Cast Ons

I-Cord Cast On

About this technique

The I-cord cast on is a way of creating a nice, decorative, but simple edge at the beginning of your project. It creates a tube like the I-cord, and gives your work a professional, finished look. This technique can be incorporated into a border around a shawl, blanket, or even hat brim.

Technique Difficulty: 3 of 5

Complimentary Technique: I-Cord Bind Off

[VIDEO] How to do this technique

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Technique Instructions

  • Step 1: Cast on four stitches
  • Step 2: Knit all four stitches
  • Step 3: Slip all four stitches back to main needle
  • Step 4: Knit first stitch again leave on main needle
  • Step 5: Bring the needle around and insert through the back loop in the same stitch (make stitch tight)
  • Step 6: Knit the rest of the stitches
  • Step 7: Slip the first four stitches back to the main needle
  • Repeat: Steps 4 through 7 until you reach your desired length and cast on three more stitches
  • Finishing: Slip 4 to main needle, k2tog, k2tog, slip 2 sts back to main needle, k2tog

Example Photos

7 thoughts on “I-Cord Cast On”

  1. Martha Sparks says:

    I LOVE your videos. I am a self-taught knitter. I don’t like to pay for classes because most of the time I can figure it out by myself by reading or watching videos on the internet. My brain is just pre-wired for knitting. I’d rather spend my money on needles, patterns, books and YARN! Your videos are AWESOME. I can clearly see the stitches as they are made, they are not done too fast (or too slow–sometimes that is just as maddening), and the teacher’s voice is clear and he doesn’t ramble (which I admit I do–ugh) I love the products/companies who sponsor you and buy their products and I support them. Thanks for these awesome videos!

  2. Cheryl McLane says:

    Hi Johnny,

    I’m one of your biggest fans. I found you when I was looking for a solution to a stitch pattern for a sampler scarf. I am constantly telling my knitting friends about you. You have the most recognized pair of hands. My question to you is, “If I am already on your mailing list, do I need to send you my email information again to join your VIP Membership?” I want in!

    Thank you so much for all of your wonderful contributions to the fiber arts community.

    Cheryl McLane
    Aka MsPurdy on Ravelry

    • Johnny Vasquez says:

      Yes just enter your email. It won’t resubscribe you to the email list if you’re already on it, but it will give you access to the referral links.

  3. LeeAnna says:

    This is awesome! Thanks for the tutorial. 🙂 I’ve always wanted a prettier cast on than what I was using.

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