Crochet Attached I Cord | 3 Ways
Knitting I Cord has been around for a long time and used often to finish off knitting projects. I get asked often if it is possible to do in crochet. I am here to tell you it is possible! Not only is it possible but there are multiple ways that you can create the crochet I cord. Learn how to make the crochet I cord with me in this video tutorial.
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Crochet Attached I Cord
As with most things in live there are different ways that you can accomplish the crochet I cord. Typically people do the pinch method to hold the stitches while working a crochet I cord. In this video tutorial I will show you three different ways that you can work the attached crochet I cord using other materials.
- With a crochet hook and knitting needle
- With two crochet hooks
- With a shawl pin and crochet hook
As you will see as you work the crochet I cord you are doing the same process as you do with knitting but with a crochet hook. You will get the same great look of a knit I cord for finishing your projects.
Try It Out the Crochet I Cord
I used the crochet I cord in my 2020 Tournament of Stitches pattern. Tournament of Stitches 2020 was a mosaic knit and crochet pattern that we worked on for 5 weeks. In the end we had a BEAUTIFUL scarf.
Because of the mosaic patterns we had yarn running up the sides of our work. This is the perfect time to use a crochet I cord as a border for a project. Using this technique you will be able to encase the edge of your piece and hide the floats of color working up the side.
Test out this new technique in any project you have or get started on the 2020 Tournament of Stitches. You can find the pattern to the 2020 Tournament of Stitches by clicking on the link here: https://marlybird.com/tournament-of-stitches-2020/
Video Tutorial
What I am Wearing
Did you watch the video tutorial and love what I am wearing in the video? You can make the cowl for yourself! It is a FREE crochet pattern on my website.
This is a ONE BALL project and works up super quick. It is a great beginner crochet pattern.
Get the FREE pattern by clicking here to go to the pattern: https://marlybird.com/beginner-crochet-shawl-filet-crochet/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an I-cord in crochet?
I-cord is technically a knitting term for a small tube of stitches that creates a neat, round cord… often used for ties, handles, and decorative edges. In crochet, we achieve a similar look using different techniques. The “crochet I-cord” isn’t worked the same way as the knitted version but produces that same clean, rope-like edge or cord. It’s used for bag handles, drawstrings, button loops, and as a polished edge finish on garments and accessories.
What are the 3 ways to do a crochet attached I-cord?
Check the post for all three methods in detail! Generally, crochet attached I-cord methods involve working into existing edge stitches of a project while creating the cord simultaneously rather than making the cord separately and sewing it on. Each method gives a slightly different result in terms of how raised and defined the cord looks, how much stretch it has, and how quickly it works up. Having three methods means you can choose the one that works best for your specific project, yarn, and desired finished look.
What’s the difference between an I-cord edge and a regular slip stitch edge?
A slip stitch edge (worked along the outside of a project) creates a flat, subtle reinforcement. An I-cord edge creates a raised, rounded tube of fabric along the edge… it’s dimensional and has real visual presence. I-cord edges look polished and finished in a way that elevates a garment from “nice handmade project” to “thoughtfully designed piece.” They’re especially beautiful on necklines, armholes, and jacket fronts where you want a clean, sturdy border that reads as intentional design detail rather than just finishing.
What projects benefit most from an I-cord edge?
Garments especially! Necklines, cardigan fronts, and armhole edges finished with I-cord look incredibly polished. Bag handles and straps made from I-cord are sturdy and comfortable to carry. Drawstring closures on bags and hats work beautifully. Blanket and shawl borders can use I-cord for a sophisticated, three-dimensional edge treatment. Anywhere you want a defined edge with a finished, intentional look… I-cord is a beautiful option that most people will notice adds something special without necessarily knowing what it is.
Is attached I-cord difficult for beginners?
It’s an intermediate technique… not because the individual stitches are complex, but because it requires good coordination between working into the base fabric AND creating the cord simultaneously. The rhythm takes some practice to establish. Starting with a shorter test piece (like the edge of a swatch or a small bag) before attempting it on a large garment edge is smart. Once the rhythm clicks, it’s quite meditative and satisfying to work. Video tutorials are really helpful for this technique because the coordination is much easier to learn visually than from written instructions alone.
Pro Tips for Your Crochet I Cord Success
Now that you’ve got the three methods down, let me share some BiCrafty Bestie wisdom to make your attached I cord even smoother…
- Match your yarn weight: Use the same yarn you’re attaching to for a seamless look. If you’re working with worsted weight, grab a worsted weight yarn for your I cord.
- Keep tension consistent: This is the secret sauce! Whether you’re using a hook and needle combo or two hooks, maintain even tension as you work. Uneven tension will show, especially on lighter yarn colors.
- Secure your starting stitch: Cast on 3-4 stitches depending on the thickness you want. A 3-stitch I cord is delicate and perfect for lace projects, while 4 stitches gives you that classic knitted I cord look.
- Practice on scrap yarn first: I always recommend testing the technique you’re most comfortable with on yarn scraps before committing to your finished project.
Pattern Ideas to Use Your New Skill
Ready to put this technique into action? The mosaic crochet techniques we use in our community projects are absolutely gorgeous when finished with an I cord edge. You can also use attached I cords as decorative edging on blankets, shawls, or even to frame colorwork projects beautifully.
