I-Cord Candy Cane Ornament: Free Crochet Pattern
Seasons greetings, everyone! I’m pretty excited to share a quick and easy Christmas pattern with you today…the I-Cord Candy Cane! I love that this pattern incorporates two of my favorite things: the i-cord technique and a bit of color work. And as an added bonus, you can work one of these cute little candy canes up in just a few minutes! Let’s get started!
Inspiration
I have been wanting to make some simple ornaments for our Christmas tree. One of the downsides to running a crochet business is that you often don’t make enough time to crochet things for yourself. But with an easy enough pattern, I could make several ornaments in one sitting.
Growing up, my mom would always hang candy canes on the Christmas tree. Over the course of the holiday season, they’d gradually disappear as we ate them all. This was something her dad did too! After I started my own family, I attempted to keep it going. But toddlers do not ration candy canes! So after a year or two, we stopped putting candy on our tree. But now, with these little I-Cord Candy Canes, I can add them back on in spirit. Y’know at least until the kids are a little older.
About the Yarn
For this project, I used acrylic worsted weight yarn. I pulled some red and white from my scrap pile, but if I remember correctly, it is Brava Worsted from WeCrochet and I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. I think another good option would be some worsted cotton yarn. Ultimately you could use any yarn you wanted, so long as you choose a hook that’s a few sizes smaller than recommended. Using a smaller hook will help keep your cord tight. And c’mon, how fun would it be to make some giant candy canes with super bulky yarn?!
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How to Crochet an I-Cord
So the first, and really only, thing you will need to know is how to crochet an i-cord. I have a full step-by-step tutorial on my blog for this right here! I’ll also add a photo tutorial below to help you out. But you can also check out this video to walk you through the steps.
Materials Needed
Two Colors of Worsted Weight Yarn
-Approx 2 yds of each color (shown in Red and White)
Size F (4.0mm) Crochet Hook
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Ornament Hook or Decorative Thread
Optional: Stiffening Agent
Stitches/Abbreviations Used
Ch – Chain
Sl St – Slip Stitch
CA – Color A
CB – Color B
Skill Level
Beginner
Gauge
Gauge is not essential to this project.
Notes
- For a tighter cord, you can use a smaller crochet hook.
- After completing a color change, gently pull the unused yarn to tighten the loops.
- Leave both colors of yarn attached as you work and carry the strands up the back of the cord.
Pattern
Row 1: Using CA, ch 3. Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook and draw up a loop. Repeat in next ch. (3 loops on hook).
Row 2: Without pulling them out, slide the 2nd and 3rd loop off of your hook. (Note: It is helpful to hold the base of those two stitches to keep them in place) With CB, sl st in first loop. Insert your hook back into 2nd loop, sl st with CB. Insert hook back into 3rd loop, sl st with CB.
Row 3: Repeat Row 2
Row 4: Without pulling them out, slide the 2nd and 3rd loop off of your hook. With CA, sl st in first loop. Insert your hook back into 2nd loop, sl st with CA. Insert hook back into 3rd loop, sl st with CA.
Row 5: Repeat Row 4
Repeat Rows 2-4 eight more times. You should have a total of 19 stripes. Yarn over with CA and pull through all 3 loops on hook. Finish off.
Finishing
- Weave ends in along the back of the i-cord.
2. Optional: You can use a stiffening spray or solution to shape your candy cane. This is not required if hanging, as the candy cane will naturally hold its shape from gravity.
3. Attach an ornament hook to the 7th stripe from one end.
4. Hang and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you have fun with the I-Cord Candy Cane Ornaments! I think you’ll love how quickly these work up. If you decide to make a few, I’d love to see them. Be sure to tag me in your photo shares at @craftingforweeks on Facebook and Instagram. You can also use the hashtag #icordcandycane. It’s always fun seeing your makes.
And if you’re looking for another way to use the crochet i-cord technique, check out my Crochet Wrap Bracelets. They’ll make great stocking stuffers!
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
Kelsie
