Working an integrated I-Cord creates a beautiful finished edge to your work. As an added bonus it's worked at the same time as you knit your piece so it speeds up your finishing. It should primarily be used with Garter Stitch as it is worked only every second row which means that it would draw the edge of stockinette stitch in too much.
When working garter stitch with an I-Cord edging it gives you the option of hiding yarn colour changes inside the I-Cord. This allows you to alternate yarns and still keep a very clean edge to your work. You can use use this in several different situations; if you want to alternate skeins of hand-dyed yarns or when you are creating a blending for a gradient such as in Santa Rosa Plum.
I frequently use I-Cord edging to add buttonholes to my work. I think it's a technique that is much easier to understand visually so here's a video of it at work!
Why not try this technique in one of the following patterns:
Watch this video to see two different methods of working I-cords using either double pointed needles or straight needles.
I-Cords are very useful for ties, buttonholes and edging.
why not give this technique a try in one of the following patterns:
