How to Knit an I Cord

Double Pointed Needles

Cast on the number of stitches desired or called for by a pattern with double pointed needles. Between three and five is normal - any more might require an extra double-pointed needle.

Knit one row. Do not turn the work.

Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle.

Knit a second row by bringing the yarn behind the work and starting with the first stitch. Tug the work from the bottom after each first stitch to help it to take shape and to even out the tension.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until desired length is achieved. It'll start to take shape after 3/4 rows. Double pointed needles can cause laddering because there can be a little space in between the needles. If you pull it a little tight as you switch needles, it can help get rid of that. When you pick them up, check if you are knitting on the right side and not backward or from the inside.

Single Pointed Needles

Cast on three to five stitches depending on the thickness of i-cord you want.

Knit one row. Do not turn your work.

Slide the stitches from the tip of the needle directly onto the tip of the other needle. (If you are a right handed knitter, you will slip the stitches off the right needle and onto the left needle.)

Repeat step two until the i-cord is the desired length.

Cast off.

Circular Needle

Cast on three to five stitches depending on the thickness of i-cord you want.

Knit one row.

Like in the double-pointed method, slide the stitches from one end of the circular needle to the other. Instead of using a second double pointed needle to create your stitches, you'll simply use the other end of your circular needle.

Repeat step two until the i-cord is the desired length.

Cast off.