Knitting Tutorial: Chunky i-cord knitting

Ever since Addi brought out their range of super-sized double pointed needles - up to 20mm - I have been having lots of fun knitting chunky i-cords. The i-cords can be used as a lariet scraf, felted for bag handles and felted and plaited too. The possibilities are endless. The Flower's lariet scarf kit is an example of this technique in use.

So, here is my step-by-step tutorial on how to make a cool chunky i-cord.

Materials: 2 thick double pointed needles (9 - 20mm) , chunky weight yarn. We used Slubby - Fluro Orange in the photos.

Step 1

Cast on 4 stitches with the double pointed needles (9mm used in the photos). Use whichever cast-on technique you usually use. I have used long-tail cast-on for the tutorial example.

Step 2

Knit the 4 stitches. The stitches will now be located at the left tip of the double pointed needle.

Step 3 - this is the most important step!

DO NOT turn the needles for the next row. Rather, push the four stitches you have knitted from the left tip of the needle all the way along the needle to the right tip - keeping the right side of the work facing you at all times.


Step 4

Knit the first stitch of row by inserting tip of needle in through front of the stitch and bringing the yarn around the back of the work and working the stitch (see photo below). When working the first stitch of each row ensure that you tighten it as you take it off the needle to avoid a long stretched thread at the back of your i-cord. Knit the rest of the stitches on the needle.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have the required length, giving the work a good pull every couple of rows to ensure the back thread feeds into the knitting evenly.


NB: The maximum number of stitches you can comfortably work an i-cord with is about 5 depending on the yarn you are using.

More ideas for the i-cord technique

1. Try a purl stitch i-cord. It gives you a great ridged look.
   
2. Try lots of different yarns together using the 20mm needles.
   
3. Try a fine yarn with the 20mm needles to get a fine gosamer tube look.