will form the i-cord.

To do this, use the cable cast-on method or simply cast on the stitches as if you’re adding them to your working needle.

An unfinished knitted piece on a wooden knitting needle

Step 2: Knit the First Two Stitches

Next, knit the first two stitches of your needle. These stitches will form the base of your i-cord. Keep your tension even but not too tight to avoid puckering the edge.

An unfinished knitting project with two stitches on the right needle

Step 3: Knit Two Together Through the Back Loop

Once you’ve knit the two stitches, it’s time to knit the third stitch together with the first live stitch on the main body of your knitting. Insert your needle through the back loop of both stitches and knit them together. This technique tightens the join and helps create a smooth transition between the i-cord and the project.

Wrapping the yarn around the knitting needle and knitting two stitches together

Step 4: Slide the Stitches Back to the Left Needle

Now, slide the three i-cord stitches back onto your left-hand needle. This step resets the position for the next set of stitches. You are essentially rotating the stitches to create a continuous cord. Note! Your working yarn is really supposed to be three stitches away!

Inserting the left-hand needle into the three stitches on the right needle — Slide the three i-cord stitches back onto your left-hand needle.

An unfinished knitted piece with all stitches on the left needle — Now you have all stitches again on your left needle with the working yarn three stitches away.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you have bound off all the stitches in your knitting project. Continue knitting two stitches, then knitting two together through the back loop with the main project stitch. Slide the stitches back, and repeat.

A knitting project with several i cord bind off stitches on wooden knitting needles

Step 6: Finishing the I-Cord Bind Off

Once you have worked all the stitches from the main body of your knitting, you’ll have three i-cord stitches left on your needle. To finish, simply knit these three stitches together. Alternatively, you can weave the end tail through all three stitches left on your needles with a tapestry needle after cutting the yarn.

Binding off the last stitches of an I cord bind off edge — Knit the last three stitches together.

Then cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail and pull the yarn through the last stitch. Finally, weave in the ends securely to ensure a neat finish.

Weaving in the ends with a tapestry needle on an i cord bind off edge — Weave in the ends securely.

I Cord Bind Off in the Round

Binding off in the round with an i-cord is similar to working it flat, but with one small adjustment at the end to close the gap. The technique still creates the same neat, tubular edge. Here’s how to do it:

Start as Usual: Add three stitches to your needle by casting them on. Knit the first two stitches, then knit two together through the back loop with the next live stitch from your project.
Repeat the Process: Continue to knit two stitches, then knit two together through the back loop with the next live stitch. Slide the three stitches back to your left-hand needle each time, repeating this process until all the stitches are bound off.
Join the I-Cord Seamlessly: When you’ve reached the end of your round, you’ll have a small gap where the beginning and end of the i-cord meet. To close this gap seamlessly, you’ll need to graft the ends together using the Kitchener stitch. This will create a smooth, continuous i-cord without any visible join. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Leave the last three stitches on the left needle. Then cut the yarn leaving about an 10-inch tail and thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.

An I cord bind off edge with three last stitches on a circular needle

Insert the tapestry needle into the first stitch on your left needle, slip it off the needle and draw the yarn through.

Inserting a tapestry needle through a stitch on the knitting needle

Next, thread the needle through the first V shape of the completed i-cord from right to left and draw the yarn through.

Inserting a tapestry needle through an i cord bind off stitch

Then, insert the tapestry needle into the left leg of the first stitch that you slipped off the needle and then into the next stitch on your left needle. Again, slip it off the needle and draw the yarn through.

Inserting a tapestry needle through a stitch while working i cord bind off in the round — Insert the tapestry needle into the left leg of the first stitch that you slipped off the needle.

Hand holding an unfinished knitting project and inserting a tapestry needle through a stitch on a needle — Insert the tapestry needle into the next stitch on your left needle, slip it off the needle, and draw the yarn through.

Next, thread the needle through the middle V shape of the completed i-cord from right to left and draw the yarn through.

Inserting a tapestry needle through an i cord bind off stitch when binding off in the round

Then insert the tapestry needle into the left leg of the second stitch that you slipped off the needle and then into the last stitch on your left needle. Again, slip it off the needle and draw the yarn through.

Inserting a tapestry needle into a left leg of a knit stitch

Next, thread the needle through the last V shape on the completed i-cord from right to left and draw the yarn through.

Threading a tapestry needle through a V shaped knit stitch on an i cord bind off edge

Finally, insert the tapestry needle into the left leg of the third stitch that you slipped off the needle and draw the yarn through.

Now you’ve got yourself a nice and clean join. To finish the bind off, bring the yarn to the back of the work and weave in the yarn end carefully to secure the edge.

Inserting a tapestry needle through an i cord bind off edge on a circular knitting project

This method works well for projects like cowls, or any item knit in the round where you want a rounded and polished edge.

Why Choose an I Cord Bind Off?

The i cord bind off isn’t just for looks. Here are some reasons why this technique is so popular:

Smooth Finish: The i-cord bind off creates a rounded, professional-looking edge that complements many types of projects.
Strength and Durability: This method creates a sturdier edge than a traditional bind off. It’s less likely to stretch out of shape.
Decorative Effect: The rope-like effect of the i-cord can serve as both a functional edge and a decorative feature. You can even use a contrasting yarn color to make it stand out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the i-cord bind off is relatively simple, a few common mistakes can occur. Here are some tips to avoid them:

Inconsistent Cord: If you notice your i-cord looks uneven, check your tension and make sure you are sliding the stitches back to the left needle after each set.

Too Tight Tension: When knitting the i-cord, it’s important to keep your tension loose. If the tension is too tight, the edge will pucker and may distort the shape of your project.

Skipping the “Knit Two Together” Step: Remember to knit two together through the back loop every time. Skipping this step will result in an incomplete bind off, and the i-cord won’t attach properly to the fabric.

Customizing Your I Cord Bind Off

The standard i cord bind off uses three stitches, but you can experiment with the width and appearance by adding or subtracting stitches. Here are a few variations to try in addition to the 3 stitch i cord bind off:

4 Stitch I Cord Bind Off: For a wider and more prominent edge, you can cast on four extra stitches instead of three. Follow the same process but knit four i-cord stitches before knitting two together with the main project stitch.
2 Stitch I Cord Bind Off: If you prefer a narrower edge, you can reduce the width by using only two i-cord stitches. This method will result in a more subtle edge.
Contrasting Yarn Color: Use a contrasting color for the i-cord bind off to add an eye-catching border to your project. This can be especially effective on blankets and shawls.

A finished 4 stitch i-cord bind-off edge on a purple knitting project — You can use the 4 stitch i-cord bind-off for a wider and more prominent edge.

2 Color I-Cord Bind Off

In short, knitting a 2 color i-cord bind off means that you will knit every other set of three stitches with the main color and every other set with the contrasting color. This way, you’ll get a striped i cord bind off with two colors.

Here’s how to do it:

First, use your main color as the working yarn. Cast on three stitches to your left needle. Knit two stitches and then knit two together through the back loop. Slip the three stitches on your right needle back to the left needle.
Next, change to using your contrasting color as your working yarn. Again, knit two stitches and then knit two together through the back loop. Slide the three stitches back to your left-hand needle.
Then, change back to your main color and continue knitting two stitches and then knitting two together through the back loop, then slipping the three stitches to your left needle. Repeat this process and changing the color or the yarn for every set of three stitches until all the stitches are bind off.
Continue joining the i-cord seamlessly with the the Kitchener stitch and weaving in the ends.

A white and purple colored i-cord bind-off edge on a purple knitted fabric — You can use a contrasting yarn color to make the i-cord bind off stand out.

When to Use an I-Cord Bind Off

You may be wondering when an i-cord bind off is the best choice. Here are a few ideal scenarios:

Headbands and Socks: If you’re knitting in the round, the i-cord bind off can give a headband or toe-up socks a neatly finished edge.

Blankets and Shawls: The i-cord bind off adds a polished edge to larger projects, giving them a professional finish.

Garment Edges: Use this technique on the neckline, cuffs, or hem of a sweater for a smooth, structured edge.

Scarves and Wraps: An i-cord bind off can prevent curling and give a scarf a sleek border.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are a few quick fixes for issues you may encounter:

Edge Is Too Tight: If the edge feels tight and pulls on the fabric, try knitting with a larger needle size for the i-cord bind off.
Uneven Cord: Make sure you are sliding the stitches back to the left needle after every set to maintain an even cord.
Difficulty with Knit Two Together Through Back Loop: If knitting through the back loop feels difficult, try loosening your tension on the last row of stitches before starting the bind off.

Hand holding a knitted piece with an i-cord bind-off edge — The i-cord bind off gives your projects a neatly finished edge that won’t curl.

Conclusions

The i cord bind off is a fantastic way to give your knitting projects a professional and polished edge. Once you get the hang of it, this method is easy and enjoyable to do. With its smooth finish, added durability, and decorative appeal, it’s no wonder the i-cord bind off has become a favorite among knitters.

Now that you know how to knit an i-cord bind off, you can apply it to all sorts of projects, from cozy blankets to fashionable sweaters. Don’t hesitate to try different variations and experiment with this versatile technique.

Happy knitting!