This little technique is a perfect example that shows how we can tweak a most basic thing like an i-cord to get an absolutely different look. After all, there are no strict rules in knitting, right?
Do we have to always knit all stitches when we make an i-cord or close stitches using an i-cord bind off? Not necessarily! Purled i-cord bind off looks lovely too, especially on a piece knit in garter stitch.
Let’s see how it works.
If you are a visual learner, watch every step of the process in the video tutorial I made for you.
Same as we do when we use a knitted i-cord bind off, we’ll start with casting on 3 to 5 stitches at the beginning of the bind off row. If you want the i-cord to be thicker, cast on 5 stitches. For a basic i-cord, 3 stitches would be good enough. Use “knit on” or “backwards loop” cast on.
As you can see in the photo, I cast on three stitches using “knit on” cast on.
Bring the yarn to the front of the work and purl all stitches to the last stitch of the i-cord. In my case, it will be 2 stitches. Then purl 2 stitches together (the last stitch of the i-cord + one stitch of the fabric). This way we make one row of the i-cord and bind off one stitch.
Now bring the yarn to the back of the work and slip all stitches one by one from the right needle to the left needle.
That’s how simple it is!
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you bind off all stitches and only have the stitches of the i-cord left on your needles.
My i-cord is knit on 3 stitches, so I’ll keep binding off until I have 3 stitches left.
To finish off the work, cut the yarn leaving a small tail. Thread the tail into a wool needle and slip the remaining stitches from the knitting needle to the wool needle. Pull the needle to tighten the stitches and secure the yarn.
Click here to watch how it’s done.
Weave in the tail and enjoy the lovely bind off edge you’ve just created.
If you enjoyed this tutorial,
here’s something else you might find helpful:
“Neat Side Edges” Book
Learn twelve ways to make side edges of a knitted project nice and tidy. Plus, ways to fix side edges, and a way to improve edges of finished projects.
Happy knitting!
