I-cord

dove

When Im making I-cord I find there is one stitch on the cord that is looser than the other stitches in the row.  How do you get even stitches all around?

Thanks!

gertrudeviolet

Here’s what’s probably happening: when you’re sliding your stitches back to the left needle (assuming you're doing the classic knit-then-slide method), the tension on the first stitch after the slide often gets a bit loose. It’s not you—it’s the nature of the beast. But good news: it can be tamed.

Here’s what helps me keep things even:

• Give a little tug. After knitting the first stitch of the row, give the working yarn a gentle tug before knitting the next stitch. Not a Hulk-level yank—just enough to snug it up.
• Watch your tension. Try to keep the tension consistent as you slide, not just while knitting. It’s easy to let things get floppy between rows.
• Try a smaller needle. If you're still getting a loosey-goosey stitch, try going down a needle size. I-cords don’t mind being a little snug—they’re tough like that.
• Block it. If all else fails, a little wet blocking can help even out the stitches beautifully. (I-cords are like hair—sometimes they just need a little water and patience.)
  
  

Honestly, after years of making I-cords, I still get the occasional rebel stitch. Just like with my kids—some days you correct them, and other days you just smooth it over and move on.

CraftyLouAnna

I have that problem too, but never searched for a solution.   Sometimes I think I should get a wooden thread spool and put nails on it.   I cant remember the name of  it, but it makes fabulous cords.   Oooh, its a Knitting nancy or a spool knitter!

dove

CraftyLouAnna 2015-9-21 01:53
I have that problem too, but never searched for a solution.   Sometimes I think I should get a woode ...

Think they call them French Knitters and knitting nobbies, too.  I would do that, but the hat Im making begins with I-cord then continues to have I-cord edges.  So I figure Id better just find some way to improve my technique.

LucyLocket

Have you tried knitting the last stitch tbl? it gives a more direct path back to the first stitch..........................

dove

LucyLocket 2015-9-21 21:30
Have you tried knitting the last stitch tbl? it gives a more direct path back to the first stitch... ...

Thank you, Lucy!  That did the trick along with a slight tug after each row.  Now to see if it helps when I try to work i cord borders on the body of the hat!

haylio81

Thank you LucyLocket, Ive always had this problem too but never thought of that. Great solution!

devra

Whats an I-cord?

sundrop016

its your tension.  

DehbiK

devra 2015-9-28 15:47
Whats an I-cord?

I walked into a craft fair once with my ex.  After being with me for a while I was so proud of him when he noticed someone demonstrating the making of I-cord and he said, "I-cord!"  

claratejeteje

LucyLocket 2015-9-21 13:30
Have you tried knitting the last stitch tbl? it gives a more direct path back to the first stitch... ...

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. I think its a good way to improve the result.