Applied i-cord - how to.

Learn how to knit an applied i-cord, often called an attached i-cord and rough saggy edges will be a distant memory....

Use them to neaten cardigan fronts and around neck openings when a rib is not appropriate. Also use them to prepare a surface for zip insertion or neaten scarf edges.

You'll find almost limitless uses once you learn the skill.

Several of our exclusive patterns for knitted purses include attached i-cords as an option to neaten the front flap and edges of purses and handbags.

We use a wide i-cord as a feature and a narrow i-cord as a surface to attach optional lining.

Here are our designer tips to give your applied icording a professional finish.

Applied i-cord Tip 1 - Always keep the body of your completed work, cardigan, scarf, purse etc face - right side -upward and on the lefthand side of yourself. This keeps your icord curling the correct way - from front of finished knitted piece to back of finished knitted piece.

Tip 2 - If your icord is to be a feature, use larger gauge/size needles than you used for the body, but if you simply need a finished edge use smaller gauge/size needles.

Tip 3 - When cording around curves go with the flow and pick up extra stitches on an outward bend, and skip a stitch every now and then onan inward bend. Don't slavishly pick up one-for-one.

Tip 4 - When mitering around corners pick up an extra one or two stitches before and after the corner point stitch. How?pick up the loop between the stitch, twist it and place it on the left hand needle, then work it as usual. The twist will prevent a hole appearing as often happens when you pick up the loop between stitches.

Tip 5 - This is the best tip of all. Don't stress. You're learning a very useful new skill. Practice on your test tension/gauge square if you feel really nervous. Remember if it looks a little strange after your first effort..pull your applied i-cord undone - and simply knit it again.

I learned the technique from keyboardbiologist.

Rather than waste your time with duplication you'll find an excellent set of basic instructions, including photographs at keyboardbiologist.net

Yes, strange name but terrific instructions.

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