I-Cord Bind Off
The I-cord bind off finishes the edge with a tube of three or four stitches, producing a clean rounded border that frames blankets, shawls, and the necklines of pullovers.
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Setup
Cast on three additional stitches at the start of the bind-off row using the cable cast on. These are your I-cord stitches and stay live throughout.
Method
Knit two of the I-cord stitches. Knit the third I-cord stitch together with the next stitch from the body using ssk. Slip the three I-cord stitches back to the left needle. Repeat across the row.
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What it looks like
A smooth, rope-like tube that lies along the bound-off edge. The tube hides the cast-off chain entirely and creates a strong, visible border. Pairs especially well with garter stitch.
Variations
Increase the I-cord width to four stitches for a chunkier border, or work a contrasting-colour I-cord for a piped edge. Combine with an applied I-cord around the perimeter of a blanket for matched borders on all sides.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BO | bind off |
| ssk | slip slip knit |
| k | knit |
Tips
- Use ssk (not k2tog) for the join — it leans the join in towards the body and looks tidier.
- For a coloured I-cord border, change to the contrast colour two rows before the bind off and continue through.
- Work the bind off slightly loosely — the I-cord can pull in if too tight.
In depth
The I-cord bind off effectively works an I-cord along the top edge while consuming one body stitch per round. The result is a continuous tube that hides the bind-off chain and creates a structural border that resists stretching and curling.