I-Cord Bind Off
The I-Cord technique can be used to make a variety of things. For example a Bind Off edge, which is a nice alternative to conventional techniques. It gives a beautiful finish to a knitted piece. Alternatively, it can also be used as a knitted border.
I show you here how you can knit an I-cord border flat and in the round.
Abbreviations
For the following instructions, some abbreviations are used:
k
k2tog
p
ssk
st
sts
sl
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knit
knit two together
purl
slip slip knit
stich
stitches
slip
Go into the first st and k1, do not let the original st sl off the left needle.
Going through the back loop ...
... k another st, still not letting the original st sl off the left needle.
Repeat step 1 & 2 once more = 4 sts on the right needle.
Now let the sts sl off the left needle.
Sl the 4 sts back onto the left needle.
Continue to k3, tightening the working yarn at the first st to bridge the gap between the sts.
K the 4th and another st next to it tog = 4 sts on the right needle.
Sl the 4 sts back onto the left needle.
Repeat step 2 & 3 until you reach the last st of the row | round.
K the last 2 sts tog.
4 sts left, sl them back onto the left needle.
k2 ...
... and k2tog = 3 sts left.
Sl the sts back onto the left needle.
Repeat the process until there is 1 st left.
Cut the working yarn long enough to use it for sewing on the sides of the border to your knitted piece or joining the I-Cord ends together.
Use the yarn to close the gap between the border and the side | the beginning of the Bind Off.
Use the mattress st.
Alternate going around the first sts of the border and the other side.
Fasten the yarn on the wrong side of your piece.