I-cord is a circular tube of stockinette stitch, usually comprised of 4 stitches. It is the same result as when usinga knitting Nancy or knitting spool, but it uses two double-pointed needles. Learn how to make this simple and useful strand and its applications. More importantly, see how easy it is to trim knitting with it as a fun and functional trim or border. Try some of the manipulations like using it to bind off pieces or even to seam pieces together. Look at a few other uses for this versatile bit of knitting. I-cord stands for “Idiot Cord,” but Elizabeth Zimmermann said it really should be “Ingenious Cord.”

Cast on 3 or 4 sts on one double pointed needle or dpn.  * With another dpn, k across.  DO NOT TURN WORK, always have RS or k side facing you.  Slide all sts to right-hand end of dpn.  String strand of yarn across back of work and rep from * until cord measures about 4", bind off.  Tug on cord slightly lengthwise.  This cord is similar to that made by "knitting knobbies" and looks like small, circular tube.
 

Smooth, light-colored worsted-weight yarn that is not splitty and appropriate double-pointed needles, a swatch of similar yarn but different color worked up as a 4” x 4” swatch in stockinette st and bound off, a swatch of similar yarn but different color worked up as a 4” x 4” swatch in stockinette st and NOT bound off, circular needle same size as the double-points.