How to Crochet an I-cord: Crochet Stitch Tutorial
You guys are going to love today’s stitch tutorial. I’m going to be showing you all how to crochet an i-cord! This stretchy, sturdy cord might just be your new go-to crochet accent. It’s super easy and super fun, so let’s get to crocheting!
What is an I-Cord?
Traditionally, an i-cord is a very short piece of knitting, usually 3-4 knit stitches, that is stretched into a tube-like cord. It is often used for cords, ties, handles, or as edging in knit pieces. This technique can also be accomplished with a crochet hook using a short series of chains and pulling up a loops.
About the Crochet I-Cord
The crochet i-cord is a really simple technique, but it might take a little practice to get proficient. To complete this technique, you really only need to know how to chain and pull up a loop. There’s just a few easy steps, and what you’ll end up with is a tube-shaped cord. It’s got great stretch and it’s exceptionally sturdy. One thing I recommend for crocheting an i-cord is to go down a hook size or two. By doing this, you will end up pulling up smaller loops and will have a slightly more dense finished cord.
The crochet i-cord is perfect for bag straps, drawstrings, jewelry, or even to hang wall-hangings from. I used this technique in my new Crochet Wrap Bracelet. I also used it as the drawstring cord for my Ocean’s Breath Yoga Bag and as finished edge and handle for my Ocean’s Breath Market Bag.
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial
- To begin, chain 3.
- In the second chain from your hook, pull up a loop. You should now have 2 loops on your hook.
- In the third chain from your hook, pull up another loop. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
- 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.)
- Yarn over and pull up a loop through the loop on your hook.
- Then, insert your hook back into 2nd loop. Yarn over and pull up a loop in the second loop.
- Then, insert your hook back into 3rd loop. Yarn over and pull up a loop in the third loop.
Repeat Steps 4-7 until your i-cord is as long as you need it. Be sure to periodically stretch it before checking your length. When you have crocheted a long enough i-cord, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook, then chain 1 and fasten off.
Video Tutorial
Troubleshooting
The crochet i-cord can be a bit tricky when you first get started because you’re removing loops from your hook. The process of taking them off a hook can not only be a little bit awkward, but it can also cause tension issues or even make the loops come undone. Doing this smoothly might take some practice, but I’ve got two tips to help you get the hang of this.
Pinch the Base
My first tip for helping you get the hang of the crochet i-cord is to hold the base of the stitches while you’re removing your hook and working your first yarn over. The last loop you pull up in a row is connected first loop of next row. With that last loop off of your hook, it can come out easy if you’re not careful. Pinching the base of your stitch will help hold it in place while you’re working the next loop.
use a placeholder
If pinching the base of the stitch is still too fiddly, you can simply use another tool to help you keep those loops from pulling out. When you slide the stitches off of your hook, try placing them on another hook or using a stitch marker to hold them in place while you pull up a loop. The downside to this technique is that is will slow you down a bit. However, practicing with a helper tool should help you work towards doing it without an aid.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed learning this technique today. I bet you’ll be adding a crochet i-cord to all your projects now. To follow along with more of my crochet fun, check out my Instagram page @craftingforweeks. And I’d love to see what you use your i-cords for, so be sure to tag me in all your fabulous projects!
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
