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How to Work an I-cord Cast On with Lifted Increases (No Gaps!)

An I-cord edge is a beautiful, tidy detail that we have used in a few of our patterns. Casting on an I-cord edge takes a little extra time, but it is so worth it! Compared to the more common kf&B technique, Julie has found that using lifted increases is just as easy and less likely to result in gaps or loose stitches.

In this tutorial, she shows you how to cast on an I-cord in two different scenarios: when adding on a horizontal section to your working knitting (as for an underarm), and when casting on from the very beginning.

How To...

1

Casting on a Corner/Edge - Right Edge

As for an underarm.

A

With the Right Side (RS) facing, place a marker 4 stitches in from the right edge. In the row before (and the current row) make sure these first four stitches are stockinette.

B

Knit the first 3 stitches.

C

K1, KLL.

D

Pass all stitches from Right Hand (RH) needle back to Left Hand (LH) needle.

E

Repeat until you have cast on your desired number of stitches. (Count sts to right of marker then subtract original 4 sts to get total sts cast on.)

2

Casting on a Corner/Edge - Left Edge

As for an underarm.

A

With the Right Side (RS) facing, knit until the last 4 stitches, place a marker. In the row before (and the current row) make sure these last four stitches are stockinette.

B

KRL.

C

Knit to the end.

D

Slip 4 stitches from Right Hand (RH) back to LH needle.

E

Repeat until you have cast on your desired number of stitches. (Count sts to left of marker, minus 4)

3

Casting on from the Beginning

As for the upper back in the Cocoknits Method, the top of a pocket, or other initial cast-on.

A

Using Long Tail Cast On, CO 4 st.

B

Slip all st to the other end of your circular needle (or pass all st from RH to LH needle).

C

Knit all 4 stiches.

D

Slip all 4 stitches back onto LH needle.

E

KRL.

F

Knit to the end.

G

Slip 4 stitches from Right Hand (RH) back to LH needle.

H

Repeat these last three steps until you have cast on your desired number of stitches.

4

In Case of Loose Stitches...

If you find that the stitches just under or inside your I-cord edge are a little loose:

  1. Flip your work to the Wrong Side (WS)
  2. Identify the innermost knit column running perpendicular to the reverse stockinette.
  3. Insert a needle into the innermost V-arm the knit stitches in this column and gently tug to tighten.
  4. Repeat for any loose stitches.

Patterns with I-cord Cast-ons

1

Mercedes

Mercedes uses an I-cord cast-on at the underarm to create a corner turn without disturbing the beautiful I-cord edge.

Mercedes pattern page

2

Zoe

Zoe has all-over I-cord edges, starting with an I-cord cast on at the upper back.

Zoe pattern page

3

Sarah

I-cord cast-on is used for the top edge of Sarah's pockets.

Sarah pattern page

4

Cleo

Cleo starts with an I-cord cast-on at the upper back, which continues around the V-neck and armhole.

Cleo pattern page

5

Milli Kerchief

Our honorable mention, the Milli Kerchief uses a different technique specific for casting on an I-cord edge at a point, as for a shawl: Invisible I-cord Cast On

Milli Kerchief pattern page

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