How to crochet an I-Cord

An I-Cord is a crochet or knit tube that is made up of a few stitches worked in a continuous round.

Crocheting a thick I-Cord is very easy and can be used for a variety of purposes. It is also possible to vary the number of stitches to adjust the thickness of the cord.

This tutorial contains a photo tutorial for crocheting a 3 stitch I-Cord.

This tutorial also includes a video tutorial (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page) for crocheting a 3 stitch and a 4 stitch I-Cord.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.

What is a crochet I-Cord used for

I-Cords have multiple uses, they can be used to make:

• Drawstring cords for bags like the one in the picture below
• Closures for hoodies
• Closures for handbags
• Ties on hats
• Jewelry such as a bracelet, an anklet or a necklaces
• Edging for crochet projects

Yarn and Hooks

In this tutorial I’ve used the Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn with the Clover Amour Hook in size 6 mm to crochet my I-Cord.

I have also used a Clover Amour Hook in size 2.25 mm to use as a stitch holder in the second version of this tutorial.

Pattern

Scroll down for the free tutorial for making a 3-stitch and a 4-stitch I-Cord.

I would love to see your projects on Instagram! Tag your posts with:
@knitterknotter #knitterknotter #madewithknitterknotter

Click on the links below to purchase the ad-free printable PDF version of this tutorial.

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How to make a crochet I-Cord – Photo Tutorial

This photo tutorial will walk you through how to make a crochet I-Cord with 3 stitches. There are 2 versions that are explained here and I prefer the 2nd one where we use another hook (or a stitch holder) to move the stitches over instead of just removing them from the working hook.

Step 1: Start with a chain 3.

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Step 2: Insert hook into the 2nd chain from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on the hook]

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Step 3: Insert hook into the 3rd chain from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on the hook]

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Step 4: Remove 2 loops from the hook. [1 loop on the hook]

Version 1 of Step 5: Pick up every loop removed from the hook in reverse order and pull up a loop in each one of them. I recommend holding all removed loops with your hands until they are picked up again so that you don’t lose them.

Scroll down for a second version of Step 5 that utilizes another hook to make an I-Cord. I recommend using another hook  to hold the stitches since I find that it is much easier to make and I-Cord that way.

Step 5.1: Yarn over and pull up a loop. [1 loop on the hook]

Step 5.2: Pick up the 2nd loop that was removed from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on the hook]

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Step 5.3: Pick up the 1st loop that was removed from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on the hook]

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Version 2 of Step 5: This step demonstrates how another tool like a crochet hook (or stitch holder) can be used to make an I-Cord. This is exactly the same as the earlier version of Step 5 mentioned above except that the loops that are removed from the hook are held on another hook (or stitch holder) so we don’t lose them while making the I-Cord. I find that it is much easier for me to make an I-Cord this way.

Step 5.1: Pick up the two removed loops with another hook.

Step 5.2: Yarn over and pull up a loop. [1 loop on the hook]

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Step 5.3: Pick up the 2nd loop that was removed from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on the hook]

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Step 5.4: Pick up the 1st loop that was removed from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on the hook]

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Step 6 onwards: Repeat Step 5.

Last Step: To end the I-Cord, yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

It is possible to make a 2 stitch I-Cord

Yes, it is possible to make a 2 stitch I-Cord. It is made in the same way as this tutorial explains, the only difference will be that the starting chain will have 2 chain stitches instead of 3.

How to make a 4 stitch I-Cord

The construction of a 4 stitch I-Cord is very similar to the 3 stitch I-Cord explained above. The only difference is that we start with a 4 chain instead of a 3 chain. The video tutorial includes instructions for making a 4 stitch I-Cord.

Video Tutorial (3 stitch and 4 stitch I-Cord)

Right Handed Video Tutorial

Left Handed Video Tutorial

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