In today’s tutorial, we practiced crocheting I-cords. It took me years to finally learn how to make an I-cord. This was just one of those crochet essentials that I couldn’t wrap my head around. It finally clicked, and I made I-cords for all of the garments I’d previously crocheted to replace the long threads of chains I’d used as ties or belts.
As I mentioned in the video, I-cords are useful for more than just crochet and knit projects. You can use them around the house as well. You can use them to hang plants and pictures, as well as tie things down. If you use materials such as twine or plarn, you can use them just about anywhere!
Let’s start with a basic I-cord that is made up of two loops.
Step 1: Tie a slip knot, and chain 2.
Step 2: Insert your hook into the second chain from your hook, and pull up a loop. You should have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 3: Pinch right below the loops to hold them in place, then pull your hook out of the first loop.
Step 4: Leaving your hook in that one loop (as seen in the photo below), yarn over and chain 1.
Step 5: Pick up the loop you pulled off the hook (insert your hook back into the loop), yarn over and chain 1.
To complete your cord, repeat steps 1 through 5 until you reach the length your need. Pull tightly on the I-cord to shape it, once you reach the length your want.
When you are finished, yarn over and pull through both loops, cut a long tail of yarn, and weave it in.
For a thicker cord, you can use 3 loops:
Step 1: Tie a slip knot, and chain 3.
Step 2: Insert your hook into the second chain from your hook, and pull up a loop. Then insert your hook into the last stitch of the chain, yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 3: Pinch right below the loops to hold them in place, then pull your hook out of the first 2 loops.
Step 4: Leaving your hook in 1 loop (as seen in the photo below), yarn over and chain 1.
Step 5: Pick up the middle loop you pulled off the hook (insert your hook back into the loop), yarn over and chain 1. Pick up the remaining loop, yarn over and chain 1.
To complete your cord, repeat steps 1 through 5 until you reach the length your need. Pull tightly on the I-cord to shape it, once you reach the length your want.
When you are finished, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops, cut a long tail of yarn, and weave it in.
